Organisation Name:
Independent Monitoring Board
Organisation's Cause(s):
Crime / Victims / Offenders
Equality / Human & Civil Rights
Location of voluntary activity:
We are looking for volunteers to monitor at
-HMP Askham Grange
-HMP Full Sutton
-HMP Millsike
Please note that HMP Full Sutton and HMP Millsike have restricted public transport, and therefore own transport is necessary
When are volunteers needed: The time commitment is approximately 2 to 3 visits per month plus attendance at the month Board meeting, although this may be higher in the first year as members go through induction into the role.
Type of Voluntary Activity:
Advice / Information / Support
Role description:
Looking for a New Challenge? 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 at HMP Askham Grange, HMP Millsike and HMP Full Sutton. 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 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:
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 reasonable travel distance 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.
To find out more or apply for the role please visit www.imb.org.uk
Skills and behaviours needed for the role:
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.
Will there be a DBS check? Yes
Driving Licence required? No
Volunteer's own vehicle required? No
Suitable for:
Ongoing Volunteering
What will the volunteer gain/benefit from:
IMB volunteers gain many transferable skills through volunteering in prison or immigration detention facilities. This will include working as a team, decision making and dealing with people from many different backgrounds. In addition to develop communication and analytical skills.
How to get involved:
To find out more about becoming an IMB member, please visit www.imb.org.uk. You can either apply during one of our live recruitment campaigns or register your interest to receive updates on future opportunities.
Web link: Click here
Closing date: 01-01-2027