The newly nominated Quaker prison chaplain then needs to contact the managing chaplain in the particular institution for their appointment actually to happen. This process may take some weeks or months. Potential prison chaplains should be aware that there will be investigations into their criminal record and level of security risk.

The Quaker prison chaplain must be able to accept the restrictions that working in a prison requires. There is no age limit, provided the Friend is mentally and physically able to do the work, which may be physically demanding.