The course will examine how intermediaries may be involved in the Parole Board context for both victims and for prisoners. It will outline the role of the Parole Board, the oral hearing process, and how the intermediary role may work in practice.

This event is 100% subsidised by IfJ and is therefore completely free!

Course Content:

• Types of court sentences and how a prisoner may be referred to the Parole Board by the Secretary of State for an oral hearing.
• The likely contents of a Parole Board dossier for an oral hearing.
• What happens at a hearing and how witnesses are questioned, and by whom.
• Types of hearing including video, hybrid and face to face.
• The impact of adjournments or deferrals on a prisoner and the requirement for timely assessments and reports.

Course aims/objectives:

1. To understand the process by which victims and prisoners may attend an oral hearing.
2. To understand the purpose of an oral hearing
3. To learn who is likely to sit on the panel at a parole hearing, and who else will be in attendance.
4. To recognise that a Parole Hearing is quasi-judicial and that Panel Chair directions must be complied with.
5. To discuss the role of an intermediary in the Parole Board Oral Hearing context.

Course method: 

The workshop is run in the form of a small group training. The presenters will present information and will invite high levels of participation and sharing of knowledge and ideas. Prepared slides/handouts guide the process rather than impart information. 

The following materials are provided: 

• Timetable
• Powerpoint presentations
• Guidance for further reading
• Bibliography