Volunteers wanted at HMP Channings Wood

If you care about the fair and humane treatment of prisoners, why not consider joining the Independent Monitoring Board at HMP Channings Wood?

In every prison there is an Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) made up of volunteers drawn from the local community who are appointed to check on conditions in custody.  They are independent of the Prison Service and are responsible for monitoring and reporting on behalf of the community.

HMP Channings Wood, near Newton Abbot, is a Category C adult male training and resettlement prison, with just over 700 men.  The IMB at HMP Channings Wood is currently recruiting.

Board members regularly visit the prison to carry out a range of duties to ensure that people in custody are treated fairly and humanely.

Importantly, serving at a training and resettlement prison, the Board’s monitoring includes looking at the range of programmes preparing prisoners for release.  You will usually need to give about two to three days a month, but this can be flexible depending on your circumstances.  

Whatever your background, if you’re enthusiastic and open minded, have good people skills and sound judgement and live within about 25 miles of Channings Wood, then you could be the person we are looking for.

You don’t need any special qualifications or experience, as the Board will provide mentoring, alongside training and support. 

This is an unpaid voluntary role, but expenses are covered. 

Appointments to the Board are made by ministers and you would need to undergo a DBS check before appointment.  

If you are interested, you can email one of the current members for more information at imbchanningswood@gmail.com