The Parole Board Rules 2019

PART 1 E+W Introduction

Citation, commencement and revocation E+W

1.—(1) These Rules may be cited as the Parole Board Rules 2019 and come into force on 22nd July 2019.

(2) The Parole Board Rules 2016(1) and the Parole Board (Amendment) Rules 2018(2) are revoked.

Commencement Information

I1 Rule 1 in force at 22.7.2019, see rule 1(1)

Interpretation E+W

2.  In these Rules—

“1997 Act” means the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997(3);

“2003 Act” means the Criminal Justice Act 2003;

“assessment panel” means a panel appointed under rule 5(4) to consider reconsideration applications under rule 28;

“barrister” means an individual who has been called to the Bar by an Inn of Court and holds a current practising certificate;

“Board” means the Parole Board(4);

“Board chair” means the chairman of the Board appointed under paragraph 2 of Schedule 19 to the 2003 Act;

“case” means any matter referred to the Board by the Secretary of State, including a request for advice;

“custodian” means a prison officer under the Prison Act 1952(5), an officer of a contracted-out prison under the Criminal Justice Act 1991(6), or any person employed to work in a prison;

“determinate sentence” means a sentence served by a fixed-term prisoner as defined by section 237 of the 2003 Act;

“direct application” means an application made by a prisoner directly to the Board under rule 31;

“duty member” means a member of the Board appointed under rule 4(2);

“extended sentence” means an extended sentence for certain violent or sexual offences under sections 226A, 226B, 227 and 228 of the 2003 Act(7), or section 85 of the Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000(8);

“indeterminate sentence” means a sentence listed under section 34(2) of the 1997 Act;

“members of staff” means employees appointed under paragraph 5 of Schedule 19 to the 2003 Act;

“offender” means a prisoner or a person released from prison on licence;

“oral hearing” means a hearing before a panel appointed under rule 5(2);

“panel” means a panel of one or more members appointed under rule 5(1), (2), (3) or (5);

“panel chair” means the person who is chairing a panel by virtue of rule 5(6);

“party” means a prisoner or the Secretary of State;

“previous review” means the Secretary of State’s previous referral of the prisoner’s case to the Board relating to the prisoner’s release under the 1997 Act or 2003 Act;

“prison” includes a young offender institution or any other institution where a prisoner is detained;

“prison director” means a person appointed under section 85(1)(a) of the Criminal Justice Act 1991;

“prisoner” means a person detained in a young offender institution or detained or imprisoned in any other institution, excluding a person on remand;

“prison governor” means a person acting as governor of a prison as required by section 7 of the Prison Act 1952;(9)

“provisional decision” means a decision which is not yet final because; (a) it is subject to an application for an oral hearing under rule 20(1); or (b) it is subject to reconsideration under rule 28;

“public holiday” means Christmas Day, Good Friday or a day which is a bank holiday under the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971(10) in England and Wales;

“recall” means where an offender is serving a sentence in the community on licence and the Secretary of State revokes the licence returning the offender to custody;

“request for advice” means any matter referred to the Board where it is the Board’s duty to advise the Secretary of State under section 239(2) of the 2003 Act;

“solicitor” means a solicitor of the Senior Courts;

“working day” means any day which is not a Saturday, Sunday or a public holiday.

Commencement Information

I2 Rule 2 in force at 22.7.2019, see rule 1(1)

Application E+W

3.—(1) These Rules apply to all cases and direct applications before the Board.

(2) Subject to paragraph (3), cases referred to the Board before the date on which these Rules come into force continue under these Rules, and are treated as if the case was referred under these Rules.

(3) Applications for reconsideration under rule 28 can only be made where a decision that is eligible for reconsideration is made on or after the date these Rules come into force.

(4) Any steps taken in cases before the date on which these Rules come into force are deemed to have been taken under these Rules.

Commencement Information

I3 Rule 3 in force at 22.7.2019, see rule 1(1)

PART 2 E+W General powers and provisions

Delegation and appointment of functions E+W

4.—(1) The Board chair may delegate any of the Board chair’s functions as set out in these Rules to any other member of the Board.

(2) The Board chair may appoint a member of the Board to carry out any function as required by the Rules.

(3) The Board chair may delegate the following functions to the Board’s members of staff—

(a) the appointment of panels under rule 5;

(b) only where it is necessary to allow for a third party to comply with a deadline, and not where it would result in the adjournment or deferral of a listed hearing, the variation of—

(i) the timetable for proceedings under rule 6(3)(a), including deadlines set in directions;

(ii) the deadline for representatives to submit written representations and evidence as set in rule 18(1).

Commencement Information

I4 Rule 4 in force at 22.7.2019, see rule 1(1)

Appointment of panels E+W

5.—(1) For all cases which have been referred to the Board, the Board chair must appoint one or more members of the Board to constitute a panel to consider, in accordance with rule 19, the release of a prisoner on the papers, or to advise the Secretary of State.

