Membership To be effective, the steering group should be small but we should also ensure the group represents the wider NPM as much as possible. The selection of steering group members should take into account the different types of detention visited and the different jurisdictions in which the members operate as well as the nature of the bodies themselves (such as lay and professional bodies). It will be impossible for the steering group members to represent all places of detention visited, but diversity will be sought. Given HMIP’s role in coordinating the NPM, Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Prisons will necessarily be a standing member of the steering group. Consideration should also be given to whether HMIP or another member should chair the group. It is proposed that volunteers to serve on the steering group are sought and that four people will be selected by the NPM coordinator on the basis of ensuring an equitable spread among types of detention visited and lay/professional bodies. There will be one member each for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Membership of the steering group should be limited to two, two-year terms and that such terms are staggered. 42 Where a representative of a lay body is a member of the steering group, reasonable expenses associated with that membership (likely to be travel costs only) may be borne by HMIP. All other steering group members will be expected to bear their own costs. Working methods It is expected that steering group members will be in regular contact with the NPM coordinator and that as much work as possible will be conducted via email and telephone contact. Meetings of the steering group will also take place twice a year. The work of the group will be transparent and it shall report back to all NPM members on their discussions and decisions. A secretariat function for the steering group will be performed by the NPM coordinator.