HISTORY.
The Association was formed in 1924, but traces its
origins back to 1901, when prison visiting was first officially recognised. In
2003 the Association became a registered charity and "Official" was
inserted into the title, this is why some of the older quotes in these pages
refer to the "NAPV" rather than the "NAOPV".
MEMBERSHIP.
Membership of the NAOPV is achieved by all Official
Prison Visitors (OPVs) by a minimum subscription, currently £10.00, which may
be gift aided. The contribution from members ensures the independence of the
NAOPV.
FUNCTION.
The NAOPV promotes and helps to maintain the work
of Official Prison Visitors. The Lord Chancellor is ex-officio President, and
the Association is run at national level by a small Executive Committee elected
by OPVs, and also by a General/Membership Secretary who may be an OPV
and a member of the Association.
GENERAL.
The Executive Committee maintains regular liaison
with Prison Service staff at national and regional level; contact is also
maintained with agencies working with offenders and those having interest in
penal affairs. A regular newsletter is sent to all OPVs.The NAOPV is a
registered charity and a respected Association which is often approached by the
media for information on prison visiting matters and has, more than once, been
asked to a House of Commons Committee.
THE NAOPV IS NOT A PRESSURE GROUP.
An Annual General Meeting (held in London) and
various Regional Conferences are held each year. These provide the chance for
OPVs and interested parties to hear first-class speakers, and also exchange
ideas and experiences. Travel expenses will be refunded to delegates attending
the A.G.M., the number of delegates being decided by the size of the NAOPV
Branch.
BRANCHES.
The formation of an NAOPV Branch in a prison
strengthens the application and independence of OPVs by giving them group
identity. Liaison with prison staff widens experience on both sides. The Branch
Chairman and Secretary are points of contact for OPVs, prison staff and other
Branches in the region. Branches have joint-strength, and are backed by the
Regional Secretary, the Executive Committee, etc. to national level.
H.M. PRISON SERVICE - HANDBOOK FOR OPVs.
Each OPV is given a copy of this booklet on
appointment. It contains Government Guidelines for our voluntary work in the
Prison Service, and must be adhered to. OPVs must also follow local rules set
by the Governor of the Establishment in which they visit.
WEBSITE AND EMAIL ADDRESS.
This is the official website of the NAOPV. The
NAOPV email address is:-
info@naopv.com
