What Independent Prison Monitors are and what they do
Independent Prison Monitors (IPMs) hold a statutory appointment under The Public Services Reform (Inspection and Monitoring of Prisons) (Scotland) Order 2015. They help ensure that the human rights of people in custody are upheld and that prison life supports rehabilitation.
IPMs visit prisons regularly, speak directly with prisoners, and observe life behind the scenes. They report their findings to HM Inspectorate of Prisons for Scotland (HMIPS), providing an independent perspective on treatment and conditions.
It is a challenging and rewarding role, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to fairness, accountability, and transparency in the Scottish prison system.
Why Become an Independent Prison Monitor
Becoming an Independent Prison Monitor (IPM) offers a rare opportunity to see what really happens inside Scotland’s prisons and to make a meaningful contribution to positive change. IPMs help uphold human dignity, promote fairness, and support continuous improvement in prison standards.
The role is voluntary but deeply rewarding, providing valuable experience in justice, equality, and human rights. It also offers significant personal benefits. Many volunteers find that being an IPM helps them:
- Build confidence when engaging with a wide range of people
- Develop strong communication, listening, and analytical skills
- Gain insight into complex systems, decision‑making processes, and how public services operate
- See and understand a part of society that is often hidden from view
- Strengthen their ability to assess situations objectively and compassionately
If you’re curious about what an IPM visit looks like in practice, you can watch THIS short video.
Are you:
- Interested in making a unique contribution by monitoring the treatment of, and conditions for, prisoners in Scotland?
- Open-minded, a natural communicator and able to exercise sound, objective judgement?
- At least 18 years old?
- Can commit to visit a prison at least once a month, more frequently where possible?
- Have been resident in the UK for the last 3 years and there are no restrictions on your residence in the UK?
- Are physically able to undertake mandatory Personal Protection Training and are not on any anticoagulants (medication used to prevent and treat blood clots, i.e., “blood thinners”)?
- Understand that this is an unpaid voluntary role (although expenses incurred as part of carrying out your duties, such as travel, will be reimbursed)?
If the answers are yes, please see information below.
Commitment
As an IPM, you are required to:
- Complete all mandatory training, and take part in ongoing learning and development activities arranged by HMIPS.
- Visit your allocated prison regularly to monitor conditions and treatment, ideally once a fortnight but at least once a month (though this may vary depending on your availability and arrangements with your regional co-ordinator).
- Monitor for at least 2 years (up to a maximum of 9 years).
- Record accurate and objective observations from monitoring visits and prisoner requests on the Case Management System (CMS), linking findings to the relevant HMIPS Monitoring Standards.
- Review reports and feedback from your Prison Monitoring Co-ordinator (PMC) and contribute to identifying areas for improvement.
- Work constructively with colleagues, HMIPS staff and prison management, attending team and liaison meetings.
- Follow HMIPS policies and procedures, and respond positively to feedback or guidance, particularly during your probationary period.
Understanding the Onboarding Process:
Application, Training, and Appointment
Before applying, please make sure to take a moment to review the IPM onboarding process. The journey involves a series of training and practical experiences designed to prepare you fully for your role, and it’s important to ensure you will be able to commit the time required. You can view a detailed step-by-step roadmap here to see what’s involved at each stage and what to expect.
Application Form
Applications are accepted online. Please complete the application form using the following link: IPM Application Form
Optional Development Opportunities
Once appointed, Independent Prison Monitors (IPMs) will have access to a range of optional training resources to enhance their skills and knowledge. These resources include subjects such as drug-related issues, trauma-informed approaches, and other professional development topics designed to support their important work in prisons.