The Staffordshire Commissioner’ Office has been recognised nationally for the quality of its independent custody visiting scheme, receiving a Gold award from the Independent Custody Visiting Association (ICVA).
Under the scheme, trained volunteers from the local community make regular unannounced visits to Police custody suites to check on the rights, entitlements, wellbeing and dignity of the detainees held there. Their findings are reported to the Police and Crime Commissioners, Mayors and equivalents across the UK who hold Chief Constables to account.
The ICVA – the national membership organisation that supports, leads and represents these schemes – has developed a quality assurance framework to assess how well schemes comply with the code of practice that governs custody visiting*.
Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime Ben Adams said: “I’m delighted that the work of the Independent Custody Visitors scheme here in Staffordshire has again been recognised with a national Gold award, and would like to thank all our volunteers for their contribution in continuing the success of the scheme.
“Our ICV volunteers play an important role in ensuring detainees’ rights and wellbeing are maintained during what can be a very frightening time, especially for first-time offenders. Through their regular inspections, our volunteers also give confidence to the public about the quality and safety of custody sites.”
Sherry Ralph, Chief Executive at ICVA said: “The Quality Assurance Framework represents a significant and growing commitment from schemes to ensure that independent custody visiting is regularly reviewed, improvements are made where needed, and excellent practice is shared.
“This year, we have also strengthened our approach by introducing a greater focus on volunteer voices, ensuring that the experiences and perspectives of Independent Custody Visitors are embedded within schemes and reflected in assessments, particularly at the higher levels of the framework. I congratulate schemes on their accomplishments and thank them for their continued dedication and commitment.”
This is the third year schemes have been assessed under the framework, and have been able to gain quality assurance awards for their work. The Staffordshire scheme was presented with a Gold quality assurance award at a ceremony in London on 8 July.
Find out more about the Independent Custody Visitors scheme.