(2) If, following consideration on the papers under rule 19, a case is directed to be considered at an oral hearing, the Board chair must appoint one or more members of the Board to constitute a panel to hear that case in accordance with rules 22 to 26.

(3) If following consideration of whether a case should be decided on the papers following receipt of further evidence, in accordance with rule 21, a direction is made for the case to be decided by a panel on the papers, the Board chair must appoint one or more members of the Board to constitute a panel to make a decision on the release of the prisoner on the papers.

(4) For any application made for reconsideration of a provisional decision under rule 28, the Board chair must appoint one or more members of the Board to constitute an assessment panel to consider the application.

(5) For any application made for the Board to consider the termination of an offender’s licence under rule 31, the Board chair must appoint one or more members of the Board to constitute a panel to consider the application.

(6) Any panel or assessment panel appointed under paragraphs (1) to (5) is to be chaired—

(a) where a panel or assessment panel is constituted of more than one member, by the member of the panel appointed by the Board chair for this purpose;

(b) where a panel or assessment panel is constituted of only one member, by that member.

(7) A person appointed under paragraph (1) may, in the same case, sit on a panel at an oral hearing appointed under paragraph (2).

(8) A person appointed under paragraphs (1) to (3) to consider a case on the papers or at an oral hearing must not subsequently be appointed to an assessment panel for reconsideration of that case under paragraph (4).

Commencement Information

I5 Rule 5 in force at 22.7.2019, see rule 1(1)

Case management and directions E+W

6.—(1) A panel chair or duty member may be appointed in accordance with rule 4 to carry out case management functions and may at any time make, vary or revoke a direction.

(2) The panel chair or duty member appointed under paragraph (1) may make any direction necessary in the interests of justice, to effectively manage the case or for such other purpose as the panel chair or duty member considers appropriate.

(3) Such directions may in particular relate to—

(a) the timetable for the proceedings;

(b) the service of information or a report;

(c) the submission of evidence;

(d) the attendance of a witness or observer.

(4) A direction given under this rule may not relate to withholding information or reports; such directions are governed by rule 17.

(5) A party or third party who is subject to a direction may apply in writing for a direction to be given, varied or revoked.

(6) An application under paragraph (5) must—

(a) specify any direction or variation sought and the reasons for the direction or variation, and

(b) be served on the other party, and any third party (if applicable).

(7) Where a third party makes an application under paragraph (5), the Board must serve the application on the parties under paragraph (6)(b).

(8) Where a party, or third party, has applied for a direction to be given, varied or revoked under paragraph (5), either party or the third party (if applicable) may—

(a) make written representations about the application;

(b) where the panel chair or duty member thinks it necessary, make oral submissions at a directions hearing held under rule 7.

(9) The power to give, vary or revoke directions may be exercised in the absence of the parties.

(10) The Board must serve on the parties, and third party (if applicable), any directions given, varied or revoked as soon as practicable.

(11) The panel chair or duty member may adjourn or defer the proceedings to obtain further information or for such other purpose as they consider appropriate.

(12) Where the panel chair who is conducting an oral hearing adjourns or defers proceedings under paragraph (11) without a further hearing date being fixed, they must give the parties at least 3 weeks’ notice of the date, time and place of the resumed hearing (unless the parties agree to shorter notice).

(13) Any decision to adjourn or defer an oral hearing must be recorded in writing with reasons, and that record must be provided to the parties not more than 14 days after the date of that decision.

(14) Where a prisoner’s case has previously been referred to the Board, in making any decision under this rule to adjourn or defer proceedings, the panel chair or duty member must take into account the date of the decision of that prisoner’s previous review.

Commencement Information

I6 Rule 6 in force at 22.7.2019, see rule 1(1)

Directions hearings E+W

7.—(1) A panel chair or duty member may hold a directions hearing.

(2) A panel chair or duty member may direct that a third party attends a directions hearing for any purpose as the panel chair or duty member considers appropriate.

(3) The panel chair or duty member must notify the parties at least 14 days before the day of the directions hearing of the date, time, place and method fixed for the directions hearing.

(4) In specifying the method fixed for the directions hearing, the panel chair or duty member may direct that the directions hearing is to take place at a specified location or via video link, telephone conference or other electronic means.

(5) At a directions hearing, unless the panel chair or duty member directs otherwise, the panel chair or duty member must sit alone.

(6) A directions hearing may proceed in the absence of a prisoner who is represented at the hearing, or an unrepresented prisoner who chooses not to attend.

Commencement Information

I7 Rule 7 in force at 22.7.2019, see rule 1(1)

Time E+W

8.  Where the time prescribed by or under these Rules for doing any act expires on a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday, the act is deemed to be in time if it is done on the next working day.

