Dartmoor Prison is looking for volunteers to join its independent monitoring board, which takes on the role of monitoring the fair and humane treatment of prisoners on behalf of the community.

If you live within 30 miles of the prison, are enthusiastic and open minded, have good people skills and sound judgement and have a commitment to independence and inclusion (all irrespective of your background), these are attributes sought in a potential candidate for this volunteer role.

It is expected that volunteers give two to three days a month but this can be flexible depending on an individual’s circumstances. Members are required to attend at least nine of the twelve monthly board meetings. Special qualifications and previous experience are not required; mentoring, training and support are all provided. Despite being an unpaid role, expenses such as travel, childcare and loss of earnings are covered. Applicants undergo a security check before appointment.

Every prison has an Independent Monitoring Board made up of volunteers from the community who are appointed to independently check on conditions in custody.

HMP Dartmoor is a Category C adult male training prison with around 650 male inmates. Board members regularly visit the prison to carry out a range of duties to ensure that people in custody are treated fairly and humanely. Members have unrestricted access to the prison at any time and can talk to any prisoner they wish to, out of sight and hearing of a members of staff if necessary.

Board members also play an important role in dealing with problems encountered by people in custody such as concerns over lost property, visits from family or friends, special religious or cultural requirements, or serious allegations such as bullying.

Importantly, the Board’s monitoring at this training prison includes looking at the range of educational and vocational programmes.

If you are interested, you can call or text 07732647264 quoting Campaign reference ‘1232/Dartmoor/2022’ for an informal chat with a current Board member or find out more on www.imb.org.uk.

The closing date for applications is Sunday, May 22.