Volunteer Prison Monitor: Uphold Human Rights; Scotland

Volunteer as an Independent Prison Monitor in Scotland

Looking for a volunteering opportunity? See the latest Scotland wide volunteering opportunities at Volunteer Scotland. We also regularly update our website with the latest opportunities within West Lothian.

To find the right opportunity for you, use keywords and your postcode (e.g. EH48 1AX
) to refine your search.

Are you looking for a volunteer role where you can make a real difference? Independent Prison Monitors (IPMs) play a statutory role in Scotland, helping ensure that the human rights of people in custody are upheld and that prison life supports rehabilitation.

• IPMs regularly visit Scotland’s prisons.
• They speak directly with prisoners and prison staff, observe daily life behind the scenes, and monitor conditions and treatment.
• Their findings are reported to HM Inspectorate of Prisons for Scotland (HMIPS).
• IPMs provide an independent viewpoint, helping promote fairness, accountability, and transparency across the prison system.

• Volunteers from all walks of life are welcome.
• You should be reliable, have good communication skills, and be committed to impartiality and confidentiality.
• No previous prison experience is required – full training and ongoing support are provided.

• IPMs are expected to visit at least once a month, with additional visits where possible.
• Each visit involves observing, speaking with prisoners and staff, and writing a report.
• The role involves a significant amount of mandatory training at the outset, so it is more time-intensive during the initial period.
• The minimum commitment is two years.

This is an unpaid voluntary role, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

IPMs are the eyes and ears of the community in Scotland’s prisons. By volunteering, you help make prisons safer, fairer, and more supportive, giving prisoners a voice and highlighting good practice.

Find out more about the role, required training, and submit your application online on our website: prison

• Curiosity
• Courage
• Taking the initiative
• Interpersonal skills
• Critical thinking
• Tenacity
• Clear communication
• Attention to detail
• Knowing when to seek help
• Self awareness

Reimbursed in line with Scottish Government guidelines.

For more information, including detailed descriptions of the training and what it entails, please see the IPM Onboarding Journey:

• HMIPS – INTERNAL TRAINING
  • IPM Awareness session ~3 hours at one of the prisons in person.
  • IPM Core Training ~2 hours virtually via Teams.
  • First visit ~2+ hours at the allocated prison in person.
  • IPM CMS/IT Training ~2 hours virtually via Teams.
• SPS – EXTERNAL TRAINING
  • Personal Protection Training (PPT, physical course involving simulated attacks and defence) ~4 hours at one of the prisons in person.
  • Key Vending/Security ~1.5 hours at the allocated prison in person.
  • SPS National Induction ~2 hours at the allocated prison in person.
  • Professional Boundaries ~3 hours person in one of the prisons.
  • Talk-to-Me Awareness ~3 hours person in one of the prisons.

• You have lived in the UK for the past 3 years with no residency restrictions.
• You are not taking anticoagulant (“blood thinner”) medication.
• You are physically able to complete mandatory Personal Protection Training.

• Mon
• Tue
• Wed
• Thu
• Fri
• Sat
• Sun
• Morning
• Afternoon
• Evening

At least once a month for a few hours.

Volunteers (aged 18-25) taking part in this opportunity are eligible to claim Saltire Awards hours for their activity.

Find out more