Our eyes on the inside, a voice on the outside
National recruitment campaign now closed
Thank you to everyone who applied for a role monitoring across the prison or immigration detention estate on an Independent Monitoring Board. The application period has now closed, and we will begin screening your applications shortly. If you applied, expect to hear from us within the next week with further details about the next steps and timeline.
If you didn’t apply this time but are interested in future opportunities, keep an eye out for our next recruitment campaign in early 2025. We appreciate your continued interest in this hugely rewarding role.
Monitoring fair and humane treatment
Independent Monitoring Boards are made up of over a thousand unpaid volunteers operating in every prison in England and Wales, and every immigration detention facility across the UK.
IMB members are the eyes and ears of the public, appointed by ministers to perform a vital task: independent monitoring of prisons and immigration detention. 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. This can make a huge difference to the lives of those held within these facilities.
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Virtual information event
Hear from current volunteers at our next virtual event – 29 January 2025, 5-6:00pm (prisons).
Our virtual open evenings are a great opportunity to hear directly from IMB members.
You will have the chance to hear members talk about their experiences, ask questions and learn more about what the role consists of from those who are currently volunteering.
Book your place:
Volunteer to make a difference
Interested in volunteering?
Our volunteers do an incredible job and you could too.
Find out more about volunteering
Gain valuable skills and experience
Whether you’re studying, in employment, retired or thinking about returning to work, develop transferable skills in a unique environment.
How volunteering benefits you
Current vacancies
Look at our vacancies for opportunities at prisons or places of immigration detention near you.
See current vacancies
Who are we and what do we do?
- We are general members of the public
- We are independent public appointees
- We make 2 to 3 visits a month on average
- We monitor the day-to-day life and treatment of prisoners and detained people
- We have unrestricted access to the facilities we monitor
- We can talk to prisoners or detained people out of sight and hearing of staff
Have you heard of Lay Observers?
Did you know the IMB has a partner organisation called Lay Observes? Lay Observers play an important role in the justice system by monitoring the welfare and access to justice of people being brought to court and held in court custody.
You can find out more here: