National Preventive Mechanism Eighth Annual Report 2016–17 developed and launched a members’ website for all custody visiting schemes, which brings together a library of resources for schemes to improve practice and fulfil OPCAT requirements. Independent Custody Visitors Scotland (ICVS) continued to visit Police Scotland custody suites, with volunteers completing nearly 1,600 unannounced visits in the period. ICVS saw an increase in both the number of detainees to whom it was able to offer visits (up 5%) and detainees accepting visits (up 23%) on the previous year. ICVS incorporated the responsibility of monitoring legalised police cells (LPCs) into its business practice and bespoke training was developed in preparation for the implementation of the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2016. This training will be delivered to all volunteer custody visitors prior to the Act coming into force. ICVS also disseminated the NPM guidance on isolation in detention to all visitors and highlighted it to custody staff within Police Scotland. Following two reviews of its role and governance in recent years, the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) began introducing a new management structure which would include the recruitment of a paid National Chair who will be supported by a new management board. The IMB also published its ‘Core Brief’, which set out its core functions and its relationship with OPCAT and the NPM. The Training and Development Working Group has undertaken work to ensure that all training programmes are underpinned with references to OPCAT and NPM, and has expanded its online training provision. A revised annual report template 62 was agreed in January 2017 to provide guidance on how to report more effectively to Ministers and the general public on the operation of the establishments monitored by Boards. The new template aims to ensure greater consistency of monitoring and greater insight in reporting on the fair and humane treatment of detainees. In addition, the IMB agreed a definitive procedure with the Home Office for the monitoring of deportation and extradition flights. IMBs have reported success in improving facilities for detainees throughout the year. For example, after specific, targeted monitoring by the IMB of the visitor facilities at HMP Belmarsh, additional phone lines and seating were added to reduce pressure on the facilities. The Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation (IRTL) was designated as a member of the NPM on 12 January 2017, and a new Independent Reviewer, Max Hill QC, began his tenure in the role on 1 March. His predecessor published his annual report on the operation of the Terrorism Acts in December 2016, noting the numbers of persons detained and the conditions of their detention. The IRTL monitors all terrorism-related arrests and detentions, primarily under the Terrorism Act 2000. The IRTL works closely with ICVA to assist in this role, and since the terrorism attacks on Westminster Bridge in London on 22 March 2017 there has been an unprecedented level of activity for all concerned. The IRTL will publish an updated picture in his annual report at the end of 2017. The IRTL’s role includes reviewing daily reports from each of the terrorism suites