The Ambler Online

Could you look behind the closed door?
This is the question asked of Ambler readers by Alan Fowler, Chairman of the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) at Castington Young Offenders Institute (YOI). He is looking for volunteers to join the Monitoring Board - a unique opportunity to join an important group and offering experience which might lead to better opportunities for those looking for work.

“The prison at Castington accommodates young men usually from the age of 16 up to 21 years of age. The work is voluntary and we are appointed by the Minister for Justice – our role is to ‘monitor fairness and respect for people in custody’,” he told The Ambler.

The IMB’s role is unique in that they have unrestricted access to the prison to ensure that all prisoners receive fair and humane treatment. There are statutory obligations which include a formal inspection of the prison each week, visits to specified areas in the prison and the recording of observations and findings.

“This means seeing that all is as it should be, observing the men in their daily situations and sitting in on meetings. A prisoner may make a formal request for something to be ‘looked into’. It is the job of the IMB to investigate these issues. We cannot change the prison rules but may point out to the authorities situations in which there is some problem for the prisoner,” said Alan.

“The biggest motvation for me I would say, is that as a parent I would want to be assured that someone was looking out for these youngsters, whatever their situation.”

Alan and the team are keen to recruit new volunteers to the IMB. “It is a really worthwhile job and can assist in your personal development and skills which could be useful in other situations. We provide training which is on-going throughout your IMB career. We ask people to commit to about 6 hours per month, but we can be flexible to accommodate people in work. This includes a weekly visit and a monthly meeting on the second Tuesday of the month. Employers are obliged to honour the commitment giving time off work when necessary.”

You should be open-minded, caring, a good listener and committed to equality and diversity. There is, of course, a selection process, and your appointment will be confirmed by the Minister of Justice.

If all this interests you – and in these days of unemployment you may find you have time on your hands, not to mention it would look good on your C.V.- why not contact: Jonathan Duffield on 01670 382019 or www.imb.gov.uk

Cath Teasdale and Vivienne Dalgliesh

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