Avon and Somerset Independent Custody Visitors Scheme wins national award

A Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) scheme to check on the welfare, rights, dignity and conditions of detainees in police custody has received a national Gold Quality Assurance Award.

The Independent Custody Visitors (ICV) Scheme in Avon and Somerset, led by PCC Clare Moody’s office, makes unannounced visits to police custody suites to provide independent scrutiny, help maintain standards, and support continuous improvement.

Over the last year, the ICVs made 155 surprise visits to the custody suites in the Avon and Somerset Police area, located in Patchway, Keynsham and Bridgwater.

Importantly, the ICVs are volunteers from the public, who deliver accountability and transparency in policing and build public trust and confidence in how policing operates behind closed doors.

You can read more about their work and impact in their 2025-26 annual report – published this week.

PCC Clare Moody: “People in custody are vulnerable and some are often in moments of crisis or low points in their lives. Over the past year, my volunteers have shown continued professionalism, care and commitment in carrying out their role. Their observations and constructive engagement with custody staff play an important part in supporting accountability and driving ongoing improvement across Avon and Somerset Police. This helps ensure that custody is delivered lawfully, safely and with respect.

“The strength of the scheme reflects our shared commitment to openness, fairness and the protection of human rights. I would like to thank all our ICVs for the time and dedication they give to this work, as well as our ICV Coordinators, whose leadership and support are integral to the scheme’s success. I also want to recognise the positive and open approach of custody staff, whose engagement with the scheme demonstrates a shared commitment to maintaining high standards.”

The Independent Custody Visiting Association (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.

The levels available range from Compliant, Silver, Gold to Platinum meaning Avon and Somerset’s scheme has been awarded the second highest level.

The Avon and Somerset ICV Scheme was presented with its Gold Quality Assurance Award at a ceremony in London this week, on 8 July.

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.”