Do you have what it takes to join Bucks prison monitoring board?

And the 750, mostly local men, who are held there?

Would you like to know first-hand how your local prison care for men in custody and prepares them for release into your community?

HMP Woodhill is a High Security prison and must follow strict procedures and rules. Would you be interested in ensuring that they are met?

If the answer is ‘yes’, the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) might be for you.

Who and what is the IMB: It’s anyone prepared to take the time to join them and go into the prison and review procedures, talk to prison officers and prisoners and take an independent an impartial view.

Members walk the prison wings, talk to the men in custody and the men tasked with their care and imprisonment.

The board then reports their findings, both good and bad, directly to the Justice Minister, and makes a real difference to the lives of those held in custody.

A spokesman said: “This is a very challenging role and no two days are the same. It might not be suitable for everyone and is voluntary and unpaid, although your expenses will be covered.

“But you can make a difference to difficult lives.

“You do not need to have any special qualifications or experience as all necessary training and support will be provided. You just need to be over 18 years of age, live within 20 miles of the prison and can commit to 3-4 visits per month - then the Independent Monitoring Board at HMP Woodhill could be for you.”

If you are interested in joining the Independent Monitoring Board, you can find an application pack and further details on how to apply at www.imb.org.uk or you can telephone 020 3334 3265 and provide your name and address and an application pack will be posted to you.