It’s been a little while since I have been in a custody suite, so it was time to dust off my work shoes (I work from home so flip flops are generally acceptable!) and get into the cells.  Massive thanks to the team at MOPAC and the two lovely Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) who let […]

I am extremely fortunate to have such a diverse and varied role. One moment I may be representing custody visitors’ work to national partners or ministers, the next I may be working on projects to support schemes to help protect detainee rights and wellbeing. Since starting as the CEO in September 2021, I have seen […]

Recently I was delighted to attend Surrey Police HQ to observe the new College of Policing Hydra training for officers going to work in custody suites. I had very limited understanding of what Hydra training was, and what it would look and feel like so was fascinated to go and see how this would work […]

This LGBTQ+ History Month, ICVA is delighted to be hosting a guest blog from an independent custody visitor from the Sussex scheme. This is, in particular, to celebrate Joanne’s OBE award and her services to transgender equality for detainees, please read on to hear from Joanne herself. FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT AND BEYOND David was […]

Well firstly, Happy New Year to you all! I hope that you have managed to have a safe and peaceful festive period. As I said in my blog last month, for another year, you have all stepped up to the plate, and more- protecting people’s rights and dignities, in incredibly difficult circumstances. I thank you, as […]