You can only apply to prisons or immigration centres that are recruiting new members, see vacancies.
If there is no vacancy near you
You can register your interest. We’ll let you know when the prisons and immigration centres near you are recruiting.
Make sure you:
- are local to the prison or detention centre
- are a good match for what we’re looking for
- are aged between XX and XX
- understand the time commitments involved
For more detailed information, read this guide to applying to the IMB.
Conflicts of interest
You will be asked about conflicts of interest as part of your application. That’s because it’s important that you are able to observe and monitor conditions in an objective and impartial way.
You should declare all possible conflicts of interest, as it doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t become a board member.
Conflicts of interest include supplying a service to the prison or immigration removal centre, or having a close friend or relative in prison.
Criminal record
You must disclose all cautions and convictions as part of your application. Having a criminal record does not necessarily mean you cannot work for the IMB. However, failure to disclose a criminal record means your application will be rejected.
Previous IMB members
If you have previously been appointed as an IMB member, there must be a 3 year gap before you can apply again.
If you have read the guide to applying and identified a vacancy near you, you are ready to apply online.
You will be able to save your application and return to complete it if you need to.
All sections will have to be completed before the submission button can be activated.
After you have submitted your application, you will be invited for a tour of the prison or immigration removal centre. This is an opportunity to get a better understanding of the environment and what being an IMB member involves.
You will be able to ask questions and start preparing for your interview.
You may need to bring:
- photo ID
- other identity documents (you will receive more information before the visit)
You may be searched when you arrive, and you won’t be able to bring mobile phones into the establishment.
The purpose of the interview is to establish whether volunteering with the IMB is a good fit for your skills and experience.
You will be asked about the role of the IMB and your motivation for becoming an IMB member., as well as how you would manage the time commitment involved. You will also have the opportunity to ask any questions.
Do remember:
- you are not expected to be an expert on prisons or immigration detention, however it will help if you have familiarised yourself with some basic information about the establishment and the role of the IMB
- applicants to the IMB come from all walks of life and as long as you can show it applies to the IMB role, you can use examples from previous work and education, as well as general life experience, to answer questions about your skills and experience
- to ask the interview panel if anything is not clear – it is better to ask a question and be sure than not to do so and regret this afterwards
- to ask any questions you about the work of the Board or about the recruitment and selection process
We will contact you after the interview to let you know about the outcome of your application.
If there are more successful applicants than there are vacancies, then we may keep your details on a reserve list for any future vacancies.