Voices in Justice: parole reform consultation

1. Introduction

1.1 Purpose: putting people at the centre of parole reform

This consultation is open to all, particularly those with a role or interest in the parole system in Scotland, including:

• Victims, their families, and the organisations that support them
• People in custody, their families and support organisations; and
• Professionals such as Parole Board members, justice social workers, prison staff and others working within the justice system.

We recognise that meaningful reform must consider the needs, rights, and experiences of all people: and the Government, working closely with our justice partners, aims to deliver a parole system that is fair, effective, and trusted.

This consultation builds on the reforms which were informed by the 2019 consultation, Transforming Parole in Scotland^[1]. These changes provided important steps in strengthening the voices of victims in the parole process. Developments include the establishment of a dedicated victim team at the Parole Board for Scotland to provide support and guidance to victims throughout the process, and the delivery of a mechanism for victims to attend and observe parole hearings.

This consultation also reflects many of the areas highlighted during Stage 2 of the Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform Bill^[2], including seeking views from victims and their families on improving transparency and communication, key asks from stakeholders and victims.

These views of victims and their families, alongside views of those in custody, justice professionals, support organisations, and international partners have shaped the focus of this consultation.

There were calls to improve transparency in the decision-making process by the Parole Board, for enhancements to victims’ rights and inclusion; and to improve overall communications and accessibility to ensure greater understanding and confidence in the system of parole. A list of stakeholders we have engaged with to date is detailed in Annex A.

This is an opportunity to build on what we’ve already heard and to go further - to shape a system that puts people first. As our Dutch counterparts have noted “Do not look back but look ahead.”^[3] This principle invites us to reimagine parole as a forward-looking process - one that enables creating space for supporting both victims and those who have caused harm, and enabling them to rebuild their lives with trust, safety, dignity and a sense of justice.

We acknowledge that not all needs or expectations can be fully met. Achieving a system that is fair, transparent and balanced will require compromise, empathy and mutual understanding. Different perspectives must be heard and respected, even when they are difficult to reconcile. However, our goal is clear, to have a parole system that inspires trust, promotes safety, and delivers justice for all.

1.2 Format of this consultation

This consultation is structured into two sections:

• Transparency and communication – this section examines how access to information and communication can be improved to enhance understanding, trust, and wellbeing for victims, persons in prison and others across the parole system.
• Parole process, licence conditions and recall – this invites views on how the parole system should function to support rehabilitation, public safety, and fairness.

Annex B contains a glossary of commonly used terms relevant to parole and the wider justice system.