Transparency of the Parole Board
This is a blog by our CEO, Sara Dowling.
Why me? was invited to respond to the recent review by HH Peter Rook KC and HH Michael Topolski KC on the overall transparency of the Parole Board, public parole hearings (as it has now been two years since they launched) and specifically a review into victim observation of private parole hearings.
In our submission we made the following key points:
- Transparency is crucial for building trust and ensuring that both victims and the public understand how decisions are made. Enhancing clarity around parole decisions will build confidence in the system, acknowledging the need to strike a balance between openness and sensitivity toward all parties involved.
- Public Parole Hearings: With public hearings having been in place for two years, we should evaluate their effectiveness. Are they achieving the goal of increasing public confidence and understanding? RJ emphasises meaningful engagement, so these hearings must be accessible and structured to facilitate informed participation.
- Victim Observations of Private Hearing– Victims should feel that their presence has a meaningful purpose beyond mere observation. The process should include clear communication, emotional support, and opportunities for reflection, ensuring that victims feel acknowledged and supported throughout.
- Overall, any improvements should focus on enhancing understanding, meaningful participation, and the emotional wellbeing of victims while maintaining fairness and integrity within the parole process.
We also encouraged the Parole Review Board to seek views on this from the wider RJ sector.
The final report has now been released. We are disappointed that there is no mention of Restorative Justice in the report, but will continue to work with the Parole Board to ensure that a crucial opportunity for dialogue and making the offer of Restorative Justice is not missed.
You can read the full report here.
Some other useful resources on this area of work are as follows:
Guidance that Why me? produced with the Parole Board
Parole Board guidance on RJ
