Paratoi ar gyfer Gwrandawiad Bwrdd Parôl
Sut i baratoi ar gyfer gwrandawiad llafar Bwrdd Parôl.
Trosolwg
The Parole Board is an independent body that assesses whether prisoners can be safely released into the community. If you are serving an indeterminate sentence (life or IPP) or certain extended sentences, the Parole Board will review your case after your tariff (minimum term) has expired. Following R (Osborn) v Parole Board [2013], you are entitled to an oral hearing whenever fairness requires one. This guide explains how to prepare.
Pwy all ddefnyddio'r broses hon
- You are serving a life sentence and have passed your tariff date
- You are serving an IPP sentence and have passed your tariff date
- You are serving an extended determinate sentence and are eligible for Parole Board review
- You have been recalled to prison and are challenging your recall
Proses gam wrth gam
Instruct a solicitor
You are entitled to legal representation at Parole Board hearings, and legal aid is available. Instruct a solicitor who specialises in parole and prison law as early as possible. They can help you prepare your case, obtain reports, and represent you at the hearing.
- Legal aid covers solicitor and barrister representation
- Choose a solicitor experienced in parole work
- Your solicitor can request disclosure of all relevant documents
Review the dossier
The Parole Board will compile a dossier containing all relevant reports: prison reports, offender manager reports, psychology reports, sentence plan, previous Parole Board decisions, and risk assessments. You and your solicitor have the right to see the dossier.
- Check the dossier carefully for factual errors
- Raise any inaccuracies with your solicitor
- You can submit representations on the dossier contents
Prepare your evidence
Prepare evidence demonstrating reduced risk: completion of offending behaviour programmes, evidence of insight into offending, release plan (accommodation, employment, support networks), and any expert reports. Your solicitor may commission an independent psychologist's report.
- Complete recommended courses before the hearing if possible
- Prepare a realistic release plan with confirmed accommodation
- Demonstrating victim empathy and insight is important
Attend the oral hearing
At the oral hearing, the panel (usually 3 members including a judge) will hear evidence from witnesses including your offender manager, prison psychologist, and yourself. Your solicitor or barrister can cross-examine witnesses and make submissions.
- Be honest — the panel values honesty over telling them what they want to hear
- Be prepared to discuss your offending openly
- The hearing is usually held in the prison
Decision and next steps
The Parole Board will issue a written decision with reasons, usually within 14 days. If release is directed, you will be released on life licence with conditions. If release is not directed, the panel will usually make recommendations and set a date for the next review.
- If refused, you can apply for reconsideration within 21 days on limited grounds
- If released, comply strictly with licence conditions — breach can lead to recall
- The next review is usually within 2 years
Costau
Rhybuddion pwysig
The Parole Board's primary concern is public protection — demonstrate risk reduction, not just time served.
Refusing to engage with offending behaviour programmes or risk assessments will count against you.
If released on life licence, you remain on licence for life — any breach of conditions can result in immediate recall to prison.