The Parole Board Rules 2016

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Rules)

These Rules set out the procedure to be adopted by the Parole Board when dealing with cases referred to it by the Secretary of State.

Part 1 revokes the Parole Board Rules 2011 and the Parole Board (Amendment) Rules 2014, and contains provisions for the application and interpretation of the Rules.

Part 2 covers procedures which are required in Parole Board proceedings, including the appointment of panels, information and reports to be prepared by the Secretary of State and the giving of directions.

Part 3 sets out the timetable and rules for proceedings without a hearing.

Under Part 3, decisions can be made on the papers in respect of:

• the release of prisoners serving determinate sentences;

• the initial release and release following recall of prisoners serving IPP sentences; and

• the initial release and release following recall of prisoners serving indeterminate sentences which are not IPP sentences.

However, under rule 14(1) and (2), a decision to release on the papers cannot be made in respect of the latter category. In those cases, the cases must either be directed to an oral panel, or a decision can be made that the prisoner is unsuitable for release.

Part 3 also provides for the same single panel member appointed under this Part to sit on a panel in the same case where it is referred to an oral hearing.

Part 4 sets out the timetable and rules for proceedings with an oral hearing.

Part 5 contains miscellaneous provisions.

Schedules 1 and 2 set out the information and reports to be sent to the Parole Board by the Secretary of State.

A full impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as no, or no significant impact on the private, voluntary or public sectors is foreseen.