Few people realise that inside every prison in the country there is an Independent Monitoring Board (IMB), a group of ordinary members of the public doing an extraordinary job.
They monitor the day-to-day life in their local prison and ensure that proper standards of care and decency are maintained.
Becoming a member of an Independent Monitoring Board offers a unique opportunity to develop and apply individual skills to monitor the needs of prisoners and the concerns of staff.
Quite simply, IMB members are the eyes and ears of the Minister of Justice at each prison, reporting annually on their findings and work.
Board members are required to check that the prison premises are kept in order, that the administration is carried out correctly and, most importantly, that the prisoners are treated humanely and with dignity.
Members of the IMB have access to the prison at any time and can visit any part of the establishment They also take part in monthly board meetings with the Governor or his representative and discuss any concerns that may have arisen during those visits, and indeed any other time they are in prison. Each establishment brings its own unique challenges depending on its size, type of prisoner population and rehabilitation programmes offered. Currently, the IMB for local prison HMP Bullingdon, near Bicester, is seeking to recruit new members to give the equivalent of at least two to two-and-a-half days each month. The establishment is an adult male prison, that holds a maximum of 1,114 prisoners.
Volunteers will be required to attend local and national training to prepare them to carry out the role. Boards benefit from having members with a range of skills and backgrounds, so applications from men and women from diverse backgrounds, communities and professions are encouraged. The final decision on appointment will be made by the Minister of Justice.
If you are interested in applying please contact: Pamela Fletcher, Chairman IMB Bullingdon, by calling 01865 865563, email: pamelafletcher@tesco.net or log on to www.imb.gov.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article