One team.

We often point out that the Navigate Initiative is a partnership with the Department of Corrections. Not a contract, or an understanding, a partnership. But what does that word ‘partnership’ mean in the context of a prison reintegration programme?

Well, for nearly seven years, our partnership has been guided by a ‘One Team’ approach to everything we do in the NI. In other words, we operate as one team, acting in unity. Residential Manager at Christchurch Men's Prison, Chris McCardle, has seen this approach develop firsthand. "It's certainly unique in terms of what I've come across before," Chris reflects. "But seeing what’s provided by the Pathway team, it's different, and it’s fantastic because if there's anything we can do for the betterment of the men we're looking after, it has to be a good thing."

"The one team approach, it's not custody taking the lead in any particular area, nor the Navigate team taking a lead in particular," Chris explains. "It's coming together. It's having those conversations. It's understanding that we both provide different things, and it's working on how we, as a collective, best provide those."

To achieve this, we attend regular training days where custodial staff and Pathway navigators come together to discuss what's working and what needs improving. Nothing is off the table. Ideas come from everyone. "People are confident to say, 'I'm thinking about this, what do you guys think?'" Chris notes. "And if we can maintain that, that’s a great thing."

The reason one team matters most is outcomes. "The rubber hits the road really when these men are released into the community," Chris explains. "In prison, management's pretty much done for them by us. But when they're out in the community, that's when they really need that support." 

"With the Navigate team and Pathway doing what they're doing in terms of supporting these men when they come out that's vital," Chris emphasises. "I can't overstate the importance that it does play."

The third, extremely key element of the NI partnership is our community of supporters. Our network of donors, volunteers, mentors and supporters enable everything we’re able to achieve with the NI, and this is not lost on Chris. "It's what you all do to coordinate and ensure there is support for these men. It's amazing, to be fair. Thanks for the great work that you do. It's hugely important, and it does make a difference."

Ultimately, the one team approach is rooted in genuine respect for what each side brings. Corrections bring structure and safety. Pathway brings connection, support and the tools for lasting change. Together, we’re creating outcomes neither could achieve alone. That’s what we mean by partnership.

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