Parole

Lifer Review

Social workers provide parole reports for life sentence prisoners when requested by the Parole Board. Such reports are however considered by a Tribunal of the Board that consists of three members appointed by the Chairman of the Board. The Chairman of the Tribunal must be qualified to hold judicial office. The Tribunal may require report authors to attend the meeting of the Tribunal to provide evidence. Release plans must be in place as the Tribunal may order release within 24 hours.

All information made available to the Tribunal must also be made available to the prisoner and their agent if represented. Third party information cannot be withheld. Relatives, partners etc. need to know this when they are being interviewed. [Life Prisoner Release Guidance 2003]