Getting parole
Parole Board hearing
You may have to go to a hearing before the Parole Board can make a decision.
You’ll get a hearing if the Parole Board decides it is necessary for your case to be considered fairly.
You’ll be told when and how the hearing will be held.
What happens at the hearing
Most hearings happen by phone or video. If your hearing is face to face, it will take place in the prison you’re in.
Up to 3 members of a panel will make a decision based on a file of documents the prison puts together. This includes:
- your behaviour in prison
- what you plan to do once released
- whether you’re likely to commit more crime or are a danger to the public
- why you’re in prison
- previous offences
- what the judge said when you were sentenced
- the victim statement - this may be read at the hearing
- medical, psychiatric and psychological evidence
Who’ll be at the hearing
You must usually attend the Parole Board hearing.
There will be other people at the hearing, for example:
- your solicitor (you may need to represent yourself at the hearing if you cannot get legal aid or do not have a solicitor)
- a prison psychologist
- the victim (when they’re reading their victim statement)
- the victim liaison officer
- witnesses
Most hearings are held in private. You or your solicitor can request for your hearing to be held in public.
What happens next
The Parole Board will write to you with their decision within 14 days. The hearing and full decision will be kept private, unless you had a public hearing.
You may be able to challenge the decision.