Immigration detention is the practice of detaining foreign nationals who are subject to immigration control for the purpose of resolving their immigration status. This can then result in individuals receiving permission to enter the country, or being deported.
Individuals can be detained in Immigration Removal Centres (IRCs), Short-Term Holding Facilities (STHFs) or Residential Short-Term Holding Facilities (RSTHFs).
IMB members monitoring within a STHF board will be allocated to their nearest Immigration Detention Facility but may be asked to cover another of the boards locations, if required.
You can volunteer at the following locations:
- Heathrow Immigration Removal Centre, UB7 0FX
- Yarls Wood Immigration Removal Centre, MK44 1FD
- London Short Term Holding Facility: Heathrow Airport E16 2PX
- London Short Term Holding Facility: Eaton House TW4 5DL
- London Short Term Holding Facility: Cayley House TW6 1QG
Board members are expected to undertake around 2-3 visits a month and attend Board meetings, flexibility will be considered where possible to accommodate work and care commitments. Candidates need to be enthusiastic, open-minded, possess effective communication skills and have the ability to exercise sound, objective judgement. Applications are invited from candidates who live within 40 miles, or a reasonable travel time, of any locations monitored by the London STHF IMB.
You will be able to communicate with any prisoner or detained person you wish to, out of sight or hearing from staff, so they can voice any concerns. These can be wide-ranging issues such as safety concerns, healthcare, their ability to access the programmes and activities they need, alleged discrimination, lost property, or access to visits from family or friends.
You will monitor what happens to prisoners or people in immigration detention who are segregated or separated from others. You may also be called in to observe serious incidents and record the way in which the situation is handled. Your observations are shared with the prison or immigration detention facility’s management team.
You’ll be able to see whether there are programmes and courses that can help prisoners to turn their lives round. You’ll also see how prisoners are helped to reintegrate back into society and their families, and to access housing and employment.
Be over 18 years of age.
Live within 30 miles of the immigration detention facility or a reasonable distance for travel.
Commit to around 2 – 3 visits a month (sometimes more during the induction period) and regular attendance at monthly board meetings.
You do not need any special qualifications or experience. We provide all necessary training and support.
There are some key qualities we look for in volunteers:
- analysis and decision-making
- commitment and perseverance
- communication
- equality, diversity and inclusion
- integrity and independence
- teamwork and development
Here is the guide for applying.
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