Independent Monitoring Board volunteer- HMP Holme House

Independent Monitoring Boards are made up of over a thousand unpaid volunteers operating in every prison in England and Wales, and every immigration detention facility across the UK.

IMB members are the eyes and ears of the public, appointed by ministers to perform a vital task: independent monitoring of prisons and immigration detention. They report on whether the individuals held there are being treated fairly and humanely and whether prisoners are being given the support they need to turn their lives around. This can make a huge difference to the lives of those held within these facilities.

The IMB helps to ensure that proper standards of care and decency are maintained.

We encourage applications from people from minority ethnic communities, young people, those of working age, and people with disabilities, as these groups are under-represented on our existing Boards.

This is an unpaid, voluntary role, but we pay your travel expenses and in certain circumstances, some loss of earnings and childcare/carer costs.

Once members have received their security clearance, they have unrestricted access to the prison and can talk to any prisoner they wish to, out of sight and hearing of members of staff if necessary, in order to monitor day-to-day activity across the establishment. This provides an opportunity to report on whether individuals are being treated fairly and humanely and whether they are being given the support they need to turn their lives around.

We are looking for people who share our values and commitment and are keen to give back to their community.

You will need to:

be a good listener; always act with integrity; be committed to equality, diversity and inclusion; be able to analyse observed events and behaviour, make decisions and apply common sense. You will also need to work within a team, be a good communicator and have basic computer skills.

Above all we are looking for people with a non-judgemental and open-minded approach.

If this sounds like you then we would love to meet you. After an initial training period, you will be expected to commit to an average of 3-4 visits a month, which includes attendance at a monthly Board meeting.

Although this is anunpaid role, we pay travel and subsistence expenses, childcare/carer costs and, in certain circumstances, contributions towards loss of earnings.

If you are interested, then book onto our next virtual open evening to find out more about the role and hear from some of our existing volunteers. Alternatively, please visit  and apply now.

Applicants do not need any special qualifications or experience as we will provide all necessary training and support. Candidates need to be over 18 years of age and live within a reasonable distance of the prison (up to one hour travel time). You need to be enthusiastic, open minded, possess effective communication skills and have the ability to exercise sound, objective judgement.

Applicants must be aged 18 and over.

The time commitment is approximately 3 visits per month, although this will be higher in the first year as members go through induction into the role.

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