volunteer Opportunities

Press Release from the Independent Monitoring Board - HMP Dartmoor
For release on January 19th 

Challenging and Rewarding  Voluntary Work

The Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) at Dartmoor Prison is hoping to recruit new members from all walks of life in the local area.  Applications from younger people and those from black and ethnic minority communities are particularly needed as these are under represented on the current Board.  Although unpaid this is a privileged and responsible position which can be extremely rewarding for the right person.

A spokesperson for Dartmoor IMB said  “We need to find successful applicants who are good listeners, enthusiastic  and  non-judgmental. They will need to be good communicators verbally and on paper, computer literate (or willing to learn) able to work in a team and to relate to prisoners, prison officers and  civilian staff.  They will need to be able to come to the prison for an average six half days a month”.

Independent Monitoring Board members are appointed by the Ministry of Justice to monitor
the day to day life in the prison to ensure that prisoners are treated with fairness and justice. 
They have access to the prison and can talk to any prisoner, out of sight and hearing of  members of staff if necessary.  A typical monitoring visit might include the wings, kitchens, workshops, class-rooms and  healthcare centre.

Board members also see prisoners who have asked for help from the IMB in resolving specific  
problems.  If there is a serious incident at the prison, members attend to monitor the way the
incident is managed.

The IMB for Dartmoor prison meets monthly to share information, monitor trends and raise issues. The Governor attends part of the meeting to answer questions.  The Board also writes an annual report for the Minister of Justice.

No previous knowledge of  the criminal justice system is needed as training is provided.

Reasonable expenses are provided.    

If you are interested in finding out more please email your contact details to
martin.fox03@hmps.gsi.gov.uk