Commencement Information

I8 Rule 8 in force at 22.7.2019, see rule 1(1)

Time limits E+W

9.  A panel chair or duty member may alter any of the time limits prescribed by or under these Rules where it is necessary to do so for the effective management of the case, in the interests of justice or for such other purpose as the panel chair or duty member considers appropriate.

Commencement Information

I9 Rule 9 in force at 22.7.2019, see rule 1(1)

Representatives E+W

10.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2), a party may appoint a representative (whether a solicitor or barrister or other representative) to represent that party in the proceedings.

(2) The following may not act as a representative—

(a) any person who is detained or is liable to be detained under the Mental Health Act 1983(11);

(b) any person serving a sentence of imprisonment or a sentence of a detention;

(c) any person who is on licence having been released from a sentence of imprisonment or a sentence of detention, or

(d) any person with a conviction for an offence which remains unspent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974(12).

(3) If a party appoints a representative, that party or the representative must notify the Board and the other party of the name, address and occupation of the representative at the same time as the case is referred to the Board, or as soon as reasonably practicable.

(4) Where the Secretary of State receives due notification of the appointment of a representative under paragraph (3), the Secretary of State—

(a) must provide both the prisoner and the representative with any document which is required to be provided, and

(b) may assume that the representative is and remains authorised as such until they receive written notification that this is not so from the representative or prisoner.

(5) Subject to paragraph (2), a person whose name, address and occupation has not been notified under paragraph (3) may act as a representative if authorised by the panel chair.

(6) If the prisoner has not appointed a representative, the panel chair or duty member may appoint a representative (solicitor or barrister or other representative) for the prisoner—

(a) with the prisoner’s agreement, or

(b) where the prisoner lacks the capacity to appoint a representative and the panel chair or duty member believes that it is in the prisoner’s best interests for the prisoner to be represented.

Commencement Information

I10 Rule 10 in force at 22.7.2019, see rule 1(1)

Method of service E+W

11.—(1) Where a party or other person is required to serve documents on the Board or parties under these Rules, the documents must be served by being—

(a) sent to a secure electronic address where one has been provided by the Board and/or a party;

(b) deposited to a digital repository specified by the Board, or

(c) sent to the office of the Board and/or the party’s last known address by secure post or courier.

(2) Where the Secretary of State is required to serve documents on a prisoner who is not represented, the documents must be served by handing them to the prisoner in person.

(3) The custodian who serves documents under paragraph (2) on a prisoner who is not represented must—

(a) endorse the documents with the time and date of service on the prisoner, and

(b) record that the prisoner has been served with the documents.

(4) Where a prisoner who is not represented refuses to receive documents under paragraph (3), the custodian must record the time and date that service was attempted.

(5) Any documents required to be provided to the Board and served on the Secretary of State by a prisoner who is not represented may also be served by handing the documents to a custodian addressed to the person to be served.

(6) Where a prisoner serves any documents under paragraph (5), the custodian must—

(a) endorse the documents with the time and date of receipt;

(b) record the receipt of the documents, and

(c) forward them promptly to the addressee.

Commencement Information

I11 Rule 11 in force at 22.7.2019, see rule 1(1)

Date of service E+W

12.—(1) Unless the panel chair or duty member direct otherwise, any documents served under rule 11(1)(a) or (b) are deemed served on the next working day after the documents were transmitted.

(2) Any documents served under rule 11(1)(c) are deemed served on the second working day after the day on which the documents were posted or despatched.

(3) Any documents served under rule 11(2) or (5) are deemed served on the day the documents were handed over.

(4) Where a prisoner who is not represented refuses to receive documents under rule 11(3), the documents will be deemed as served on the day service was attempted.

Commencement Information

I12 Rule 12 in force at 22.7.2019, see rule 1(1)

Witnesses E+W

13.—(1) A party who wishes to call a witness at an oral hearing must make a written application to the Board but such an application may not be made later than 12 weeks before the date for the oral hearing notified to the parties under rule 22.

(2) A written application to call a witness must—

(a) include the witness’s name, address and occupation, and

(b) explain why the party wishes to call the witness.

(3) A party who makes an application to call a witness under paragraph (1) must, at the same time, also serve a copy of the application on the other party.

(4) A panel chair or duty member must determine an application to call a witness and must communicate this decision to the parties.

(5) The panel chair or duty member who determines the application under paragraph (4) must give reasons in writing for any refusal to call a witness.

(6) Where a panel chair or duty member makes a direction for a witness to be called, the Board must notify the parties in writing within 14 days.

(7) Written notification from the Board that it intends to call a witness must—

(a) include the witness’s name, address and occupation, and

(b) explain why the witness is being called.

(8) Where a witness is called under these Rules, it is the duty of—

(a) the party calling the witness in respect of a witness called by virtue of an application under paragraph (1), and

(b) the Board, in respect of a witness called under paragraph (6),

to notify the witness no later than 2 weeks before the date of the allocated oral hearing of the date, time, place of the hearing and the need to attend.

