VOLUNTEER visitors are needed to monitor fairness at a prison in Pucklechurch.

Members of the public who would be willing to visit HMP Ashfield and talk to staff and prisoners on a weekly basis throughout the year are required. 

As part of the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB), their role will be to monitor fairness, decency and all other aspects of how the prison is run and they will report to the Ministry of Justice. 

This will be in addition to regular checks carried out by HM Inspectorate of Prisons.

Although incidents of staff shortages, growing violence and drugs in prisons regularly hit the headlines, HMP Ashfield is bucking the national trend and performing very well.

IMB members have unfettered access to all areas of the prison. A visit might include, for example, dealing with prisoner queries or complaints, checking on Health and Safety in the kitchens, sitting in on a disciplinary review, attending a prison management meeting, talking to the Chaplaincy about their work, or checking that a prisoner who is self-harming or suicidal is receiving appropriate support.

IMB members also attend all serious incidents and keep an independent record of all stages in their resolution.

No particular qualifications or previous experience are required, as full training is given "on the job" and at a short national course. Applicants will need to be available to make three or four visits a month.

To apply, go to www.imb.org.uk or call 020 3334 3265, quoting 594/Ashfield/2017. The closing date is October 1.