Volunteers sought for the Independent Monitoring Board
Date published:
The Independent Monitoring Board is made up of unpaid volunteers operating in each prison in Northern Ireland.
The Independent Monitoring Board is made up of unpaid volunteers operating in each prison in Northern Ireland.
Appointed by the Justice Minister, Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) members play a vital role in monitoring the treatment of prisoners and the conditions in which they are kept.
You do not need any specific qualifications and training will be provided for new members. If you are a good communicator, have the ability to listen, are empathetic and have time on your hands – then why not consider applying to join the IMB?
Volunteers are needed for Magilligan Prison outside Limavady, Maghaberry Prison near Lisburn and Hydebank Wood College in south Belfast, which caters for young offenders and women. Find out more about what the role of an IMB member involves on our YouTube channel
Further information and how to apply is available at the publications section of this website.
Notes to editors:
- Copies are also available as follows:
Email
By writing to: IMB Recruitment
Knockview Buildings
Block 3, Stormont
Belfast, BT4 3SG - Interviews will generally take place in May and November. Please submit your application by 12 noon on Wednesday 30 April for consideration in May 2025.
- 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 are 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 email the Department of Justice.
- 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.