Frequently Asked Questions

Can anyone be an OPV? Yes, subject to security clearance, depending on the category of prisoners to be visited. Are there any restrictions on who can volunteer to be an OPV? The following aren’t allowed to volunteer: Journalists Criminal lawyers Students who are researching prisons or the lives of prisoners Any persons employed or actively involved in the criminal justice system. Can an OPV visit any prison? OPVs usually visit at a prison close to their home or place of work; they are only allowed to visit at one prison. How many prisoners can an OPV visit at a time? This will depend on the prison’s arrangements and the availability of OPVs there. How frequently do OPVs visit? Most OPVs visit weekly or fortnightly; frequency is less important than regularity. When do visits take place? This depends on the prison, but usually in afternoons during the week and weekends. How safe is it to be an OPV? Very safe. During a visit, prison staff are always in evidence, whether in the Visits Hall or ‘on the wing’. Does an OPV Read more…

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News and Events

Where we operate

The NAOPV operates in England and Wales; at present, there are no OPV schemes in Scotland or Northern Ireland. There are 118 prisons in England and Wales, with a prison population of 85,933 (as of November 2024). Male prisons are organised into four categories, reflecting their level of security; there are also prisons for women, Young Offenders and juveniles. Most prisons are operated by the state, but some are privately run (for example, by SERCO and G4S). Many – but not all – prison establishments have OPV schemes. The frequency of visiting is dependent on the availability of each OPV: some OPVs visit weekly, some fortnightly and some less frequently; what is important is the regularity of visiting. Some prisons form a branch of the NAOPV which provides a support structure for the OPVs within their prison. There are ten NAOPV regions, each with a Regional Secretary. They provide support to prison chaplaincies, helping them with OPV recruitment, as well as advising staff of the implementation of the regulations relating to official prison visiting. They also provide support to Branches Read more…

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Koestler Arts

We have renewed an arrangement with the Koestler Trust to use a selection of images from the annual awards in our publications. This website incorporates many of these. “Koestler Arts is the UK’s best-known prison arts charity. We encourage people in the criminal justice system to change their lives by participating in the arts. We share their artworks with the public, so people can witness this diverse range of voices, stories and talent.” Find out more on the Koestler Arts website

HRH The Princess Royal visit to HMP Channings Wood

As reported in the May ebulletin, Princess Anne, our Patron, visited HMP Channings Wood just before lockdown. The day was a great success.

Folsom Prison Blues

Where the Koestler Trust brings us art-in-prison we thought we would include prisons-in-art – an occasional link to YouTube – the late and great Johnny Cash singing “Folsom Prison Blues”…