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