A recruitment campaign has been launched to find new volunteers for the Independent Monitoring Boards (IMBs), which provide independent oversight of conditions and fairness inside prisons across Wales – including HMP Usk and HMP Prescoed.
IMB members are ordinary people from the community who carry out an important public role: visiting their local prison, speaking to people in custody and staff, observing daily life, and reporting on whether prisoners are being treated fairly and humanely.
The work offers a rare insight into a world few people ever see, and plays a key part in ensuring standards of decency are upheld.
The IMB is encouraging people looking for a meaningful new challenge in 2026 to consider applying. Volunteers come from all walks of life and no previous experience is needed.
Full training and mentoring are provided, and the organisation covers travel, subsistence, childcare or carer costs, and in some cases contributions towards loss of earnings.
The role typically involves two to three visits per month, working as part of a supportive team. The IMB says it is looking for people with integrity, good communication skills, and a commitment to fairness, equality and inclusion.
Applicants must be over 18 and live within 30 miles of the prison or detention centre they will monitor.
Recruitment is open until Wednesday 18 February 2026. More information and application details can be found at the link in the comments.