Regional Conference for Independent Custody Visitors

The Office of the PCC for Norfolk hosted the Regional Conference for Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) on Saturday 21 June 2025 which was attended by over 40 volunteers, including some representatives from the Appropriate Adults service. The Suffolk Scheme was well represented.

Norfolk PCC Sarah Taylor welcomed attendees, thanked them for the hard work and spoke of her wish to raise public awareness of some of the ‘unseen’ parts of policing, including what happens in custody, to ensure the appropriate care is delivered and people are always treated with dignity and respect.

Chief inspector Rob Wicks (Head of Custody for Norfolk and Suffolk Constabularies) provided an overview of Police Custody, including key developments such as in-cell technology, an update on scrutiny work, changes because of ICV feedback and ongoing efforts to improve custody.

Attendees heard from Professor Layla Skinns (Director of the Centre for Criminological Research, University of Sheffield) and Harry Croome (Custody Development Officer, Norfolk and Suffolk Constabularies) on project work ‘Good’ police custody: Influencing police custody policy and practice | Law | The University of Sheffield over the last year which involved developing and piloting an information leaflet and a series of animated videos aimed at adult detainees to improve their understanding of the custody process, their decision making options and also improve custody practices. ICVs were excited to hear that the results of the work would be shared in the summer months.

Sherry Ralph (Chief Executive Officer, Independent Custody Visiting Association) was positive about the strength of the Eastern Region group and how well the schemes work together. She spoke of the real impact ICVs have nationally in improving custody, detainee care and driving change. An overview of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment  and how Independent Custody Visiting performs a key role of the National Preventive Mechanism to prevent ill treatment was explained.  She highlighted pilot work in relation to the review of immigration detainees and to develop an e-learning platform for the volunteers which would be launched later in the year. ICVs were encouraged to continue, and build upon, their positive work in respect of the care of female detainees.

After lunch the volunteers were able to network in smaller groups and reflect on learning from the morning sessions to take back to their respective areas. It was a great event and chance to meet others volunteering in the same role, or close partners, learning from each other and sharing ideas.

We would like to thank everyone involved in planning, supporting and attending this event.

If you are interested in finding out more about the Independent Custody Visitor role or would like to get involved please see our Independent Custody Visitors page.