Frequently asked questions
- I am a magistrate / have connections with the
prison or immigration removal centre in which I
would like to become a Board member. Will this
prevent me from applying?
- I am in full time employment but am interested in
becoming a Board member. Am I likely to be able to
fit my Board duties around my job?
- Am I able to claim expenses incurred as a result of Board duties?
- Which Boards currently have vacancies in my area?
- How long will it take me to be appointed?
- Who decides whether I am suitable for appointment?
- What training will I receive if I become a Board member?
- What is the statutory basis for Independent Monitoring Boards?
- Is being a member of an Independent Monitoring
Board in prisons the same as being a Prison Visitor?
- Where can I find out additional information on
becoming a Board member?
Many of our members currently
serve as magistrates and this is not a problem when
applying to become a Board member, although you will
not be able to deal with a case concerning a
prisoner with whom you have had contact in
connection with your magisterial duties. Potential
conflicts of interest that might prevent you from
becoming a Board member include a business
involvement in supplying a service to the
establishment or having close friends or relatives
inside. Decisions in such cases are made on an
individual basis and in many instances it is
possible to become a member in a nearby
establishment where such a conflict will not arise.
Back
to top
Being a member of an Independent
Monitoring Board does involve a large commitment and
the role can take up, on average, a time equivalent of
around four half days per month. However, this can
vary depending on the establishment and size of Board.
Rota visits can often be scheduled outside of working
hours but the Board may hold its monthly meetings
during the day and you could be called to attend the
establishment at any time in the event of a serious
incident.
Independent Monitoring Board work
is recognised as a public duty and under the
Employment Rights Act 1996 employees are obliged to
allow employees ‘reasonable’ time off from their
employment in order to perform their role as Board
member. For further information on this, please
contact the IMB Secretariat
Back
to top
Although Board work is a voluntary
role, members are able to claim expenses, for example
the cost of traveling in and out of the establishment
for visits or Board meetings.
Back
to top
Because vacancies change on an
almost daily basis, it is not possible to keep an
up-to-date list on this site. If you do not specify a
preference when you apply to join a Board, we will
look for establishments of your preferred type close
to your home address and inform you if any of those
currently have vacancies on their Board. If there are
no vacancies at the present time, your details will be
saved and we will notify you when the Board next
conducts a recruitment campaign.
Back
to top
If your application is successful
you will need to be security cleared before you are
able to take up Board duties. The level of security
clearance needed depends upon the establishment in
which you will work and clearance can take any time
between two weeks and six months. Applicants will be
kept informed of this process.
Back
to top
Board members are appointed by the
Home Secretary.
Back
to top
New members undertake a period of
induction training lasting for around six months,
which will familiarise them with the layout and regime
of the establishment, the various departments and what
they do, and how to carry out rota visits. This will
be overseen by the Board’s Training Co-ordinator or
another experienced member.
Members also attend a New Members’
Course between six and twelve months after their
appointment. This is part of the National Training
Programme and builds upon the foundations of the
induction training.
There are also various other
courses organised as part of the National Training
Programme, including an Experienced Members’ Course
after three years and courses for new Chairs or
Training Co-ordinators.
Back
to top
Until 8 April 2003 Independent
Monitoring Boards were known as Boards of Visitors (in
prisons) and Visiting Committees (in immigration
removal centres), and are still referred to in the
legislation as such. Boards of Visitors derive their
responsibilities from the Prison Rules 1964 and Young
Offender Institution Rules 1968. Visiting Committees
derive their statutory basis from the Immigration and
Asylum Act 1999 and the Detention Centre Rules 2001.
Back
to top
No. A Prison Visitor is someone who
visits inmates who have no other visitors. This may be
because they are far from home, or because they have
no close relatives to visit them. To find out more
about this type of work please contact the National
Association of Prison Visitors
Back to top
If you have a question related
to Board work that is not answered on this site, please
email imb@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk.
Alternatively, for more information on specific Boards
please contact the IMB Clerk or Contract Monitor at
that establishment. Contact details for each establishment
can be found from the Local Board
Back
to top
|
