Independent Monitoring Board seeks new members
Date published:
The Justice Minister has praised the work of the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) for Northern Ireland as it seeks new members.
IMB members are volunteers whose role is to monitor the treatment of prisoners and the conditions of their imprisonment at the three prison establishments within NI.
Naomi Long said:
“IMB members are drawn from all sections of the community. They are a group of ordinary people doing an extraordinary job. The contribution of IMB members makes a positive difference to the daily lives of prisoners.
IMB volunteers play a vital role in monitoring the treatment of prisoners, the facilities available to them to allow them to make purposeful use of their time, and the cleanliness and adequacy of prison premises. If you are a good communicator, have the ability to listen, are empathetic and able to work with a diverse range of people, and have time on your hands, please consider applying to join the IMB.”
There are vacancies on the Boards of all three prison establishments: Magilligan Prison outside Limavady, Maghaberry Prison near Lisburn and Hydebank Wood College in South Belfast, which caters for young offenders and women
Appointed by the Justice Minister, Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) members do not need any specific qualifications and training will be provided for new members.
Find out more about what the role of an IMB member involves on our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-B2rWnCpes8(external link opens in a new window / tab)
Further information and how to apply for IMB member available on the department website.
Notes to editors:
- Copies are also available as follows:
E-mail: imbrecruitment@justice-ni.gov.uk
By writing to: IMB Recruitment
Knockview Buildings
Block 3, Stormont
Belfast, BT4 3SG - The closing date of the competition is Thursday 2nd April 2026. It is intended that prison familiarisation visits will take place w/c 11th May 2026 and Interviews will take place w/c18th May 2026
- Members are initially appointed for a period of three years, with a possibility of re-appointment for a further two terms, up to a maximum of nine years. Members must reside in Northern Ireland.
- Applicants are required to undertake a familiarisation visit to a prison ahead of interview. Following an interview, successful members will be appointed once security clearance has been completed.
- We encourage people from all sections of the community to apply and would particularly welcome applicants from an ethnic minority background, those who have a disability, and young people.
- IMB Members are volunteers and do not receive remuneration for their time spent on IMB business. Reasonable travel and subsistence is payable at Northern Ireland Civil Service rates.
- The statutory role of the IMB is set out in the Prison and Young Offenders Centre Rules (Northern Ireland) 1995.
- For media enquiries contact the Department of Justice Press Office via Email or phone 02890526444.
- The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted out of hours 028 9037 8110.