ABSTRACT
Relationship building is analysed here using the ANT process of translation (see Chapter 3). This process begins with problematisations, in which project sponsors seek to define a set of problems that are of concern to various other actors
(Sage et al., 2011; Callon, 1986). The research found two principal forms of problematisation: (i) statutory criminal justice agencies approaching voluntary organisations, and (ii) voluntary organisations approaching statutory criminal justice agencies, defining a problem of criminal justice and their proposed solution. The first set of relationships are broadly in line with the existing literature emphasising how statutory organisations drive charitable action, but the second set are notably different from current understandings of the sector, and show that voluntary organisations could instigate and implement programmes of work with prisoners and probationers.
