Have you ever wondered what life is really like inside a prison? Do you care about justice, dignity, and the humane treatment of others?
For many Christians, this compassion to stand alongside those who the world often forgets is a sign of God’s invitation to serve: to bring light, listening, and hope into places where they are deeply needed.
If you recognise that stirring within you, volunteering with the Independent Monitoring Boards (IMB) could be a meaningful way to respond to that calling with courage and love.
The IMB are looking for volunteers from all walks of life to monitor prisons and see how prisoners are being treated. Every prison in England and Wales has an IMB – a group of ordinary citizens appointed by ministers to act as the public’s eyes and ears.
They are currently looking for volunteers at HMP Leicester, HMP Fosse Way, HMP Gartree and HMP Stocken.
As a board member, you’ll visit your local prison regularly, speak with prisoners, observe conditions, and help resolve issues ranging from healthcare access to bullying concerns.
No formal qualifications are needed – just sound judgement, empathy, and a commitment to fairness.
As well as learning valuable skills, volunteering in this context gives an opportunity to live out compassion in a tangible way, with the unique privilege of being a calm, listening presence in a place people rarely see.
This loving service will make a difference in the lives of prisoners, offering them dignity, wellbeing, and a sense of being valued.
Volunteers receive training and are reimbursed for travel and other approved expenses. If you live within 45 minutes of a prison and can commit to at least three visits a month, this could be your chance to make a real impact.
To learn more or apply, visit www.imb.org.uk