(9) Where a panel chair or duty member has directed that a witness is to be called, the panel chair or duty member may direct that it is suitable for a witness to attend via video link, telephone conference or other electronic means.

Commencement Information

I13 Rule 13 in force at 22.7.2019, see rule 1(1)

Observers E+W

14.—(1) A party who wishes to be accompanied at an oral hearing by an observer must make a written application to the Board but such an application may not be made later than 12 weeks before the date allocated for the oral hearing under rule 22.

(2) A party who makes an application to be accompanied by an observer under paragraph (1) must, at the same time, also serve a copy of the application on the other party.

(3) Within 14 days of the receipt of the application under paragraph (2), the other party may make representations to the Board on the application.

(4) After the 14-day period for the other party to make representations under paragraph (3) has expired, the panel chair or duty member must determine the application for a party to be accompanied by an observer and communicate this decision to the parties.

(5) Before granting an application made under paragraph (1), the panel chair or duty member must obtain the agreement of—

(a) the prison governor or prison director, where the hearing is being held in a prison, or

(b) in any other circumstance, the person who appears to the panel chair or duty member to have the authority to agree to the admittance of the proposed observer to the premises.

Commencement Information

I14 Rule 14 in force at 22.7.2019, see rule 1(1)

Location and privacy of oral hearings E+W

15.—(1) An oral hearing must be held via video link, telephone conference or other electronic means if the duty member or panel chair so directs.

(2) In any other circumstance, the oral hearing must be held at such a place as the duty member or panel chair, with the agreement of the Secretary of State, directs.

(3) An oral hearing (including a directions hearing) must be held in private.

(4) In addition to any witness who has been called under these Rules, and any observer whose attendance has been approved under rule 14, the panel chair or duty member may—

(a) admit any other person to the oral hearing as an observer, and

(b) impose conditions on that person’s admittance.

(5) At the oral hearing, the parties may not challenge the attendance of any witness who has been called under these Rules, or observer whose attendance has been approved under rule 14 or under paragraph (4).

Commencement Information

I15 Rule 15 in force at 22.7.2019, see rule 1(1)

PART 3 E+W Parole Board proceedings

Referral and service of reports E+W

16.—(1) A case is deemed to be referred to the Board on the date that the Board receives the referral letter and the information and reports required under paragraph (3) from the Secretary of State.

(2) The Secretary of State must serve the information and reports required under paragraph (3) on the prisoner (and the prisoner’s representative if they are represented) at the same time as service on the Board.

(3) Subject to rule 17, the Secretary of State must serve on the Board and the prisoner (and the prisoner’s representative if they are represented)—

(a) the information specified in the Schedule;

(b) any further information which the Secretary of State considers relevant to the case, and

(c) where a case relates to a request for advice, any information which the Secretary of State considers relevant to the case.

Commencement Information

I16 Rule 16 in force at 22.7.2019, see rule 1(1)

Withholding information or reports E+W

17.—(1) The Secretary of State and any third party authorised by the Secretary of State (“authorised third party”) may apply to the Board for information or any report (“the material”) to be withheld from the prisoner, or from both the prisoner and their representative, where the Secretary of State or the authorised third party considers—

(a) that its disclosure would adversely affect—

(i) national security;

(ii) the prevention of disorder or crime, or

(iii) the health or welfare of the prisoner or any other person, and

(b) that withholding the material is a necessary and proportionate measure in the circumstances of the case.

(2) An application under paragraph (1) may not be made later than 8 weeks before the date allocated for an oral hearing under rule 22.

(3) Where the Secretary of State or the authorised third party makes an application for the material to be withheld under paragraph (1), the Secretary of State or authorised third party must serve on the Board—

(a) the material, or a separate document containing the material, and

(b) a written application for non-disclosure, explaining why it is proposed to be withheld.

(4) On receipt of an application under paragraph (3)(b), either a panel chair or duty member appointed for that purpose, must consider the application and may make directions as necessary to enable determination of the application.

(5) Where the panel chair or duty member is satisfied that all relevant information has been served on the Board, they must consider the application and direct that the material should be—

(a) served on the prisoner and their representative (if applicable) in full;

(b) withheld from the prisoner or from both the prisoner and their representative, or

(c) disclosed to the prisoner, or to both the prisoner and the prisoner’s representative (if applicable) in the form of a summary or redacted version.

(6) If—

(a) a direction is given under paragraph (5)(a) and the Secretary of State or authorised third party intends to appeal against it in accordance with paragraph (11), or

(b) a direction is given under paragraph (5)(b) or (c),

the Secretary of State, or the Board (where an authorised third party made the application under paragraph (3)), must, as soon as practicable, notify the prisoner and the prisoner’s representative (if applicable) that an application has been made under paragraph (3)(b) and the direction that has been made under paragraph (5).

