DORCHESTER: Volunteers sought for prison board

The chance to join the team carrying out one of the most interesting and satisfying voluntary roles in Dorset has arisen following the resignation of two members of the prison’s Independent Monitoring Board - one of more than 130 attached to establishments throughout England and Wales.

The new IMB members selected for Dorchester will be appointed by the Justice Minister after vetting and local interview. They will join the 12-strong Board at the Category B establishment, which recently emerged with flying colours from a comprehensive Home Office inspection

The Board is drawn from a wide radius around Dorchester including Charmouth, Beaminster, Weymouth and Poole. Members average around three days a month at the prison. 

After initial training members are security cleared to carry keys and have an absolute right of access to all parts of the prison.

Anyone interested in joining the IMB Board at HMP Dorchester should contact Vice Chairman Anthony Armstrong on 01308 862237 or Training Officer Stephen Cooper on 01258 817857.

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