uuEmployment and dismissal of staff uuPrevention of conflict of interest uuEmployment of external experts (establishing qualifications and terms of reference) uuInformation-sharing within NPMs uuCommunication with other actors – national and international, including the SPT uuCommunication with the press and media uuData protection and confidentiality Selection process Members of NPMs should be selected through an open, transparent and inclusive process. The selection process should be prescribed in the law governing the NPMs. As regards the members of such mechanisms, legislation should specify the following: uuthe selection process of members (method and criteria of appointment); uuthe period of office of members; and uuany grounds for dismissal of members (and appeal procedures). As regards members and staff of NPMs, legislation should also specify: uuprivileges and immunities of members and staff, which are necessary for the independent exercise of their functions; and uuprotection against reprisals against members or staff, their families or any persons who have communicated with NPMs. The selection process should involve consultations with a broad variety of civil society groups, such as non-governmental organizations, social and professional organizations, and universities, as well as other experts. The selection process may be led by special appointment bodies, parliamentary committees or independent judicial commissions or similar bodies. © UN Photo/Christopher Herwig 18 I PREVENTING TORTURE: THE ROLE OF NATIONAL PREVENTIVE MECHANISMS – A PRACTICAL GUIDE