(7) If the panel chair or duty member appointed under paragraph (4) gives a direction under paragraph (5)(b) or (c) that relates only to the prisoner, and that prisoner has a representative, the Secretary of State or authorised third party must, subject to paragraphs (10) and (11), serve the material as soon as practicable (unless the panel chair or duty member directs otherwise) on the prisoner’s representative, if the representative is—

(a) a barrister or solicitor;

(b) a registered medical practitioner, or

(c) a person whom the panel chair or duty member appointed under paragraph (4) directs is suitable by virtue of their experience or professional qualifications.

(8) The panel chair or duty member may direct the appointment of a special advocate appointed by the Attorney General to represent the prisoner’s interests where the panel chair or duty member appointed under paragraph (4)—

(a) makes a direction under (5)(a) and the Secretary of State or the authorised third party appeals the direction under paragraph (11), or

(b) makes a direction under (5)(b) or (c) that relates to a prisoner and their representative, or the prisoner does not have a representative.

(9) If a direction to appoint a special advocate is made under paragraph (8), the Secretary of State or authorised third party must serve the material as soon as practicable (unless the panel chair or duty member directs otherwise) on the special advocate.

(10) The material must not be disclosed to the prisoner’s representative under paragraph (7) unless the prisoner’s representative first gives an undertaking to the Board that the prisoner’s representative will not, without the consent of the panel chair or duty member, disclose it to the prisoner or to any other person.

(11) Within 7 days of notification by the Secretary of State or Board in accordance with paragraph (6), either party or the authorised third party may appeal against that direction to the Board chair and notify the other party of the application to appeal.

(12) If the Secretary of State or authorised third party appeals the direction in accordance with paragraph (11), the Secretary of State or authorised third party need not serve the material under paragraphs (5) or (7) until the appeal is determined.

(13) Where a direction is made under paragraph (5)(b) or (c) to withhold material from a prisoner who does not have a representative, the decision will automatically be considered in an appeal to the Board chair.

(14) Within 7 days of being notified that a party has appealed under paragraph (11), the other party may make representations in respect of the appeal to the Board chair.

(15) If—

(a) a panel chair or duty member appointed under paragraph (4) to determine an application under paragraph (1), or

(b) the Board chair determining an appeal under paragraph (11) or (13),

decides that any material which is subject to the application by the Secretary of State or authorised third party under paragraph (1) should be disclosed to the prisoner (in full or in the form of a summary or redacted version), the Secretary of State or authorised third party may withdraw the material within 7 days of that decision.

(16) If the Secretary of State or authorised third party withdraws any material in accordance with paragraph (15), no one who has seen that material may be a member of a panel which determines the case.

Commencement Information

I17 Rule 17 in force at 22.7.2019, see rule 1(1)

Representations by and evidence of the parties E+W

18.—(1) A party who wishes to make representations to the Board must serve them on the Board and the other party—

(a) within 4 weeks of the case being referred to the Board where the case relates to the initial release of a prisoner, or

(b) at the time of referral if the case relates to the release following recall of a prisoner.

(2) Any additional evidence that a party wishes to present at an oral hearing must be served on the Board and the other party at least 14 days before the date of the oral hearing.

(3) Any party that wishes to present at an oral hearing documentary evidence which has not been served at least 14 days before the date of the hearing, must serve the material on the Board and the other party, together with an application to the panel chair or duty member for permission to do so, as soon as reasonably practicable, and must, as part of that application, give reasons for late service.

Commencement Information

I18 Rule 18 in force at 22.7.2019, see rule 1(1)

Consideration on the papers E+W

19.—(1) Where a panel is appointed under rule 5(1) to consider the release of a prisoner, the panel must decide on the papers either that—

(a) the prisoner is suitable for release;

(b) the prisoner is unsuitable for release, or

(c) the case should be directed to an oral hearing.

(2) Where a panel has received a request for advice from the Secretary of State concerning whether a prisoner should move to open conditions, the panel must recommend whether—

(a) the prisoner is suitable for a move to open conditions, or

(b) the prisoner is not suitable for a move to open conditions.

(3) Where a panel makes a decision that the case should be directed to an oral hearing under this rule, the panel may at the same time make any directions relating to the oral hearing.

(4) Any decision made under paragraph (1)(a) which is eligible for reconsideration under rule 28 is provisional, and becomes final if no application for reconsideration is received within the period specified by that rule.

(5) Any decision made under paragraph (1)(a) which is not eligible for reconsideration under rule 28 is final.

(6) Any decision made under paragraph (1)(b) is provisional.

(7) Where the Board receives a request for advice with respect to any matter referred to it by the Secretary of State, the Board may advise or make a recommendation to the Secretary of State without an oral hearing.

(8) The decision or advice of the panel must be recorded in writing with reasons for that decision or advice, and the written record provided to the parties within 14 days of that decision or advice.

