NEW members are being sought for an organisation that plays an important role in the the island’s prison service.
The Independent Monitoring Board ensures that prisoners’ rights are being upheld in accordance with the custody rules in terms of their treatment, accommodation and standard of care.
Members of the IMB, formerly known as the Board of Visitors, tour the prison at Jurby regularly to listen to inmates’ requests and concerns.
The work, which also includes inspections of all holding cells in the island’s custody suites, requires a high level of commitment and calls for commonsense, objectivity and compassion.
The IMB is hoping to attract a fresh intake of community spirited volunteers. No formal qualifications are required. The Department of Home Affairs says an open mind, tact, diplomacy, professionalism, a decent level of physical fitness and a strong sense of justice are also essential attributes.
Members visit in pairs and attend Jurby prison each week on a rota basis and inspect police holding cells and the custody suite at the courthouse once a month. Board meetings are held on the first Monday of the month when matters arising from those visits are considered.
New members of the IMB undergo training. An allowance is paid for attending monthly meetings and travel expenses are also available.
Application packs can be downloaded from the DHA website at www.gov.im/dha or collected from the Department of Home Affairs, Homefield, 88 Woodbourne Road, Douglas, IM2 3AP. For queries, ring 694323.
The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday, March 9.