Independent Monitoring Boards

We are delighted to share that Jane Leech, MBE, has been appointed as the interim National Chair of the IMB. With 18 years of dedicated service and deep experience across the IMB landscape, Jane brings exceptional insight, leadership, and commitment to the role. We look forward to working with her as she guides the organisation through this next chapter. gov.uk/government/new…

📚 Stay informed. Join our mailing list to get the latest IMB publications straight to your inbox. Sign up via the form. ⬇️⬇️ imb.org.uk/contact-us/

In 2024 we published our thematic report on the impact of prisoner property loss. imb.org.uk/news/chaos-in-…. @HMIPrisonsnews latest key findings paper highlights that prisoners are still experiencing the same damaging outcomes. Read their paper below ⬇️

imb.org.uk/news/boys-lock… Boys continue to be locked up for 22 hours a day at HMPYOI Feltham. IMB Feltham Chair, Maura Parsons, said: “Our latest annual report highlights many of the same issues reported in previous years, with no significant improvements having been made. Opportunities for rehabilitation for both children and adults are severely hampered when they are locked up for significant periods of time, with limited access to purposeful activity.”

📢We are recruiting on IMBs across the country London only: 7 January | Closes 28 January. All other locations: 7 January | Closes 18 February Don’t miss your chance to make a difference! imb.org.uk

Today the Independent Monitoring Board released a report on the use of force in immigration detention. Findings show force is often applied inconsistently, disproportionately, and without proper justification-undermining the dignity and welfare of vulnerable people. Read the full report ⬇️#IMB #immigrationdetention imb.org.uk/news/brook-hou…

Public statement following the publication of the Medomsley report The @PPOmbudsman's report into the serious and persistent abuse of young men at Medomsley Detention Centre, published today, evidences the dangers of complacency and collusion, and the devastating consequences of professional bodies failing in their duties to protect those for whom they are responsible. The Board of Visitors (BoV) existed to provide independent oversight of such settings and the treatment of those within them. In this they failed. We take full responsibility for that on behalf of the BoV, our predecessor organisation. We are deeply sorry for the harm caused, and the impact that we know this will continue to have on the lives of the victims and their families. ppo.gov.uk/news/ppo-publi…

📢 The IMB has published a letter to the Minister of State for Prisons, Lord Timpson, setting out evidence behind its concerns over the expansion of force measures in custody. It calls for better care for vulnerable prisoners and improved staff training to support proactive discipline, rather than relying on reactive approaches with limited evidence. imb.org.uk/news/imb-natio…

“The improvement in the prison’s performance after the disastrous situation last year is welcomed and has been reflected in the largely positive conclusions of @HMIPrisonsnews Independent Review of Progress, conducted in April. However, until the serious staffing issues are properly addressed the prison’s efforts to improve further will be severely hampered.” - Matt Andrews, IMB Chair Wandsworth Read full report ⬇️ imb.org.uk/news/hmp-wands…

IMB at Pentonville: 'unsanitary and overcrowded accommodation, and largely inadequate preparation for release, the conditions in which prisoners must live are inhumane and contribute to mental health issues, self-harm and violence.' Read the full report ⬇️ imb.org.uk/news/leadershi…

Today we have published our 2024-25 Children in custody report. Many children continue to feel unsafe around peers, uncared for by staff and fail to get to education. Read the report here: hmiprisons.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmipris_report… And the press release: hmiprisons.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/news/outcomes-…

In a broadcasting first, the BBC followed an HMI Prisons team as they inspected a category C men's prison. Their documentary sets out to provide insight into the process of inspection, and the problems faced by the prison system. Listen at 8pm, 16 September on BBC Radio 4.

Acutely mentally unwell women face delayed psychiatric treatment at HMP Downview, a new report from the @_Imbs_ reveals. Read the full report below ⬇️ imb.org.uk/news/acutely-m…

Interested in a meaningful role in immigration policy? Join the Independent Monitoring Board and be part of a friendly, tight-knit, and supportive team making a real difference. If you're passionate about justice, human rights, and shaping policy in a collaborative environment, this could be the opportunity you're looking for. jobs.justice.gov.uk/careers/JobDet…

Yesterday we hosted our 2024-25 Annual Report launch, where Chief Inspector @charlie_taylor6 discussed the report's findings with @DannyShawNews. Watch on YouTube: youtube.com/watch?v=u8tE8Y… Read the report: hmiprisons.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmipris_report…

Today we have published our 2024-25 Annual Report, which details "yet another very difficult year for all those living and working in prisons in England and Wales." ⬇️ Find out more below and read the report: hmiprisons.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmipris_report…

Drugs crisis in jails ‘worse than ever’ as seizures by prison officers near record #Echobox=1751827217" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-n…

It is troubling that some prisoners are too frightened to complain - this is their right. There is a protocol in place with us, @HMIPrisonsnews & @_Imbs_ which protects prisoners from any sanctions that may occur from speaking to us if they are reprimanded for complaining.

The reported high number of people at risk of suicide and self-harm must be tackled as prisons have a duty of care towards prisoners. We continue to share learning with @hmpps so staff are given the training they need to identify, respond to and support prisoners at risk.