Salary: Expenses Only
Closing date: 31/03/2026 Ongoing Advert
Department: CA Safer and Stronger Communities
Division: Community & Policing - Volunteering
Location: GMCA
Hours per week: No Set Hours - Flexible
Salary: Expenses Only
Volunteer Independent Custody Visitors
Are you looking for a new challenge? Do you have strong verbal and written communication skills? Do you enjoy travelling and meeting new people? The Greater Manchester Combined Authority is looking for dedicated and extraordinary individuals to join our army of Volunteer Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) visiting police custody suites and speaking to detainees across Greater Manchester to ensure they receive fair and equal treatment under the law.
About the Role
ICVs are members of the local community who volunteer to visit police stations unannounced to make an inspection and check on the treatment and welfare of people held in police custodies across Greater Manchester. They look at a number of issues, from the treatment and welfare of detainees and facilities within custody suites, to the effectiveness of custody processes.
On arrival at the police station, ICVs are escorted to the custody area where they interview a number of detainees in their cells and complete a structured report form. For visitors’ protection, interviews are normally carried out within sight, but out of hearing, of the escorting police officer. ICV recommendations can require the police to make improvements for the welfare of detainees and, therefore, they play a valuable role in maintaining public confidence in this important area of policing.
Mandatory Information:
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
We embrace AI to enhance our operations and to innovate our services. However, we value human talent and are looking for passionate individuals to join our organisation. Please ensure you personally complete your application and read all the instructions carefully to maximise your chances of success.
Applications that rely too heavily on AI may be rejected during shortlisting, however we understand that AI may be used as a reasonable adjustment, if using AI to support your application, please give a brief explanation why to help ensure fair selection process.
Privacy Notice (Click here)
Employees on the redeployment register will be given priority for any vacancies in the first instance. If employees are identified as a match from the register then the vacancy may be withdrawn or put on hold pending an outcome.
For this opportunity, you must be able to prove you have the right to work in the UK - if in doubt please visit the following link Employers' right to work checklist - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). Please note we are not a licenced sponsor.
Training
ICV’s are required to attend mandatory training sessions to full fill their role. Further optional training sessions are available, for example on topics including substance misuse, mental health awareness, safeguarding, and dementia. The posts are voluntary and unpaid, but all travelling expenses are reimbursed.
Benefits of being an ICV
Independent custody visitors play a vital role in providing the public with confidence that police treat individuals lawfully and with respect when detained in police custody. By becoming an ICV, you will contribute to a role in society as a whole by demonstrating the high standards of care shown in the detention of detainees through independent assessment.
Elgibility
Greater Manchester Combined Authority is responsible for recruiting, selecting and appointing all custody visitors. To be eligible as an ICV volunteer, you must be 18 years of age, or older, and have no direct involvement in the criminal justice system. For example, serving or retired police officers or staff, special constables or magistrates would NOT be considered for the role. Other people, such as solicitors or probation officers may also be excluded to prevent possible conflict of interests for the individual. This maintains the independence of the scheme as a whole. Appointment as an independent custody visitor is subject to a successful application and interview process.
Please note, this role is subject to GMP Vetting clearance.
Be part of the team and join our army of extraordinary volunteers who carry out an important role visiting police custody suites and speaking to detainees across Greater Manchester to ensure they receive fair and equal treatment under the law.