Behind the prison walls
Are you looking for a voluntary role that gives insight into a world that few people see? If so,the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) at HMP IOW is looking for members of the local community to join them now.
IMB members are unpaid public appointees, appointed b y ministers to report on whether those detained in prison are being treated fairly and humanely and whether they are being given the support they need to turn their lives around.
A s Vicky from HMP IOW IMB, says: “It could be the most rewarding thing you have ever
done. You can make a real difference to prison life, not just by responding to an individual prisoner’s request or complaint, but also by raising concerns about everything from crumbling buildings to people being segregated for too long.”
Vicky adds: “You see the criminal justice system from the inside and work as part of a dedicated IMB team. We have unrestricted access t o the prison and can talk to any prisoner we wish to, out of sight and hearing of members of staff if necessary, to monitor day-to-day activity across the establishment.”
W e are looking for people who share our values and commitment and are keen to give back to their community. You will need to: b e 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 well within a team, be a good communicator and be computer literate.
We welcome people from all walks of life – prisoners come from all backgrounds and so
should our members – you just need to be over 1 8 and live within 30 miles HMP IOW.
All necessary training and support will be provided during your 1 2 month induction and mentoring period.
Although this is an unpaid role, we pay travel and subsistence expenses, childcare/carer costs
and, in certain circumstances, contributions towards loss of earnings.
Interested?
Visit www.imb.org.uk to book onto a virtual recruitment event, or to apply now.
Our national recruiting event opens on 7th January 2026 and closes 18 February 2026