What Independent Prison Monitors Do
Independent Prison Monitors (IPMs) are volunteers from a wide range of backgrounds who play a unique role in providing independent scrutiny of how people in custody are treated across Scotland. They make regular visits to prisons, engaging directly with prisoners and observing life behind the scenes — moving freely and independently throughout the establishment to gain genuine insight into an environment often hidden from the wider community. By monitoring conditions and treatment, and reporting their findings to HM Inspectorate of Prisons for Scotland (HMIPS), IPMs help promote openness, fairness, and accountability within the prison system.
Why Become an Independent Prison Monitor
Becoming an IPM offers a rare opportunity to see what really happens inside Scotland’s prisons and to make a meaningful contribution to positive change. Independent Prison Monitors help uphold human dignity, promote fairness, and support continuous improvement in prison standards. The role is voluntary but deeply rewarding, offering valuable experience in justice, equality, and human rights.
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.
- Understand that there is mandatory training you must complete before you can begin monitoring.
- Understand that IPMs are expected to monitor for at least 2 years (up to a maximum of 9 years).
- Have been resident in the UK for the last 3 years and there are no restrictions on your residence in the UK.
- Are not on any anticoagulants (medication used to prevent and treat blood clots, i.e., “blood thinners”).
- Are physically able to undertake mandatory Personal Protection Training.
- 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 required IPM 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 (though this may vary depending on your availability and arrangements with your regional co-ordinator).
- 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.
IPMs are normally appointed for a minimum of two years, with the opportunity to serve up to a maximum of nine years.
Understanding the Onboarding Process: Application, Training, and Appointment
Before applying, we encourage you 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
Independent Prison Monitor recruitment is temporarily paused until early 2026 while we review and improve our onboarding processes. If you’re interested in joining in the future, you can register your details using THIS form and we’ll notify you as soon as applications reopen.
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.