West Yorkshire Independent Custody Visitor Recruitment
Find out more about Independent Custody Visitor recruitment
The recruitment window is now open! If you would like to join our fantastic team of volunteers, please complete the application form below after reading the following documents.
What do Independent Custody Visitors do?
Recruitment timetable:
- Recruitment closes Sunday, September 28th, 2025.
- Shortlisting will take place w/c September 29th.
- Interviews will be held on Monday 20th and Tuesday 21st October at West Yorkshire Combined Authority (LS1 2DE).
- Mandatory Training Day Saturday, January 10th, 2026* at Leeds Divisional Headquarters (LS11 8BU). This includes a visit to a custody suite.
*date subject to change.
Please return completed application forms via email to policingandcrime@westyorks-ca.gov.uk or via post to Policing and Crime Team, Wellington House | 40-50 Wellington Street | Leeds | LS1 2DE’
Independent Custody Visiting Scheme - A Volunteering Opportunity like No Other
- Are you interested in what goes on behind the scenes in police custody?
- Do you have a flair for bringing people together to make a positive difference?
- Do you want to gain unique experience like no other volunteering opportunity can offer?
The scheme covers all five West Yorkshire areas; Wakefield, Leeds, Bradford, Kirklees and Calderdale. Custody visitors are expected to make a minimum of 24 visits per year (as far as possible spread evenly throughout the year). Custody Visitors are eligible to claim reasonable travel expenses for undertaking visits and training.
Applicants are usually appointed for a 3-year period and must:
- Reside or work in West Yorkshire.
- Be over 18 years of age (at the time of appointment).
- Be willing and able to travel across West Yorkshire to access all custody suites.
Application is by completion of a short application form. If you are shortlisted you will be asked to attend an informal interview. All applicants selected for appointment will be vetted in accordance with the Mayor's vetting procedures. Successful applicants will be required to undertake a one-day training course (usually held on a Saturday) to equip them with the knowledge and skills to be effective in carrying out the role. A dry visit to a custody suite and complete two custody visits in the company of experienced custody visitors. In addition to the initial training, custody visitors are expected to attend training and meetings held during their period of appointment.