The Parole Board

The Parole Board decides whether or not a prisoner should be released on parole, and if so, what conditions should be applied.

When considering a prisoner's application for parole, the Board is required to take the following matters into consideration:

• the likelihood of the prisoner re-offending
• protection of the public
• rehabilitation of the prisoner
• any remarks made by the court in passing sentence
• the likelihood of the prisoner complying with the conditions
• the circumstances and gravity of the offence, or offences, for which the prisoner was sentenced to imprisonment
• the behaviour of the prisoner while in prison
• the behaviour of the prisoner during any previous release on parole
• the behaviour of the prisoner while subject to any order of a court
• any reports tendered to the Board on the social background of the prisoner, the medical, psychological or psychiatric condition of the prisoner or any other matter relating to the prisoner
• the probable circumstances of the prisoner after release from prison
• any statement provided by a victim of an offence for which the prisoner has been sentenced to imprisonment; and
• any other matters that the Board thinks are relevant.

The Parole Board will also consider any relevant psychological reports and Victim Impact Statements, as well as proposed arrangements for accommodation and employment while on parole.

Parole Board Membership

The Parole Board consists of three members:

• one must be a legal practitioner with at least seven years' experience
• two must have experience in sociology, criminology, penology or medicine

The Governor appoints a chairperson from the above members.