Inmates of Ford Open Prison, near Littlehampton, will no longer call on the Board of Visitors (BOV) if they are concerned about their treatment.
After more than 100 years, BOV is changing its name to the Independent Monitoring Board. It will still have the same role.
Board chairwoman Pauline Allen said: "Only the name has changed.
"The new name is intended to convey more clearly to prisoners, prison staff and the public the role of the board.
"In the past, board members have often been confused with prison visitors who befriend individual prisoners."
The board reports to the governor of Ford and, if necessary, the secretary of state responsible for prisons.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article