Expression of Interest for Appointment to a Prison Visiting Committee

The Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration hereby invites expressions of interest from suitably qualified candidates for consideration for appointment to a Prison Visiting Committee.

The main function of PVCs is to visit, at frequent intervals, the prison or open centre to which they are appointed and to hear any concerns from prisoners. They focus on issues such as quality of accommodation, catering, medical, educational, welfare and recreational facilities.

PVCs engage with prison staff, including prison governors, on such issues and advise the Minister regarding proposed improvements or solutions. Further, they represent an important part of the oversight and advocacy in the prison environment.

Essential

Applicants must demonstrate in their application evidence of experience at an appropriately senior level of the below:

• Board or Committee experience
• A clear understanding of the functions of PVCs
• Communicate effectively with a wide range of individuals and the ability to build effective working relationships.
• An understanding of the public sector.

Desirable

Whilst not essential, it would be desirable for candidates to have expertise and/or experience in:

• The criminal justice system and the prison environment
• Education & Training
• Social policy & sociology
• Social Work
• Psychology
• Healthcare
• Nutrition
• Community and voluntary work in disadvantaged communities
• Facilities Management in large organisations

The Minister encourages expressions of interest from diverse, suitably experienced and qualified individuals to ensure the PVCs are broadly representative of Irish society and having regard to the desirability for gender balance, diversity and inclusion.

Closing Date: 3pm on Friday 19th September 2025

Submitting your Expression of Interest
All information relating to the appointment can be found in the document above. Having considered the general suitability criteria for the role, you should consider carefully how your background and experience fits with the specific appointment criteria set out in the Person Specification section in this booklet.

When submitting your expression of interest, please ensure your Cover Letter (and supporting CV) clearly specifies how your particular background and experience meets the requirements of the Committee position(s) specified in this booklet. In your expression of interest, candidates are encouraged to identify the prison(s) and / or open centre(s) to which they would be interested in being considered for appointment to as a member of a PVC.

Your submission should be made by email to: PrisonVisitingCommittees@justice.ie