National Preventive Mechanism Eighth Annual Report 2016–17 I would like to take this opportunity to thank Bristol University for their support. The University is taking forward two projects on crucial topics for the NPM (the tradition in the UK of volunteer visitors and monitors, and assessing the number of incidents of ill‑treatment). I would also like to express my thanks to the Association for the Prevention of Torture, the Council of Europe and the many others who support our work. Thanks are due to the Steering Group, made up of members of the NPM, for the support that they give me in my work, and for the incredibly important work of the staff of HMI Prisons who coordinate the NPM and particularly Louise Finer – without her we would be a much less effective organisation. Finally, I would like to welcome our newest member, the Independent Review of Terrorism Legislation, Max Hill QC, an important addition to the overall work of the NPM. John Wadham Chair of the UK NPM 6