Consultation on changes to the Parole Board (Scotland) Rules 2001

Overview

The procedure under which the Parole Board considers cases is determined by the Parole Board (Scotland) Rules 2001, as amended (“the 2001 rules”). 

The Scottish Government is committed to modernising and simplifying the 2001 rules. These are now some 20 years old and in need of changes to ensure that they are fit for purpose. In addition, there is a need to consider some new rules for certain procedures.

This consultation will focus on the following topics below:

• a new procedure for handling non-disclosure information and appointment of a special advocate
• adding ‘refusal to disclose a victim’s body’ as a matter the Parole Board may consider
• removing people registered with part 1 of the victim notification scheme from the provisions which allow victims to observe parole hearings
• a new procedure for prisoners subject to an order for lifelong restriction
• a new procedure to allow the Parole Board to review a decision
• a new procedure for prisoners who lack capacity to appoint a representative
• an addition to the dossier to check the prisoner’s preparation for the hearing

Read the consultation paper.

Why your views matter

The Scottish Government invites stakeholders and interested parties to provide views and contributions that can help shape and implement important justice-centred procedures – namely Parole Board rules – representing positive change and reform to existing structures.

Your views matter because it is important to better understand the range of opinions on justice, specifically parole matters, and to allow us to develop a modern policy process that is reflective of the views of the people of Scotland.

What happens next

Responses will be analysed and used as part of the decision making process, along with a range of other available information and evidence. We will publish a report of this analysis. Depending on the nature of the consultation exercise the responses received may:

• indicate the need for policy development or review
• inform the development of a particular policy
• help decisions to be made between alternative policy proposals
• be used to finalise legislation before it is implemented
• While details of particular circumstances described in a response to a
consultation exercise may usefully inform the policy process, consultation
exercises cannot address individual concerns and comments, which should
be directed to the relevant public body.