What could be included in NPM internal rules?

NPMs may wish to include a wide range of different issues in their internal rules and procedures. This might include some or all of the following elements:

Roles and responsibility

• Who makes decisions on different issues (including visits, reports, law and policy, strategic planning, interacting with the media, budget) and who is accountable for the NPM’s actions.

Procedures

• Internal communication, coordination and interaction between different teams, units or departments (particularly for NPMs that are part of broader institutions).  This may particularly be the case in relation to complaints.
• Administrative and financial issues, in particular with regards  to the use of NPM funds.
• Human resources, including staff responsibilities, and decision-making about hiring, promotions and dismissals.
• Logistical issues.

Working Methods

• Processes regarding visits, including who is involved (and how) in the preparation, conduct, and debriefing of visits, as well as who drafts the visit report and recommendations, who approves them, and who communicates with the authorities about any findings.
• Communication, with the media and civil society.
• How the NPM engages in dialogue with the authorities and the processes by which they exchange information, request follow-up and enter into dialogue.
• How the NPM interacts with other actors at national, regional or international level, including the SPT and the UN human rights system.

Ethics and principles

• Ethical issues, particularly in relation to the use of confidential information, the do no harm principle, obligations around reporting wrongdoing, and workplace harassment.
• Values and principles that underpin the NPM’s way of working and approach.
• The NPMs’ approach towards prevention of reprisals