The Independent Monitoring Board have asked us to cascade the following:

Prison Monitors (voluntary) for the Independent Monitoring Board

•  Location Essex, Greater London
• Job Type Voluntary
• Category Advice, Information, Policy/Research
• Sectors : Human Rights

Job Description

Board Member and Prison Monitor (voluntary) – Volunteers needed on Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) at HMPYOI Chelmsford

Ref: 250/Chelmsford/2015

Where

HMPYOI Chelmsford is a local prison and YOI for men accommodating up to 710 prisoners

About the role

New Board Members will join the existing Members of the Board, spending time each month monitoring the prison, talking to prisoners and staff and attending the monthly Board Meeting. Typically, this will take an average of 3 days per month but in the probationary year we would expect the members to commit to slightly more. This can be flexible depending on the needs of the Board and the individual, although some of this input may need to be completed during normal working hours; further information will be provided at interview. The work is unpaid, but expenses will be covered. While there is no minimum length of time for a Board Member to serve, the maximum length of service is 15 years.

Who are we looking for?

Inside every prison there is an IMB – a group of ordinary members of the public doing an extraordinary job helping to ensure that proper standards of care and decency are maintained. Board members have unrestricted access to all areas of the Prison and report annually to the Minister for Justice on their findings.

You do not need any special qualifications or experience because we will provide all necessary training and support. You do need to be enthusiastic and open minded, a natural communicator and possess sound, objective judgment. Your background can be as a student, a person of working age or retired.

We welcome applications from people over 18 who live within approximately 30 miles of the prison and are particularly keen to hear from young people and individuals from black and minority ethnic communities, since these groups are under-represented on the existing Boards.  IMB Members will need to be security cleared.

Late applications may not be accepted. Depending on the volume of applications received, a paper sift of applications may take place.

How do I apply apply?

You can download an application pack and further details of how to apply at www.justice.gov.uk/jobs//independent-monitoring-board or call 020 3334 3265 providing your name and address and an application pack and further details of how to apply will be sent to you.

A tour of the Prison will be provided to applicants, followed by an interview.

Successful candidates will be recommended to the Minister for appointment to the Board.

Please ensure that you quote the campaign reference 250/Chelmsford/2015 in all correspondence.

Closing Date 20 February 2015