Become an Independent Prison Monitor
What Independent Prison Monitors Do
Independent Prison Monitors (IPMs) play a crucial role in upholding the rights and well-being of individuals in custody across Scotland. IPMs conduct regular visits to prisons, engaging directly with prisoners to ensure that their rights are being respected and that their concerns are heard. They assess the conditions within prisons, monitor treatment, and report their findings to ensure transparency and accountability within the prison system. By providing an independent and impartial perspective, IPMs contribute significantly to the humane treatment of prisoners, reinforcing the standards set by HM Inspectorate of Prisons for Scotland (HMIPS).
Your Experience Matters: Become an Independent Prison Monitor
Your life experience has shaped you into someone who understands the importance of fairness, integrity, and community. Now, there’s an opportunity to make a lasting impact by becoming an Independent Prison Monitor (IPM) with HM Inspectorate of Prisons for Scotland (HMIPS). In this volunteer role, you’ll use your skills and values to ensure the rights of individuals in custody are upheld and they that they are treated with dignity and respect.
The Role of an Independent Prison Monitor
As an IPM, you’ll conduct regular visits to prisons, listen to the concerns of prisoners, and assess the conditions they live in. Your insight will contribute to upholding human rights within the prison system and fostering a culture of transparency and accountability. Your background, whether in public service, community work, or another field, gives you a unique perspective that can help drive positive change in the criminal justice system.
Volunteering as an IPM is an opportunity to continue serving your community in a meaningful way. It’s a role that allows you to give back by promoting fairness and justice, ensuring that every individual’s voice is heard.
Hear From a Fellow Volunteer
“During my time with SSAFA as a volunteer Prison Inreach Worker, I found it fulfilling helping our Veterans who had found themselves in custody and were struggling with their situation. I thought “why can’t every prisoner have this service”? This took me to doing some research and coming across the position of IPM which ticked all the boxes for me. Helping other prisoner regardless of their crime, situation or past. Helping where I can with absolutely no judgement.” – Richard Raanes, Regional Coordinator, SSAFA The Armed Forces Charity and current IPM.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Becoming an Independent Prison Monitor isn’t just about volunteering—it’s about standing up for what’s right and contributing to a system that values human dignity. If you’re passionate about fairness and justice, we encourage you to apply today.
Join a community of dedicated volunteers who are committed to making a positive impact. Your experience can help shape a more just and equitable society.
How to join?
Simply visit our website and fill out online application under ‘Become an IPM’ on prisonsinspectoratescotland.gov.uk or email prisonmonitoring@gov.scot for more information.
