Independent Monitoring Boards

IMB members are the eyes and ears of the public, appointed by ministers to perform a vital task: independent monitoring of prisons and immigration detention.

[Independent Monitoring Boards @_Imbs_]

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.

https://t.co/q9EJ3fGRkU

[The Howard League @TheHowardLeague]

Worrying findings from Holme House prison, which was re-rolled from Cat C to Cat B in January 2025. Assaults and use of force have increased. Seventeen people died in a year, either in the prison or within two weeks of release.

More in @_imbs_ annual report: https://t.co/kjAGzjS5v4
(Photo of Holme House by Andy Aitchison)

[Prisons and Probation Ombudsman @PPOmbudsman]

Reception prisons are not designed to hold people for extended periods of time. 36% of our sample took their life after spending three months in a reception prison suggesting that risk of self-inflicted deaths continues beyond the early days.

[Independent Monitoring Boards @_Imbs_]

📣 We’re hiring a Communications Lead (12 month fixed term)

This role is ideal for someone who cares about independent scrutiny and the fair, humane treatment of people in detention, and who wants to use communications to support transparency, accountability, and impact.

📍 London | ⏳ Fixed term | 🗓️ Apply by 29 May 2026

https://t.co/uxd11Et3VV

[Prisons and Probation Ombudsman @PPOmbudsman]

Segregation is an isolating form of custody and it reduces protective factors against suicide and self-harm. Prison policy makes clear that prisoners managed under suicide and self-harm procedures should only be placed in segregation in exceptional circumstances.

[Independent Monitoring Boards @_Imbs_]

📚 Stay informed.

Join our mailing list to get the latest IMB publications straight to your inbox.

Sign up via the form. ⬇️⬇️

https://t.co/fnTBG8SDgu

[Independent Monitoring Boards @_Imbs_]

In 2024 we published our thematic report on the impact of prisoner property loss. https://t.co/ebKnglW9Wy.

@HMIPrisonsnews latest key findings paper highlights that prisoners are still experiencing the same damaging outcomes.

Read their paper below ⬇️

[HMI Prisons @HMIPrisonsnews]

Today we have published a key findings paper on the problems prisoners can have in accessing their property, which can affect their well-being and cause unnecessary frustration.

Read the paper: https://t.co/wo7hfCI3TM

And press release: https://t.co/u8Mm5b1sqG

[Independent Monitoring Boards @_Imbs_]

https://t.co/9uX4yWTqun
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.”

[Independent Monitoring Boards @_Imbs_]

📢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!

https://t.co/RECyIqklTv

[Independent Monitoring Boards @_Imbs_]

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

https://t.co/8r9z7RQ2Zf

[Independent Monitoring Boards @_Imbs_]

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.

https://t.co/BjdeVaOiXd

[Independent Monitoring Boards @_Imbs_]

📢 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.

https://t.co/puc7JLQ9PN

[Independent Monitoring Boards @_Imbs_]

“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 ⬇️

https://t.co/6ZwX28t91C

[Independent Monitoring Boards @_Imbs_]

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 ⬇️

https://t.co/ZLwlYilsmr

[HMI Prisons @HMIPrisonsnews]

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: https://t.co/O1NwbBD0M8

And the press release: https://t.co/04dJ61fpWS

[HMI Prisons @HMIPrisonsnews]

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.

[Prison Reform Trust @PRTuk]

Acutely mentally unwell women face delayed psychiatric treatment at HMP Downview, a new report from the @_Imbs_ reveals.

Read the full report below ⬇️

https://t.co/2mDxIwFEAj

[Independent Monitoring Boards @_Imbs_]

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.

https://t.co/NBXwcycRY2