The Quaker prison chaplain undertakes to bear the area meeting’s responsibility for ministering to the spiritual needs of prisoners who are registered as Quakers. Quaker prison chaplains are responsible for the pastoral and spiritual care of the Quaker prisoners in their establishment(s); they should, therefore, be experienced Friends and in good standing. Prison chaplains have their needs too, and it is very important that the area meeting should support the Friends doing this demanding work on their behalf. The Quaker prison chaplain and area meeting will probably want to decide between themselves how support can best be given (12.27) and whether or not it should come from a formally appointed group.

Area meetings will find it helpful to encourage Quaker prison chaplains to report on their work once a year.