National Preventive Mechanism Sixth Annual Report 2014–15 on the agenda under the Swiss presidency of the OSCE. The UK NPM supported the drafting of recommendations to OSCE states that they take steps to strengthen NPMs’ independence, powers and other measures aimed at preventing torture (see Appendix IV). NPM self-assessment The responses to self-assessment questions were analysed in line with the three fundamental NPM powers set out in OPCAT Article 19, to: (a) examine the treatment of those deprived of their liberty; (b) make recommendations with the aim of improving their treatment and conditions; and (c) submit comments on existing and draft legislation. The table below shows the compliance NPM members reported with each of these powers. In November 2013, the UN SPT recommended to the UK NPM that it use its ‘analytical self‑assessment tool for NPMs’ to examine its Number of people considered de facto effectiveness and efficiency. Since then, the detained by care group UK NPM has developed its own methodology for applying the SPT’s tool across the 20-body Article 19 compliance NPM.115 In this reporting year, NPM members100% conducted their second self-assessment, and 90% members peer reviewed their responses as a way of strengthening the process and 80% encouraging learning across the NPM. The Ministry of Justice was invited to respond to 70% questions relating to the government’s role 60% and the NPM’s constitution. 50% The findings of this second self-assessment will feed into members’ own efforts to strengthen their OPCAT compliance, as well as inform NPM business planning. General findings All 20 NPM members responded to the self‑assessment questionnaire, and the responses from 17 of them had been peer reviewed – mostly by other NPM members. 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Overall findings were more positive this year, with members reporting full compliance with 83% of the self-assessment questions, an increase of 4%. Non-compliance fell from 4% to 2%. 19(a) N/A Partially compliant 19(b) 19(c) Not currently compliant Fully compliant As in 2013-14, the highest levels of compliance reported were with the power to make recommendations. Members reported higher levels of compliance with the powers to examine the treatment of those deprived 115 The UK NPM’s self-assessment questionnaire can be found in Appendix 8 of the Fifth Annual Report at: http://www. nationalpreventivemechanism.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/NPM-5th-Annual-Report-2013-14.pdf. A full writeup of the self-assessment methodology can be found at: http://www.nationalpreventivemechanism.org.uk/wp-content/ uploads/2015/08/UK-NPM-self-assessment-write-up.pdf. 64