The Independent Monitoring Board is hoping to attract a fresh intake of community spirited individuals who are interested in contributing to this challenging but rewarding aspect of Island life.

The IMB ensures that prisoners’ rights are being upheld in accordance with the custody rules in terms of their treatment, accommodation and standard of care.

The work, which also includes inspections of all holding cells in the Island’s custody suites, requires a high level of commitment and calls for commonsense, objectivity and compassion.

While no formal qualifications are required, prospective new members should have good ‘life experience’, a keen interest in the role and the time and energy to devote to monthly meetings, prison and custody suite visits.  An open mind, tact, a decent level of physical fitness and a strong sense of justice are essential attributes.

IMB chairman Aileen Gelling, said:

‘This is an opportunity for people to make an active contribution to the Island’s prison service.  Membership of the IMB is interesting and varied and carries a lot of responsibility.

We work hard to gain the trust of prisoners and ensure they are well cared for and have the appropriate access to education, exercise and healthcare.

Whilst this role can be challenging we do enjoy some real success stories, and it is often rewarding to see offenders turn their lives around and become useful members of society on their release from prison.’
 
Hon. Juan Watterson MHK, Minister for Home Affairs, said:

‘The IMB performs an important function, with the commitment and knowledge of its members held in high regard by the Department. 

It is important to ensure the IMB has sufficient experienced members to maintain its high standards and it is hoped that suitable candidates will come forward to take on what is a varied, interesting and demanding role.’

Members visit in pairs and attend Jurby prison each week on a rota basis and inspect police holding cells and the custody suite at the courthouse once a month. Board meetings are held on the first Monday of the month when matters arising from those visits are considered.  Attendance allowance for these meetings, and appropriate travel expenses, will also be paid.

Application packs can be downloaded from the Department of Home Affairs website at http://bit.ly/1DanaEi  or collected in person from the Department of Home Affairs, Homefield, 88 Woodbourne Road, Douglas, IM2 3AP.  If you have any queries, or would like an application pack sent to you, please email karl.cubbon@dha.gov.im or telephone 694323.

The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday 27 March 2015.