How is a multiple body NPM coordinated?

For the multiple institutions to operate as one NPM the institutions need to be coordinated in some way. The NPM will be stronger, more effective, and more efficient if the bodies work well together.

Ways to enable coordination include regular meetings both at leadership and operational levels, joint training, discussing common issues, sharing experience and best practice, undertaking joint visits, and preparing joint publications. This depends on the NPM and the institutions that comprise it (the number of institutions, their resources, and the places of detention they are responsible for monitoring).

• NPM coordinator. An institution should be identified as the NPM coordinator. If a coordinating body has been designated by the state this is their responsibility.  If an institution has not been designated as the NPM coordinator, the NPM institutions can choose among themselves which institution shall be the coordinating body, either on a long term basis or on rotation over a specific period of time.  A coordinating group of a few NPM institutions may also be chosen. It is best practice for the coordinating body to discuss their role and how it can be implemented with the other NPM institutions. Some NPMs have a job description of the coordinating NPM role.
• Coordination in federal or decentralised states. In federal or decentralised states, where there are several NPM institutions at different levels of government, it is good practice to coordinate both at a local level, and at a national level.
• Thematic groups. Some multiple body NPMs have coordinating groups based on themes, for example a group comprising NPM institutions that monitor places where children may be detained. This group can focus on issues arising for that specific theme or group of people, and provide advice and recommendations. These thematic groups can be a particularly positive feature of multiple body NPMs.