On this page

  • The role of an Independent Prison Visitor

  • Being an IPV

  • Recruitment process

  • Conditions of appointment

  • Vacancies

  • Important information

Each month, community volunteers visit our prisons to observe the way they operate. At the end of their visit, they report their observations to the Minister for Corrections. These volunteers, known as Independent Prison Visitors, help us maintain the high standards of our prison system.

The role of an Independent Prison Visitor

An Independent Prison Visitor (IPV) provides independent advice to the Minister for Corrections. The visitors provide a community perspective about the operation of our prison system.

The minister appoints IPVs under Section 35 of the Corrections Act 1986 (External link), on the recommendation of the Justice Assurance and Review Office (JARO).

 

Video transcript - Victoria's Independent Prison Visitor Scheme

Fred, Independent Prison Visitor: 

The IPV programme is an opportunity for people like ourselves, independent people, to come in and spend a period of time in a prison to view its operation in an objective way, but also be there as another person that the prison staff or prisoners can speak to.

If they've been through other channels and they're feeling that they're not having their issues resolved or their issues not being heard, then the IPV is another person that can do that.

Sandra, Independent Prison Visitor:

The value of what we do is it provides an independent perspective to the Minister of how the prison system's going and in the end it will benefit prisoners and officers.

Brian, Independent Prison Visitor:

The reason I became a volunteer is I had plenty of spare time and I like doing things in the community and it it just seemed a useful thing to do.

I like talking to people, that's what a lot of it involves and I just like the flexibility of the hours.

I could do it on days that suited me.

Fred, Independent Prison Visitor: 

I don't feel at all unsafe anywhere I go, any location, no matter where it is within the prison, I feel 100% safe.

Brian, Independent Prison Visitor:

A typical day as a volunteer is I'll come into the prison and I'll report to the general manager and they'll give me a rundown of what's happening in the prison.

You know, there may have been an incident the day before or the week before and they just sort of like to keep us informed.

We also discussed outstanding issues from the last visit that I made.

Fred, Independent Prison Visitor:

There's a register of people that want to have a chat with me.

We go through that process and then just a general walk around.

So I'll choose an area.

I might spend some time in the industries and I'll walk through there and just casually to chat to people and there might be issues that need to be addressed.

I'm not interested in why they're here and what they might have done.

Something we don't even ask about.

And it's just a matter of just focusing on what that particular issue that prisoner has at that point in time.

Sandra, Independent Prison Visitor:

You know, might be going into the medical centre or into the stores or the art room, chat to staff, chat to prisoners.

Then at the end of my visit, I would meet again with the general manager and then go through any issues that need to be addressed or raised.

Then I prepare a report for the Minister.

The most rewarding part of my role as an independent prison visitor is being able to give back to the community and to see the benefits.

Brian, Independent Prison Visitor:

It makes me feel good doing all these things.

It's putting something back into the community.

Fred, Independent Prison Visitor:

I don't really do it for rewards for myself.

I do it as an opportunity to make a contribution, but there are aspects to it that are quite rewarding.

Being an IPV

Each IPV is allocated to a specific prison. They visit the prison each month to observe prison routines and to talk to prisoners, staff and visitors. IPVs then provide an online report to the minister about their observations and the operations of the prison. 

The appointment period for an IPV is 5 years.

As an IPV you will need to:

  • function effectively in a challenging environment and comply with operational policies and procedures
  • follow privacy and records management procedures
  • communicate effectively with a diverse range of people and have a non-judgmental attitude
  • network with fellow IPVs and attend annual events
  • have good computer and internet skills to complete an online report and navigate online forums
  • have a good level of health and fitness to negotiate the prison facility
  • complete the induction training program and annual refresher training.

Recruitment process

  1. Submit your application.
  2. Meet with the scheme.
  3. Complete checks.
  4. Take a facility visit.
  5. Be appointed as an IPV.

The recruitment process can take several months to complete. You will be provided with any relevant information at each stage of the process.

Conditions of appointment

Please note all applicants must:

  • disclose any criminal offence history
  • disclose current and past (personal or professional) connection with prisons, the criminal justice system or justice-related groups or programs
  • declare any perceived or actual conflict of interests
  • undergo a range of screening including a National Offence History and Fingerprint check.
  • agree to and abide by the Terms and Conditions of Appointment.

Vacancies

The Independent Prison Visitor Scheme has vacancies at regional prison locations. It is recommended that applicants who reside in that region apply to limit the travel to and from the location.

If you are interested in applying for a regional location, please email your details, including prison location to our team at IPVSrecruitment@justice.vic.gov.au (External link)

To express your interest in volunteering for the Scheme and be placed on our Expression of Interest register, please send your details and preferred prison location/s:

Important information

Please note that before conducting each monthly prison visit, IPVs are required to return a negative rapid antigen test (RAT) result prior to entry.

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