21 It is expected that the lack of funds of the NPM as well as financial independence lead to a reduction in the scope of future activities of the NPM, which will reduce the levels of prevention of torture in the Republic of Serbia. 4.3. Pro-active NPM Organisational Unit and its operational independence Towards the end of 2012, the Expert Services of the Ombudsman separated the existing reactive tasks on the processing of complaints of persons deprived of their liberty from pro-active tasks on the prevention of torture. For efficient operation of the NPM it is necessary to engage a sufficient number of employees or contracted staff with the necessary knowledge in the field of prevention of torture. Number of employees, or engaged in the business of the NPM in the countries of the region varies. Their number varies from several dozen of the NPM Austria, up to two employees in the NPM Macedonia in which the number of employees is to be increased. Amendments in the systematization of the positions within the Professional Services of the Protector of Citizens must take into account formation of a separate organizational unit for NPM operations. This unit should represent a support to the NPM operations, with at least five employees. It is necessary that all employees in the unit take up employment for indefinite period. In the operations of the NPM in the Republic of Serbia in 2013 three employees were hired, two of whom are employed on a full-time basis and one on a part-time. Insufficient number of employees in the NPM prevents the exercise of the NPM operations in a full and sufficient quantity, which will further reduce the effectiveness of prevention of torture in the Republic of Serbia. 4.4 Participation of the Provintial Ombudsman in the activities of the NPM In the course of 2013, the Protector of Citizens collaborated with the Provincial Ombudsman of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina (Provincial Ombudsman), in accordance with the signed Memorandum of Cooperation, conducting visits to places of detention at the territory of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina. During 2013, the representatives of the Provincial Ombudsman participated in 21 visits to institutions where persons deprived of their liberty are placed. The Provincial Ombudsman had systematically monitored the status of persons residing in private homes for the elderly and geriatric institutions. He visited 13 institutions, on which the written reports had been made75. 75 On final conclusions based on conducted visits see more under Section 6.5. of this NPM Annual Report.