Commencement Information

I19 Rule 19 in force at 22.7.2019, see rule 1(1)

Procedure after a provisional decision on the papers E+W

20.—(1) Where a panel appointed under rule 5(1) has made a decision that a prisoner is unsuitable for release under rule 19(1)(b), the prisoner may apply in writing for a panel at an oral hearing to determine the case.

(2) A prisoner who makes an application under paragraph (1) must serve the application, together with reasons for making an application, on the Board and the Secretary of State, within 28 days of the provision of the written record under rule 19(8).

(3) If no application has been served by the prisoner under paragraph (2) after the expiry of the period specified by that paragraph, a provisional decision made under rule 19(1)(b)—

(a) remains provisional if it is eligible for reconsideration under rule 28, and becomes final if no application for reconsideration is received within the period specified by that rule, or

(b) becomes final if it is not eligible for reconsideration under rule 28.

(4) Where no application is served by a prisoner under paragraph (2), the decision must be provided to the parties by the Board within 35 days of the written record under rule 19(8).

(5) If an application is served in accordance with paragraph (2), the decision about whether the case should be determined at an oral hearing must be taken by a member of the Board who—

(a) is a duty member, and

(b) was not part of the constituted panel appointed under rule 5(1) who made the provisional decision.

(6) If the decision taken under paragraph (5) is that the case should not be determined at an oral hearing, a provisional decision under rule 19(1)(b)—

(a) remains provisional if it is eligible for reconsideration under rule 28 and becomes final if no application for reconsideration is received within the period specified by that rule, or

(b) becomes final if it is not eligible for reconsideration under rule 28.

(7) Where the decision taken under paragraph (5) is that the case should not be determined at an oral hearing, that decision must be provided to the parties by the Board within 35 days of the written record under rule 19(8).

(8) A decision under paragraph (5) cannot be deferred or adjourned by a panel chair or duty member under rule 6 and the time limit in paragraph (7) cannot be extended under rule 9.

Commencement Information

I20 Rule 20 in force at 22.7.2019, see rule 1(1)

Decision on the papers after a direction for an oral hearing E+W

21.—(1) Subject to the provisions of this rule, where further evidence is received by the Board after a panel have directed that a case should be determined at an oral hearing under rule 19(1)(c) or 20(5), a panel chair or duty member can direct that the case should be decided on the papers if an oral hearing is no longer necessary.

(2) Where further evidence is received under paragraph (1), the Board must notify the parties of the receipt of the evidence as soon as practicable.

(3) Within 14 days of notification of the receipt of further evidence under paragraph (2), the parties may make representations on—

(a) the contents of the further evidence, and

(b) whether they agree to the case being decided by a panel on the papers.

(4) After the 14-day period for the parties to make representations under paragraph (3), the panel chair or duty member will consider the further evidence and any representations made, and make a direction that the case should—

(a) be decided by a panel on the papers, or

(b) continue to be determined by a panel at an oral hearing under rule 25.

(5) Where a direction is made under paragraph (4)(a) for a decision to be made by a panel on the papers under paragraph (7), the panel may be constituted of the panel chair who made the direction or by a new panel appointed under rule 5(3).

(6) A direction for a case to be decided on the papers under paragraph (4)(a) cannot be made where there is less than 3 weeks until the oral hearing.

(7) Where a direction is made that the case should be decided on the papers under paragraph (4)(a), the panel must decide either that—

(a) the prisoner is suitable for release, or

(b) the prisoner is not suitable for release.

(8) Any decision made under paragraph (7) is provisional if it is eligible for reconsideration under rule 28, and becomes final if no application for reconsideration is received within the period specified by that rule.

(9) Any decision made under paragraph (7) which is not eligible for reconsideration under rule 28 is final.

(10) Where a panel chair or duty member receives a request for advice from the Secretary of State concerning whether a prisoner should move to open conditions, the panel chair must recommend whether—

(a) the prisoner is suitable for a move to open conditions, or

(b) the prisoner is not suitable for a move to open conditions.

(11) Where the Board receive a request for advice with respect to any matter referred to it by the Secretary of State, any recommendation made in respect of that request is final.

(12) The decision under paragraph (7) and/or recommendation under paragraph (10) must be recorded in writing with reasons for that decision and/or recommendation, and the written record provided to the parties within 14 days of that decision and/or recommendation.

Commencement Information

I21 Rule 21 in force at 22.7.2019, see rule 1(1)

Notice of an oral hearing E+W

22.—(1) Before fixing the date of the oral hearing the Board must consult the parties.

(2) Within 1 week of a case being listed, the Board must notify the parties of the date of the oral hearing.

(3) The Board must give the parties reasonable notice of the date, time and place of the hearing.

(4) Where notification is less than 12 weeks then the Board must review any other affected timescale.

(5) Notification of less than 3 weeks must be agreed with both parties.

(6) If applicable, the Board must give the parties notice that the hearing will be held via video link, telephone conference or other electronic means.

