Information about our application process

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Our application process is divided into four main stages, detailed below:

Stage 1: Information and guidance:

Please read the applicant guidance before starting your application.

To find out more about the work of IMBs, please see our National Monitoring Framework. To find out more about an IMB you want to join, have a look at some of the annual reports in our reports section.

Book onto our virtual information event here.

Stage 2: Complete online application form:

Please use this link on current vacancies to the specific campaign you want to apply to. You can only apply when a Board is running a recruitment campaign. If you cannot complete an online application form please contact the Secretariat imb@justice.gov.uk, in exceptional circumstances a paper application may be acceptable. PLEASE NOTE: the application form works best on Chrome, Edge and Firefox browsers; we suggest you do not use Internet Explorer.

If your preferred establishment is not recruiting, please check back regularly or follow us on Linked-in or Facebook for the latest updates.

Stage 3: Familiarisation visit and interview:

Once you have returned your application form, you will be contacted by the chair of your local IMB, who will invite you to visit the prison or immigration removal centre. Following your visit, you will be invited to attend an interview, conducted by two members of your local board and an independent panel member from another IMB.

Stage 4: Security clearance and selection:

IMB members have full access to their local prison or immigration removal centre at any time, day or night. For this reason, all our members must be security cleared, and this can take some time, depending on the level of clearance required for that particular establishment.

The whole appointments process usually takes from a few weeks up to six months, although we try to ensure times are kept to a minimum and keep applicants informed throughout the process. We understand that the wait can be frustrating but hope that you will appreciate why it is necessary.