These Rules amend the Parole Board (Scotland) Rules 2001 (“the 2001 Rules”) to make provision about the use of live link technology for the purpose of proceedings of the Parole Board for Scotland (“the Board”) or proceedings of a tribunal of the Board.

Rule 2(2)(a) amends rule 12A of the 2001 Rules to provide that a live link may be used for any part of proceedings. Previously, a live link could only be used to enable an individual witness, or the prisoner in respect of whom the proceedings are taking place, to provide evidence to proceedings of the Board or tribunal. Rule 12A of the 2001 Rules was modified by paragraph 18 of schedule 4 of the Coronavirus (Scotland) Act 2020. These amendments will replace those modifications from the point at which they expire.

By virtue of rule 12A(1), the Board or tribunal may only make use of a live link for proceedings where it is in the interests of justice to do so. Rule 2(2)(b) amends rule 12A to provide that when considering the interest of justice for this purpose, the Board or tribunal may take into account the risk of the proceedings not taking place other than by live link.

Rule 2(2)(c) substitutes a new definition of “live link” for the purposes of rule 12A of the 2001 Rules. This updates the definition to clarify that references to “live link” are to arrangements whereby any Board (or tribunal) member, the prisoner, or any other person entitled to attend proceedings of the Board is able to be seen and heard at, be heard at, see and hear, or hear those proceedings despite not being present in the same place.

No Business or Regulatory Impact Assessment has been prepared for these Rules as no impact upon business, charities or voluntary bodies is foreseen.

An Equalities Impact Assessment has been prepared and placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre. Copies may be obtained online at www.legislation.gov.uk.