Independent Monitoring Boards
at Independent Monitoring Boards
Role Description
Looking for a New Challenge in 2026? Become an Independent Monitor
Do you care about what goes on behind locked doors?
Do you believe everyone should be treated fairly and humanely, no matter who they are or what they’ve done?
If so, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.
The Independent Monitoring Boards (IMB) are recruiting volunteers across the UK. IMB members are ordinary people doing an extraordinary role: monitoring the treatment and conditions of people in custody and ensuring standards of fairness and decency.
As an IMB volunteer, you’ll have unique access to prisons and immigration detention centres, speaking to those in custody and staff, observing daily life, and reporting on what you find. It’s a role that offers insight into a world few people see – and the chance to make a real difference.
What’s involved?
Around 2–3 visits per month
Talking to people in custody and staff
Monitoring conditions and treatment
Working as part of a supportive team
What we’re looking for:
Integrity, honesty, and objectivity
Good communication skills
A commitment to fairness, equality, and inclusion
People who want to use their time to help others
You don’t need previous experience – full training and mentoring are provided. We welcome volunteers from all walks of life and are keen to increase diversity, including younger people and those from minority communities. You just need to be over 18 and live within 30 miles of the prison or detention centre you’ll monitor.
Although this is an unpaid role, we cover travel and subsistence expenses, childcare/carer costs, and, in some cases, contributions towards loss of earnings.
Recruitment is open now until 18 February.
Start the year by doing something meaningful. Find out more and apply at:
https://imb.org.uk/prison-volunteer/prison-volunteer-uk/
Type of Activity: Ongoing, Suitable for individuals to apply, In person volunteering, Virtual volunteering
Suitability: Suitable for 18 year olds and over
Time commitment
1-3 visits per month
HMP Forrest Bank
HMP Manchester
HMP Risley
HMP Styal
HMP Hindley
HMP Thorn Cross
HMP Wymott
HMP Garth
Benefit to the volunteer
Make a Real Difference – Help ensure people in custody are treated fairly and humanely.
Unique Insight – Gain access to a world few people ever see and learn about the justice system from the inside.
Learn New Skills – Develop communication, observation, and decision-making skills through training and hands-on experience.
Work as Part of a Team – Join a supportive group of volunteers who share your commitment to fairness and justice.
Flexible Commitment – Around 2–3 visits per month, arranged to fit around your schedule.
Full Training and Support – Comprehensive induction, mentoring, and ongoing development provided.
Expenses Covered – Travel, subsistence, and childcare/carer costs reimbursed, plus loss of earnings in some cases.
Personal Fulfilment – Contribute to something meaningful and give back to your community.
You will receive
Induction and training, Regular support supervision, Volunteer Handbook, Travel expenses, Food expenses, Volunteer policy
Inclusion Statement: We welcome volunteers from all walks of life and are keen to increase diversity, including younger people and those from minority communities. You just need to be over 18 and live within 30 miles of the prison or detention centre you’ll monitor.
Additional Desirable skills: Report writing, communication, people skills, people management
Express an interest in this role
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