THE INDEPENDENT Monitoring Board at Dartmoor Prison has explained its role following the publication of its annual report and subsequent newspaper coverage.

Issues such as frequent changes in governor over the last three years which had led to a lack of clear purpose and vision for the prison's future and a rise in violent incidents had been highlighted by the IMB report. But there was also improvements including the long awaited re-opening of one of the wings after repairs, which would accommodate more than 100 prisoners, and a new regime to reduce some of the time prisoners spent locked in their cells.

Chair of the board Margaret Blake said as in all UK prisons, the IMB at HMP Dartmoor consisted of a team of volunteers from all walks of life.

'We monitor all aspects of the treatment of those in custody,' she said. 'We visit and check all areas of the prison and observe meetings and read prison documents. We meet individual prisoners by arrangement and follow-up their concerns and visit prisoners held separately and attend their reviews.'

Mrs Blake said board members also played an important role in dealing with problems inside the establishment.

'If a prisoner has an issue that he has been unable to resolve through the usual internal channels, he can put in a confidential request to see a member of the IMB,' she said. 'Problems might include concerns over lost property, visits from family or friends, special religious or cultural requirements or even serious allegations such as bullying.'

She said if something serious happened, for example a riot or a death in custody, representatives of the board might be called in to attend and observe the way in which the situation is handled.'

'This not only aims to ensure fairplay and humane treatment for prisoners but this vital independent witnessing of such events also helps to protect staff from unfair or spurious allegations,' she added.

Issues of concerns that are identified by the IMB are raised with the governor, who attends its monthly meetings, and these can be taken to a higher authority if need be such as the Prisons' Minister or the prison ombudsman.

IMB members are appointed by the minister responsible for prisons. Mrs Blake said it was an important and time consuming job. Members of the community wanting to learn more about the IMB's work or are interested in joining the board go to http://www.justice.gov.uk/downloads/publications/corporate-reports/imb/annual-reports-2011/dartmoor-2010-2011.pdf">www.justice.gov.uk/downloads/publications/corporate-reports/imb/annual-reports-2011/dartmoor-2010-2011.pdf