Are you looking for a career change but lack the relevant work experience? Or are you searching for ways to meet new people and fill your time? Maybe you’re looking for ways to increase your confidence after having taken a break from the working world? Or maybe you’re a student or young person looking to develop your skillset and gain experience?
If any of the above apply to you, and you’re also looking for a voluntary role which provides insight into a world that few people see, then you could join a team of ordinary people doing an extraordinary role: independent monitors in prisons and immigration detention. All members are unpaid public appointees, appointed by Ministers.
The Independent Monitoring Boards at HMP and YOI Hatfield are looking for members of the local community to join them. 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.
The time requirement would be two or three visits per month, together with attendance at a Board meeting for one half day each month. No previous experience of the criminal justice sector is required, rather a commitment to working as part of a team to monitor the conditions in the prison. Ongoing availability and commitment to the role is essential, together with living within 30 miles of the prison.
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, to monitor day-to-day activity across the establishment.
Although this is an unpaid role, travel and subsistence expenses, childcare / carer costs and, in certain circumstances, contributions towards loss of earnings are paid.
If you are interested in being eyes on the inside and a voice on the outside, visit www.imb.org.uk to book onto a virtual recruitment event, or to apply.