Preventing Torture An Operational Guide for National Human Rights Institutions - Updated Edition with such expertise – or to rely on medical doctors, psychologists and others as external experts – to ensure that they fulfil the criteria of multidisciplinarity. NPMs’ composition should also ensure gender balance and representation of different ethnic and socio-culturak groups among their personnel. 2.2.7. Institutional capacity Most NHRIs have a number of existing departments that may be complementary to the work of the NPM, such as the ones working on complaints, legislative reform, specific issues related to groups in situations of vulnerability, communication and advocacy, and administrative issues. Finding synergies between the NPM and these departments is key for the institution as a whole to maximise its impact and use of resources. Synergies may also be found between the NPM and the NHRI’s regional offices, to ensure adequate geographical coverage for its preventive work. However, involving such offices in preventive visits and other aspects of NPM work requires careful thought and planning in order to maximise the use of the institutions’ resources and to ensure coherence of the NPM’s work. Existing infrastructure (such as offices and cars) can also be useful when NHRIs take on an NPM mandate, although additional resources will almost always be required and are, in fact, a specific requirement of the GANHRI subcommittee on accreditation (SCA), when it reviews those members institutions that have been designated as NPMs. Some NHRIs have also created an Advisory Council to provide the NPM with additional expertise and advice and to discuss strategic orientation and thematic priorities. Insights from practice: In 2014, the Parliamentary Ombudsman of Norway, created an advisory committee to provide expertise and advice to the NPMs. It is composed of 18 members representing NGOs and professional associations with expertise in relevant thematic areas such as children, antidiscrimination or user experience from different sectors. 2.2.8. Annual report NPMs are required to publish an annual report of their activities. This should preferably be a separate annual report from the NHRI’s or, at the least, a specific chapter in the annual report of the NHRI. In this case, the communication strategy surrounding the publication of the report should ensure enough visibility for the NPM work as one of the core mandates of the institution. Insights from practice: In Georgia, the Public Defender’s Office presents its annual report to the Parliament. In addition, it also presents the annual report as NPM in a separate hearing. 138