Commencement Information

I22 Rule 22 in force at 22.7.2019, see rule 1(1)

Notification by prisoner E+W

23.—(1) A prisoner must notify the Board and the Secretary of State if—

(a) the prisoner does not want a panel at an oral hearing to consider the case, or

(b) the prisoner does not want to attend an oral hearing which has been listed.

(2) An oral hearing may take place in the absence of a prisoner where—

(a) a prisoner has notified the Board in accordance with paragraph (1);

(b) a represented prisoner has not notified the Board in accordance with paragraph (1) but the prisoner’s representative is in attendance;

(c) a represented prisoner has not notified the Board in accordance with paragraph (1) and neither the prisoner nor the prisoner’s representative are present at the hearing.

Commencement Information

I23 Rule 23 in force at 22.7.2019, see rule 1(1)

Oral hearing procedure E+W

24.—(1) At the beginning of the oral hearing the panel chair must—

(a) explain the order of proceedings which the panel plans to adopt, and

(b) invite each party present to state their view as to the suitability of the prisoner for release or for transfer to open conditions, as applicable.

(2) The panel—

(a) must avoid formality during the hearing;

(b) may ask any question to satisfy itself of the level of risk of the prisoner, and

(c) must conduct the hearing in a manner it considers most suitable to the clarification of the issues before it and to the just handling of the proceedings.

(3) The parties are entitled to—

(a) take such part in the proceedings as the panel thinks fit;

(b) hear each other’s witnesses and representations;

(c) put questions to each other;

(d) call a witness who has been given written notification in accordance with rule 13, and

(e) question any witness appearing before the panel.

(4) If, in the opinion of the panel chair, any person at the hearing is behaving in a disruptive manner, the panel chair may require that person to leave.

(5) The panel chair may permit a person who was required to leave under paragraph (4) to return on such conditions as the panel chair may specify.

(6) A panel may produce or receive in evidence any document or information whether or not it would be admissible in a court of law.

(7) No person is compelled to give any evidence or produce any document which they could not be compelled to give or produce on the trial of an action.

(8) The panel chair may require any person present to leave the hearing where evidence which has been directed to be withheld from the prisoner or the prisoner and their representative under rule 17 is to be considered.

(9) After all the evidence has been given, if the prisoner is present at the hearing, the prisoner must be given an opportunity to address the panel.

Commencement Information

I24 Rule 24 in force at 22.7.2019, see rule 1(1)

Decision by a panel at an oral hearing E+W

25.—(1) Where a panel has considered a prisoner’s case at an oral hearing, the panel must decide either that—

(a) the prisoner is suitable for release, or

(b) the prisoner is unsuitable for release.

(2) Any decision made by the panel under paragraph (1) which is eligible for reconsideration under rule 28 is provisional, and becomes final if no application for reconsideration is received within the period specified by that rule.

(3) Any decision made by the panel under paragraph (1) which is not eligible for reconsideration under rule 28 is final.

(4) Where a panel receives a request for advice from the Secretary of State concerning whether a prisoner should move to open conditions, the panel must recommend either that—

(a) the prisoner is suitable for a move to open conditions, or

(b) the prisoner is not suitable for a move to open conditions.

(5) Where the Board receives a request for advice with respect to any matter referred to it by the Secretary of State, any recommendation made in respect of that request is final.

(6) The decision under paragraph (1) and/or recommendation under paragraph (4) must be recorded in writing with reasons, and that record must be provided to the parties not more than 14 days after the end of the hearing.

(7) The recorded decision and/or recommendation must refer only to the matter which the Secretary of State referred to the Board.

Commencement Information

I25 Rule 25 in force at 22.7.2019, see rule 1(1)

Decision making by a panel at an oral hearing E+W

26.—(1) Where a panel has been appointed under rule 5(2), a decision of the majority of the members of the panel is the decision of the oral panel.

(2) A panel for an oral hearing that is unable to reach a decision in accordance with paragraph (1) must be dissolved by the Board chair, who must then appoint a new panel.

Commencement Information

I26 Rule 26 in force at 22.7.2019, see rule 1(1)

Summaries and disclosure E+W

27.—(1) Where a victim or any other person seeks disclosure of a summary of the reasons for a decision—

(a) made under rule 19(1)(a), 21(7), 25(1) or 31(6);

(b) made under rule 19(1)(b) where a prisoner does not make an application for an oral hearing under rule 20(1), or a prisoner makes an application for an oral hearing but it is decided that the case should not be considered at an oral hearing under rule 20(6),

the Board must produce a summary of the reasons for that decision, unless the Board chair considers that there are exceptional circumstances why a summary should not be produced for disclosure.

(2) The Board is not required to produce a summary under paragraph (1) where the request is made more than 6 months after the decision.

(3) Where a victim seeks disclosure of a summary produced under paragraph (1), the Secretary of State must notify the Board that the victim wishes to receive a summary, and must disclose the summary that is produced by the Board to that victim.

