Consultation launched on changes to Scotland’s parole system

Scotland’s justice secretary has said she wants a consultation on the parole process to help make the system “fair, transparent and trusted”.

Angela Constance spoke out as the Scottish Government launched a consultation on possible changes to how the current system works.

Parole allows for criminals who have served part of a jail sentence to be freed from prison early, under conditions of licence and the supervision of a social worker.

The consultation, which will last for 12 weeks, is specifically focused on improving the transparency of the system and communicating better with victims and their families.

It comes as ministers are also considering a plea from the families of murdered women, Suzanne Pilley and Arlene Fraser, that in cases where killers have refused to reveal the location of their victims’ remains, this must be taken into account when parole is being considered.

Constance reiterated her “firm commitment to this change” when she met the women’s families earlier this month.

The justice secretary said that the new consultation is aimed at delivering a system that “puts people first while ensuring decisions are based on public safety”.

As part of the consultation, people are being asked for their views on whether parole boards should publish minutes in full from meetings where they make decisions about prisoners’ parole, and if information published should be anonymised.

The consultation considers if victims and survivors who have registered to be informed about a prisoner’s releases should have an automatic right to attend and observe oral hearings by the Parole Board for their case – and if other people, such as the media or the public, should be able to attend.

In addition, people are being asked to have a say on whether victims should have the right to make oral representations to the Parole Board ahead of cases being considered,

Speaking as the consultation got underway, Constance stressed: “The parole system must command the confidence of everyone it affects and work well for victims, their families, justice partners, and those seeking rehabilitation.

“We know it could be improved, so we want to make further reforms based on the views of those it affects.”

The justice secretary continued: “This consultation is an opportunity to gather all perspectives to deliver a parole process that is fair, transparent, and trusted. We want a system that puts people first while ensuring decisions are focused on public safety.

“I encourage everyone with experience of the parole process to share their views. These insights are essential to shaping a system that reflects our shared values of justice, safety, and dignity.”