THE opportunity to become a vital 'independent volunteer' at Dartmoor Prison is currently available to people in West Devon.

The Independent Monitoring Board — HMP Dartmoor performs a watchdog role on behalf of Ministers and the public in providing lay and independent oversight of the prison.

The volunteers have a valuable and important role to play in ensuring that people held in custody and detention are being cared for decently and with humanity.

Despite an as yet unspecified notice of closure, HMP Dartmoor is likely to remain open for some time to come and the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) at Dartmoor needs to recruit new members from all walks of life from within a radius of about 35 miles of the prison.

A spokesperson for Dartmoor IMB said: 'Being a volunteer is extremely rewarding as you can make a difference to the way the prison is run for the benefit of staff and prisoners.'

Independent Monitoring Board members have full access to all parts of the prison and can talk to any prisoner if necessary. A typical monitoring visit might include residential accommodation, kitchens, workshops, class-rooms and the healthcare centre. Board members also see prisoners who have asked for help in resolving specific problems.

If there is a serious incident at the prison, members attend to monitor the way it is managed.

A monthly board meeting is organised where members can share information, monitor trends and raise issues with the prison governor who attends part of the meeting.

The spokesperson for Dartmoor IMB added: 'Applications from younger people and those from black and ethnic minority communities are particularly needed, as these are under-represented on the current board.

'We need good listeners, who are enthusiastic and non-judgmental. They will need to be good communicators verbally and on paper, computer literate, able to work in a team and to relate to prisoners, prison officers and civilian staff.

'The time commitment is up to five days per month during the probation year, reducing to an average three to four days per month, but can be flexible depending on the needs of the board and the individual.'

A Prison Service spokesperson said: 'IMB members' vigilance and objective insights are one of the key ways we drive up and maintain standards of decency in our prisons.

'They play a vital role in our prisons which is greatly valued by ministers.' 

Although unpaid, being a volunteer is a responsible position which can be extremely rewarding.

'Reasonable expenses are offered, including loss of earnings and mileage allowances. No previous knowledge of the criminal justice system is needed as training is provided.

Interested applicants should email [email protected]">[email protected] quoting 213/Dartmoor/2014 or call 020 3334 3265, providing name and address and the Ministry of Justice will post an application pack.

The closing date for completed returned applications is November 23, 2014.