(4) Where any other person seeks disclosure of a summary under paragraph (1), the Board must disclose the summary that is produced to that person.

(5) Subject to paragraph (1), information about proceedings under these Rules must not be disclosed, except insofar as the Board chair directs.

(6) Other than those of the parties, the names of persons concerned in proceedings under these Rules must not be disclosed under paragraphs (1) to (5).

(7) A contravention of paragraphs (5) or (6), is actionable as a breach of statutory duty by any person who suffers loss or damage as a result.

(8) For the purposes of this rule—

“victim” means a person who is participating in the Victim Contact Scheme in respect of a prisoner who is party to proceedings under these Rules;

“Victim Contact Scheme” means the scheme set out in the Victims’ Code in accordance with section 32 of the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004(13).

Commencement Information

I27 Rule 27 in force at 22.7.2019, see rule 1(1)

Reconsideration of decisions E+W

28.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2), where a decision has been made under rule 19(1)(a) or (b), 21(7) or 25(1), a party may apply to the Board for the case to be reconsidered on the grounds that the decision is—

(a) irrational, or

(b) procedurally unfair.

(2) Decisions are eligible for reconsideration only where the prisoner is serving—

(a) an indeterminate sentence;

(b) an extended sentence;

(c) a determinate sentence subject to initial release by the Board under Chapter 6 of Part 12 of the 2003 Act.

(3) An application for a provisional decision to be reconsidered under paragraph (1) must be made and served on the other party no later than 21 days after the written decision recorded under rules 19(8), 21(12) or 25(6) is provided to the parties.

(4) Where a party makes an application under paragraph (3), the other party may make representations, and those representations must be provided to the Board and the party who made the application within 7 days of service of the application.

(5) Where an application made under paragraph (3) is received by the Board, the application must be considered on the papers by an assessment panel.

(6) After assessing the application under paragraph (5), the assessment panel must—

(a) direct that the provisional decision should be reconsidered, or

(b) dismiss the application.

(7) The assessment panel may direct that the provisional decision should be reconsidered under paragraph (6)(a) only if it has identified a ground for reconsideration under paragraph (1).

(8) Where the assessment panel dismiss the application under paragraph (6)(b), the provisional decision becomes final.

(9) Where the assessment panel directs that the provisional decision should be reconsidered under paragraph (6)(a), the assessment panel must direct that the case should be—

(a) reconsidered on the papers by the previous panel or a new panel appointed under rule 5(1), or

(b) reconsidered at an oral hearing by the previous panel or a new panel appointed under rule 5(2).

(10) The decision of the assessment panel must be recorded in writing with reasons, and that record must be provided to the parties not more than 14 days after the decision.

Commencement Information

I28 Rule 28 in force at 22.7.2019, see rule 1(1)

Error of Procedure E+W

29.  Where there has been an error of procedure by either party or by the Board, including a failure to comply with a rule—

(a) the error does not invalidate any step taken in the proceedings unless the member appointed by the Board for this purpose, being either a panel chair or duty member, directs otherwise, either on the application of a party or in the course of conducting the proceedings, and

(b) the panel chair or duty member may make a direction or take any other step that it considers appropriate.

Commencement Information

I29 Rule 29 in force at 22.7.2019, see rule 1(1)

Slip Rule E+W

30.—(1) The Board may at any time correct an accidental slip or omission in a decision.

(2) A party may apply for a correction without notice.

Commencement Information

I30 Rule 30 in force at 22.7.2019, see rule 1(1)

PART 4 E+W Termination of licence

Applications to terminate IPP licences E+W

31.—(1) Where an offender qualifies to make an application to terminate their licence under section 31A of the 1997 Act(14), the offender may make a direct application to the Board or apply through the Secretary of State.

(2) Where an offender makes a direct application, the Board must serve the application on the Secretary of State and the Secretary of State must serve any reports or evidence as directed by the Board.

(3) Where an application is made through the Secretary of State, the Secretary of State must serve any reports or evidence at the same time as sending the application to the Board.

(4) Where the Board receives an application, either from the offender directly or through the Secretary of State, a panel appointed under rule 5(5) must consider the application in accordance with section 31A(4) of the 1997 Act.

(5) In considering the application under paragraphs (2) or (3), the panel may—

(a) make a decision on the papers, or

(b) direct that the application should be decided by a panel at a hearing.

(6) Where a panel considers the application on the papers or at a hearing, it must decide to—

(a) terminate the offender’s licence;

(b) amend the offender’s licence in accordance with section 31(3) of the 1997 Act, or

(c) refuse the application.

(7) Where a decision is made by a panel under paragraph (6), the Board must record that decision in writing with reasons for that decision, and that record must be provided to the offender and Secretary of State within 14 days of the decision.

Commencement Information

I31 Rule 31 in force at 22.7.2019, see rule 1(1)

Robert Buckland

Ministry of Justice

20th June 2019