Join our supportive team of prison monitors

We are members of the Independent Monitoring Boards (IMBs) at HMP Brinsford and Oakwood and we  are currently looking for members of the local community to join us and would welcome an application from you. 

IMBs operate in every prison across England and Wales. We are unpaid public appointees, and we provide independent oversight of day-to-day life in prisons, monitoring conditions and the treatment of people. Through regular prison visits and engagement with prisoners and staff, we gain a unique insight into life behind prison walls and report their findings and concerns directly to the Secretary of State for Justice. It is a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to society, influence positive change, and support transparency and accountability across the prison system.

No two prison visits are the same. A typical day usually begins reading the latest prison briefings and catching up on developments since your last visit. From there, you'll spend time on the prison wings observing daily life, talking to prisoners and staff. and gaining a firsthand understanding of the challenges and realities of life behind prison walls. 

As an IMB member, you'll have the opportunity to see parts of the prison system that most people never do. You may attend prison meetings, observe key processes, and hear directly from prisoners about their experiences. Prisoners and those held on remand can raise concerns with the Board, and while IMB members do not investigate complaints themselves, they play an important role in ensuring that concerns are directed appropriately and receive a response from the prison.

Your observations help build a picture of how the prison is operating and are recorded in weekly monitoring reports. Alongside prison data, these findings contribute to the Board's Annual Report, which highlights key issues and is presented directly to the Minister, the Prison Service and the Governor or Director.

It is a unique opportunity to contribute to public service, provide independent scrutiny, and help shine a light on what is happening inside prisons across England and Wales.

One of the most rewarding aspects for an IMB member is the everyday impact we can have on a prisoner's journey.  Being part of the IMB is a unique voluntary role as it involves a commitment to fairness and compassion; it's about listening to prisoners and offering an independent voice, contributing to the hope and dignity of the men serving custodial sentences.

Annual Reports

All of our observations are recorded in a weekly rota report and along with prison data are used to compile an annual report. The annual report raises issues directly with the Minister, the prison service and the Governor / Director. 

The most recent reports can be found on annual reports and ministerial responses can be found on our website IMB.org.uk

Brinsford https://imb.org.uk/document/brinsford-2023-24-annual-report/

Oakwood https://imb.org.uk/document/oakwood-2025-26-annual-report-published/

Please take time to read the reports as they will give you an understanding of what the IMB do in each prison

Who are we looking for?

Both prisons are on the same site at Featherstone near Wolverhampton. If you are over 18 and live within approximately 30 miles we would welcome your application. We are also keen to attract applicants from Black and minority ethnic communities, which are underrepresented on our Boards. 

We have members on our Boards who are students, work or are retired so we look for a range of skills and talents to call upon – it is this diversity of background that strengthens our monitoring. You do not need any special qualifications or experience as we will provide all the necessary training and support.

You do, however, need to be enthusiastic, open-minded, have good communication skills and the ability to analyse a range of information to make objective judgements. 

Typically, IMB Members are expected to make two to three visits per month, plus a Board meeting. This commitment can be flexible, depending on the needs of the Board and the individual. Not all the duties needs to be carried out during  normal working hours. 

The next IMB recruitment campaign will be running from 14 September to 12 October. To be alerted when applications open please register your interest here:www.imb.org.uk

If you would like to know more before considering making an application, please feel free to call us on the following numbers:

 Chair of Brinsford on 07743 731973 

Chair of Oakwood on 01746 768484

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.