GovWire

It is recognised that many prisoners going through a parole review require assistance in a number of ways, for example, understanding the contents of their dossier, and assistance to communicate effectively at an oral hearing.

This guidance has been developed to support panels to identify if/when an intermediary may be required to support a prisoner. It provides information for panels to consider when reviewing cases where an intermediary may be required to assist with identifying the communication needs of a prisoner. The guidance offers practical advice for panels at the Member Case Assessment (MCA) stage, when setting panel chair directions (PCDs) for oral hearings, and where a duty member may be involved.

Panels will need to take reasonable steps to ensure that prisoners are given the opportunity to understand and engage in their parole review. The use of an intermediary can be an important aspect of providing the prisoner with a fair parole review and the ability to engage more meaningfully in any oral hearings.