CAT/OP/GBR/CNPMRO/1 (e) enhance multidisciplinarity through improved composition of the visiting teams, as well as coordination and joint inspections across NPM bodies. 34. The NPM welcomes the SPT’s comments on NPM members’ monitoring methodologies in paragraphs 83 to 102 of this report. The NPM is pleased that, during the SPT’s visit to the UK, the delegation was able to shadow six of the NPM’s 21 members on visits to places of detention. These members included HMI Prisons, HMICS, ICVA, the IMB, the Lay Observers and CQC. 35. In relation to the recommendation in paragraph 105 (a) and as highlighted in paragraph 28 of this response, the NPM intends to carry out a joint-NPM thematic project on prevention, with advisory guidance and training materials to broaden the NPM’s approach to monitoring places of detention. 36. In response to the recommendation contained in 105 (b) ICVA produces induction materials for all incoming independent custody visitors to visit those in police detention, which includes information on the role of the NPM and OPCAT. While all schemes are strongly encouraged to use the ICVA materials to train new volunteers, currently member schemes are not mandated to do so, other than in the case of those held under the Terrorism Act 2000. The ICVA training for TACT independent custody visitors is mandated within the Code of Practice (which is the statutory instrument governing independent custody visiting). ICVA is in the process of working towards changing the Code of Practice, and any review will certainly give consideration to the SPT recommendation and consult on mandatory training across all types of police. 37. The IMBs have developed remote training materials and delivery methods during the COVID-19 pandemic, and this is proving extremely successful in providing innovative and modular learning and development for members. In addition, the IMB’s new National Monitoring Framework, which is to be published in due course, specifically references the NPM and OPCAT responsibilities. 38. Lay Observers have extended the current training programme through a ‘Members’ Pathway’ which will cover every aspect of the role for prospective applicants, new appointees and their induction period and continuous professional development for all members. This Pathway will provide a range of materials and be supported with an e-learning online set of resources and include regular quality assurance of written reports. There are also quarterly regional training activities to keep members up-to-date. 39. In relation to the recommendation contained in paragraph 105 (c), the NPM’s 21 members engage with each other on visits in a variety of ways. The NPM is committed to sharing knowledge and expertise across its membership and aims to continue practices to realise cross-institutional exchanges through its subgroup and business meeting forums. In early March 2020, the NPM members based in Northern Ireland (CJINI, IMBNI, RQIA and NIPBICVS) met to discuss the possibility of setting up a Northern Irish sub-group to improve the collaborative working between the NPM bodies in the region. At this meeting, members highlighted the need to work together to ensure Ministers and Executive departments in Northern Ireland with responsibility for places of detention were delivering quality services and compliant with human rights obligations. The NPM aims to continue working to find ways in which members can learn from each other, in line with the NPM’s first strategic objective: “Working together as members of the NPM to strengthen the protection of those in detention in the UK”. 40. Further, the NPM’s Scottish sub-group, made up of the six NPM Scottish members (CI, HMICS, HMIPS, ICVS, MWCS, SHRC), continues to be an active forum for information sharing and collaborative working. Now supported by a 0.5 FTE NPM Scottish Assistant Coordinator funded by the Scottish Government, the Scottish sub-group has produced its own 2020-21 work plan as it looks to take a more strategic approach to its activities. This includes more regular meetings and proactive engagement with Scottish Ministers and government officials. In October 2020 the subgroup agreed to work together on its first joint-thematic piece of work. The topic for this project is still to be decided. 41. In response to the recommendation contained in 105 (d) in prisons in England and Wales the current process for submitting an individual complaint in prisons involves 9