A rare opportunity to gain insight into life behind bars is being offered to residents within 30 miles of HMP Isle of Wight, as the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) seeks new volunteer members.
The IMB is looking for individuals from the local community to join the board at HMP Isle of Wight – a voluntary role which involves monitoring whether prisoners are treated fairly and humanely, and whether they are being given the support needed to rehabilitate.
Members are unpaid public appointees, appointed by ministers, and are granted unrestricted access to the prison to observe day-to-day life and speak confidentially with any prisoner if necessary.
Vicky, a current member of the HMP Isle of Wight IMB, said:
“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.
“You see the criminal justice system from the inside and work as part of a dedicated IMB team.”
Applicants must be over 18, live within 30 miles of HMP Isle of Wight, and be computer literate. The IMB is looking for individuals who are good listeners, act with integrity, can work well in a team, and are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.
Volunteers receive a full 12-month induction with training and mentoring. While the role is unpaid, travel, subsistence, childcare or carer costs, and some loss-of-earnings contributions can be covered.
Those interested can find out more or register for an online information event via www.imb.org.uk. National recruitment opens on 7th January 2026.
i expect the monitoring board to ensure that every prisoner is suffering suitably and that the prisoners are unhappy and fearful at all times.
exactly ..prison is a punishment, not a holiday break.
Loss of liberty is the punishment… human rights are not subject to loss because they are not a privilege, they are inalienable and therefore must be upheld or HMP becomes the one acting against the laws.
nope – they need to suffer – being locked in a room is what parents do to children when they are grounded. Those prisoners failed to respect the human rights of their victims and as such, they deserve none in return