There are currently thousands of independent custody visitors operating throughout the UK and local recruitment is ongoing. Volunteers are welcomed from all walks of life and sections of the community in order that all people in our society are represented.

Visitors require no formal qualifications, although the following criteria help avoid potential conflicts of interest and maintain impartiality.

Independent custody visitors:

• must be over 18
• must not be justices of the peace, serving police officers or civilian employees; members or staff from police authorities or special constables
• may have their applications appraised if there appears to be a conflict of interest for people working in other areas of the criminal justice system, such as solicitors and members of the probation service.
• always work as volunteers and only receive out of pocket expenses incurred while carrying out their roles
• must have a good understanding of the English language - or Welsh, where appropriate - as all ICVA guidelines, reporting and recording procedures are available in either English or Welsh.

It should also be noted that having a criminal record or unspent convictions is not an automatic barrier to becoming a custody visitor. Individual circumstances will be assessed against the needs of the post and suitability of the applicant. All appropriate applications from members of the public are considered on their own merits.

Suitable applicants are invited to attend an interview based on the submission of a standard application form to a local police authority. Requests for application forms and information on recruitment should be directed to local police authorities. Contact details are available here.

Once recruited, full training is provided.