The work of the Parole Board

The Parole Board's work is carried out by panels, the composition of which varies according to the type of case. Most panels consist of three members. Judicial, psychiatrist and psychologist members normally sit on oral hearings. Independent and probation members sit mainly on panels considering parole applications for determinate sentence prisoners (DCR panels) and those considering recalls, but can expect to sit on oral hearings once accredited to do so.

The panels

DCR and EPP panels

DCR and EPP panels are held on most working days to consider the release of determinate sentence prisoners. Each panel consists of three members (usually independent or probation) and currently considers 18 cases per sitting. Panel members receive dossiers three weeks before the panel is due to take place, allowing them the opportunity to consider and prepare. Preparation normally takes three days. 

The panel then sits on one further day. Last minute information is often presented which members need to assimilate on the day. Panels are required to give reasons for their decisions and each member of the panel is allocated as "lead member" for one-third of the paper panel cases. The lead member is required to produce typed draft reasons in advance, which are then open to discussion and revision by consensus of the panel. Most of the panels meet at the Boards offices in central London, starting at 10am and generally lasting until mid afternoon. There are currently some regionally based panels which may reduce the requirement to travel to London for relevant members.

Recall panels

Recall panels for new members consist of two members (usually independent or probation) to review recall decisions taken by the Secretary of State in respect of determinate sentence prisoners and decide whether the prisoner can safely be re-released. Recall panels are held on most working days, either in London or at regional centres, and normally consider 18 cases. In recall cases, the dossiers are sent to panel members a week in advance and each member prepares typed draft reasons for 9 cases. Preparation time takes two days.  This is followed by the sitting day and members need to be able to organise their commitments to meet the deadline. After an initial period of experience sitting with a mentor, members can be accredited to undertake single-member recall panels, which offer greater flexibility as they can be done at home.

Oral hearings

Oral hearings are held in the prison where the prisoner concerned is located and consider cases including:

• Life sentence prisoners and those serving indeterminate sentences for public protection at tariff expiry or who have passed their tariff. The Board considers whether the risk has been reduced sufficiently so that the prisoner can be released or whether he or she must remain in custody.  The Board also has the power to recommend to the Secretary of State a transfer to open conditions.
• Extended sentence prisoners who have been recalled back to prison and who have either made representations or are entitled to a subsequent review of their detention. The Board has the power to direct the prisoners release if and when the risk has been sufficiently reduced.

Lifer oral hearings are held before a panel of three members of the Board normally comprising a judicial chair, a psychiatrist or psychologist and one other member. Extended sentence panels are often chaired by an accredited independent member.  Prisoners have the right to appear before the panel, to be represented and to see all the papers relevant to their hearing.

The majority of these panels are one-day hearings considering up to four cases. Preparation time takes half to a whole day per hearing. Sometimes members may be required to attend oral hearings spread over two or more days, which will require overnight stays. However, the Board will ensure that member's personal circumstances (e.g. childcare arrangements, etc.) are taken into consideration.

The Parole Board for England and Wales

Grenadier House, 99-105 Horseferry Road, London, SW1P 2DX

Telephone 0845 251 2220