Volunteers needed to help monitor Stoke Heath prison near Market Drayton

Well officials on the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) of Stoke Heath prison, near Market Drayton, are currently trying to recruit new members.

The IMB is responsible for monitoring respect and fairness for people who are in custody.

The board is independent from the prison and each jail will have its own.

A spokesman for the group, who did not wish to be named, said: "Here is a job, which, on first impression, may not seem to be ideal.

"First off; you will not be paid. In addition, it is guaranteed you will end up in jail.

"That said it could be the most rewarding thing you have ever done.

“HMP Stoke Heath independent monitors are looking for some new recruits to swell their ranks."

There are currently seven monitors at HMP Stoke Heath, which is based at Warrant Road, Stoke on Tern near Turn Hill.

The spokesman added: "They are all members of the IMB, which consists of ordinary people who have volunteered to do a pretty out of the ordinary job.

"Every prison and immigration removal centre has an IMB attached to it whose role is to ensure that Home Office/Ministry of Justice rules and regulations are properly applied and that proper standards of care and decency are maintained.

"The job, which is unpaid but expenses are covered, is hugely interesting, challenging and absorbing but it is not for everyone.

"You need to be enthusiastic, open-minded, have good communication skills and have the ability to exercise sound, objective judgement.

"We would like to hear from anybody who is 18 or over and lives within about 35 miles of HMP Stoke Heath. You must have your own transport as Stoke Heath is in a very rural position.

"You do not need any special qualifications or experience, as we will provide all the necessary training and support.

"The task typically takes up something in the region of five days a month but we can be flexible about that.

"HMP Stoke Heath is what is known as, a Category C prison: prisoner’s age from 21 upwards and there is a Category D unit attached."

The end-to-end process from someone applying for a vacancy to successful candidate taking up post can take anything from three-six months. Before taking up post, candidates will undergo a security clearance process. On taking up appointment, all candidates undergo a 12 month probationary and mentoring period.

Anyone interested should call 020 3334 3265, download an application form from www.imb.org.uk and email it to imbrecruitment@justice.gsi.gov.uk