What Independent Prison Monitors are and what they do
IPMs make regular visits to prisons, speak with prisoners and staff, observe day-to-day prison life, and investigate concerns brought to their attention. Their findings contribute to HMIPS' understanding of how prisons operate in practice and whether conditions meet expected standards.
A distinctive feature of the role is the level of independence and responsibility entrusted to each monitor. Much of the monitoring activity is carried out individually, requiring IPMs to build professional relationships, exercise sound judgement, gather information objectively and record accurate findings.
This role is intended for people who can make a genuine long-term commitment and is not designed as a short-term volunteering opportunity, internship or placement.
The role requires regular prison visits, completion of mandatory training, prompt communication, and accurate reporting using HMIPS digital systems. It is a challenging and rewarding opportunity to contribute to independent scrutiny and public accountability within Scotland's prisons.
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 people in custody are treated fairly and with dignity, and that prison conditions and practices meet expected standards.
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 engaging with a wide range of people, from prisoners and operational staff to prison governors and senior leaders.
- Develop strong communication, listening, observation and report-writing skills.
- Strengthen their ability to gather information, ask probing questions and investigate concerns objectively.
- Gain first-hand insight into complex systems, decision-making processes and how public services operate in practice.
- Challenge their own assumptions and better understand the experiences of people whose lives may be very different from their own.
- See and understand a part of society that is rarely visible to the wider public.
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?
- Have been resident in the UK for the last 3 years and there are no restrictions on your residence in the UK?
- Physically able to undertake mandatory Personal Protection Training and not on any anticoagulants (medication used to prevent and treat blood clots, i.e. "blood thinners")?
- Understand that this is a statutory appointment with defined responsibilities and commitments, rather than a casual volunteering opportunity?
- 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
Please note that we are currently only accepting applications for specific establishments where volunteer numbers are low. With the exception of the Highlands and Borders regions, applicants must live within a 40‑mile radius of their allocated establishment.
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.