Independent Monitoring Boards
Previously known as ‘Boards of Visitors’, Independent Monitoring Boards monitor the day-to-day life in a particular prison or immigration removal centre. Members visit the establishment on a regular basis, often unannounced, and talk to the prisoners or detainees and staff. They monitor the state of the establishment, hear the complaints and requests of prisoners and detainees, and report concerns if necessary. Any member of the public can apply to become a member of an Independent Monitoring Board and are entitled to reasonable time off from work under the Employment Rights Act. Board members join for a variety of reasons, as illustrated by their comments below:
‘I joined because my job (in a job centre) brought me into contact with a lot of former prisoners and I wanted to know more about their life experience.’
‘I wanted to do something for the local community and was specifically interested in an opportunity to ensure that immigration detainees were being treated fairly.’
‘Being a magistrate I do have to send offenders to prison from time to time. I was therefore very interested in finding out how prisoners are treated after sentencing and I thought the best way would be to join an Independent Monitoring Board.’
‘One of the most heartening experiences was when a woman in her fifties came to us who could not read or write, but during her time in the prison attained her NVQ in catering, the first qualification she had ever received; how she grew in stature. That’s one of the reasons I enjoy Board work, being there at times like that.’
For details of how to apply to join a Board, contact:
Independent Monitoring Boards Secretariat
2nd Floor,
Ashley House
2 Monck Street
London SW1P 2BQ
Telephone: 0870 267 8149
Fax: 020 7035 2250
Norman McLean
Head of Secretariat
Tel: 020 7035 2254
Email:norman.mclean@justice.gsi.gov.uk
Web:http://www.imb.gov.uk/
