Parole Hearings

From low-frequency (less commonly used) vocabulary like, “indeterminate” and “tariff”,
and abstract concepts like “remorse” and “culpability”, to time concepts (e.g., the length of sentence and what proportion is custodial) and long stretches of verbal information to process, there are many aspects of Parole Hearings which may present barriers to participation for individuals with communication differences or difficulties.

The aspects of this process which present barriers to participation will vary widely, depending on the individual’s communication strengths and needs. For example, while someone may have strengths in paying attention to and processing lengthy verbal information, they may have considerable difficulty providing a clear account and interpreting the meaning of questions put to them.

• Learn more about communication needs in Parole Hearings (including tips for legal practitioners).

Intermediary assessments and reports

An intermediary assessment will explore the individual’s unique communication profile, documenting areas of strength and needs in a detailed report. The report will also record any adjustments likely to support the individual’s effective participation in a Parole Board Hearing.

In some cases, these adjustments may include the assistance of an intermediary. In other cases, an intermediary may not be recommended, as adaptations such as regular breaks, avoidance of figurative expressions and explanation of any complex vocabulary will be sufficient to support participation. The recommended adaptations will be clearly set out in the report.

• Learn more about making a referral for an intermediary assessment.
• Make a referral or booking.

Booking and working with an intermediary

If an intermediary is recommended, they can be booked to attend conferences and hearings (subject to the approval of the Parole Board). The intermediary can provide recommendations to the Board at the outset of hearings (and throughout hearings, should particular needs arise).

An intermediary can provide real-time assistance to the individual in conferences and hearings. For example, they may use comprehension questions to check understanding of key concepts in conferences with a legal representative, or provide live simplification of terminology or complex concepts in hearings (they may use strategies like producing visual aids to achieve this).

An intermediary can also assist an individual who is giving evidence. This may involve reviewing and providing feedback on questions in advance (subject to Board approval), monitoring questions put to the individual during their evidence (and intervening when a question may not be clearly understood), and monitoring the person’s attention, emotional regulation and understanding (recommending adjustments such as breaks, or use of tools like a visual timeline, where appropriate).

How an intermediary assists an individual at a Parole Hearing can vary considerably, depending on that person’s communication strengths and needs.

Make a referral using our online portal or call us on 0121 663 0931 to discuss options in a specific case.

To learn more about the intermediary role, visit The Access Brief – a bank of free bite-sized guides developed for legal professionals by intermediaries.

Here you will find information about the intermediary role in Ground Rules Hearings, the purpose of ‘questions in advance’, and specific guidance on working with clients with common conditions which impact communication.

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