Guidance

Decision Summaries

Members of the public can now request summaries of parole decisions.

Documents

Parole Explained A Short Guide On How The Parole Board Works

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If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email info@paroleboard.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Parole Glossary: A list of words commonly used in parole

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If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email info@paroleboard.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Parole Board Decision Summary Policy- September 2023

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If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email info@paroleboard.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Summaries Guidance- August 2023

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If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email info@paroleboard.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Details

20.10.2023 Update: Following a change in the summaries process the Parole Board has revised and updated the summaries guidance. As per the Parole Board’s transparency agenda this new guidance explains the current process on Parole Board Decision Summaries. This replaces all previous Parole Board guidance on Decision Summaries

A member of the public can request a summary of a Parole Board decision.

The Parole Board will process requests for summaries within six months of the decision. After that time, unfortunately, we will not be able to provide a summary.

Please note, for requests made by the media the Board will inform a prisoner’s legal representative that your publication has made a request for a summary in their case. We will not provide the individual name of any journalist.

To make a request, please include the following information in an email to summaries@paroleboard.gov.uk:

  • Your full name
  • Email/postal address
  • Details of your involvement with the case, if any
  • Name of offender and prison number – if you do not know the prison number, please provide as much identifying information as you can
  • The reason for your request

Please note: you may only request one summary per email submitted

The Parole Board can refuse to give a summary, or remove details as necessary, when the information could or does:

  • Adversely affect the successful rehabilitation or progress towards rehabilitation of any offender;
  • Place the safety of any person/s in jeopardy, through threats or other harmful behaviour;
  • Relate to a young offender - under the age of 18;
  • Relate to any offender released from a secure Mental Health Unit;
  • Breach any outstanding court orders;
  • Relate to any ongoing investigations;
  • Threaten national security;
  • Go against the public interest to disclose.

If you are signed up to the Victim Contact Scheme, please submit your request via your Victim Liaison Officer.

If you are interested in joining the Victim Contact Scheme please email: vcsenquiries@justice.gov.uk

Published 21 May 2018
Last updated 20 March 2019 + show all updates
  1. Cynllun Iaith Gymraeg: Fel rhan o'n hymrwymiad i ddarparu gwybodaeth am barôl yn Gymraeg a Saesneg, erbyn hyn rydym wedi diweddaru nifer o adrannau ar ein tudalennau gwe i'r ddwy iaith. Welsh Language Scheme: As part of our commitment to providing information about parole in English and Welsh we have now updated a number of sections on our web pages into both languages.

  2. We have added a quick guide on parole for victims and a glossary for words commonly used in parole.

  3. First published.