Contents Introduction By David Strang, HM Chief Inspector of Prisons for Scotland 4 Introduction By John Wadham, NPM Chair 6 1 Context About the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT) The UK’s National Preventive Mechanism The situation in detention during the year Political context, legislative and policy developments 9 10 13 18 2 Focus on detention issues Isolation – guidance for NPM monitoring bodies Immigration detention 24 25 25 8 3 The NPM in 2015–16 26 Strengthening the NPM 27 Member-specific developments 27 Joint working between NPM members 32 Submitting proposals and observations on legislation (OPCAT article 19(c)) 33 International collaboration 34 NPM self-assessment 36 4 Looking ahead to 2016–17 38 5 Appendices 40 I. Glossary 41 II. Further information about the UK NPM 43