Voices in Justice: Parole Reform in Scotland

Closes 11 Nov 2025

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Recall

Recall to custody refers to the process by which a person who has been released from prison on licence has their licence revoked by the Scottish Ministers and is returned to prison. The standard process follows where an individual in the community under supervision and on licence, is deemed to have disengaged or ‘breached’ such conditions, and their social worker would like to escalate the case.  The local authority will subsequently report the individual and circumstances to Scottish Ministers, who will then refer the case to the Parole Board to decide on the case. The process may be initiated because:

  • The person has breached one or more conditions of their licence and may no longer be manageable in the community, or/and
  • It is deemed necessary in the public interest (e.g. due to an increased risk to public safety).
30. What are your views on the options currently available to the Parole Board when they consider a request for recall (warning letter, recall to custody or no action)? (select all that apply)
31. If the Board were to have more options for responding to a potential licence breach or request for recall, what should these be in your opinion?
32. Do you support enabling the Parole Board for Scotland to set a progress hearing as an additional option in cases where the Board are deciding on recall?
33. If recall decisions were to be based on a wider range of factors, which specific issues should be taken into account?
34. If any, what other suggestions do you have for improving the recall process in Scotland?
35. Do you feel that re-release process is effective at supporting the initial decision to recall?
36. Do you believe there should be a firm timeframe set out for re-release hearings?
37. If any, what other suggestions do you have on the format and timings of the Parole Board’s re-release hearings?