As the UN Subcommittee on the Prevention of Torture (SPT) guidelines state, “members of the NPM should collectively have the expertise and experience necessary for its effective functioning […] the NPM should ensure that its staff have between them the diversity of background, capabilities and professional knowledge necessary to enable it to properly fulfil its NPM mandate. This should include, inter alia, relevant legal and health-care expertise.” What are the other key considerations for the designation of members and staff of an NPM? Article 18.2 of the OPCAT states that parties “shall strive for a gender balance and adequate representation of ethnic and minority groups in the country.” The gender balance and representation of different ethnic and socio-cultural groups within the NPM may increase its capacity to understand the specific needs of groups in situations of vulnerability in detention and, consequently, to make appropriate recommendations. Depending on the NPM model, this balance should be fulfilled and complemented in the designation of both members and staff. Members should also have a diverse understanding of specific groups in detention (such as sociocultural and ethnic minorities) and be culturally sensitive. Which skills and other requirements should NPM members and staff have? Good listener: NPM members and staff conduct interviews with detainees and personnel during their visits to places of deprivation of liberty. To create a relationship of trust and be informed about the conditions and treatment in places of deprivation of liberty, NPM members and staff should listen carefully to what is said (and left unsaid) and pay attention to details. Observation skills: NPM members and staff should observe, listen, smell and feel everything around them in places of deprivation of liberty. This will enable them to have a sound analysis of the situation, detect any possible irregularities, apply good practices and make appropriate recommendations. Observation is an essential skill to triangulate information. Writing skills: The members and staff of NPMs are required to write concise and analytical reports (including visit, thematic and annual reports), which contain findings and clear recommendations. Good reports are not only the institutional memory of an NPM but also an effective tool for dialogue with state authorities and for the sensitisation of the public on issues related to detention. Analytical skills: The NPM members and staff gather a large amount of information (documents, interview data, statistics, etc.). It is important to verify and analyse this data before reaching conclusions and drafting recommendations. The NPM team should be able to process the information obtained objectively and translate it into specific and accurate recommendations. Communications skills: NPM members communicate with senior state authorities, personnel, detainees, families of detainees and, in some cases, victims of torture and other forms of ill-treatment. They should be professional, empathetic and capable of building a rapport with these and other types of people. Group dynamics and team players: NPM members and staff should act as a team. NPMs are usually created by a group of people with diverse expertise and backgrounds who have not previously worked together. Nevertheless, they should foster positive group dynamics, which will enable them to work 10 NPM Toolkit for Asia Pacific NPM-NHRIs