Are you looking for a career change but lack the relevant work experience? Or are you searching for ways to meet new people and fill your time?
Maybe you’re looking for ways to increase your confidence after having taken a break from the working world?
If any of the above apply to you, and you’re also looking for a voluntary role which provides insight into a world that few people see, then you could join a team of ordinary people doing an extraordinary role: independent monitors in prisons and immigration detention.
The independent monitoring board (IMB) at HMP Leeds in Armley are looking for people who live locally (within 30 miles) to join them.
So why join the Board? As one member says: “It could be the most rewarding thing you have ever done, and you can make a real difference to prison life.
“I was unemployed when I started volunteering and did not know how I would be able to re-enter the workplace after being out of work for so long. The experience and confidence I gained on the Board enabled me to get paid employment, which I now do alongside my volunteer role.”
Once members have received their security clearance, they have unrestricted access to the prison and can talk to any prisoner they wish to, out of sight and hearing of members of staff if necessary, in order to monitor day-to-day activity across the establishment.
This provides an opportunity to report on whether individuals are being treated fairly and humanely and whether they are being given the support they need to turn their lives around.
Applicants will need to be a good listener; always act with integrity; be committed to equality, diversity and inclusion; be able to analyse observed events and behaviour, make decisions and apply common sense.You will also need to work within a team, be a good communicator and have basic computer skills.
Above all the Board is looking for people with a non-judgemental and open-minded approach.
If you are interested, visit this website and apply.
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