Eligible for parole after 40% of sentence served
For people who were given long term prison sentences, the Parole Board is invited to recommend whether the individual should be released on licence at the half way point of their sentence.
The latest data shows that in 2023/24 the Parole Board considered:
- 536 Life prisoner mandatory oral hearings
- 487 discretionary oral hearings
More information is available within the Scottish Parole Board Annual Report 2023-24 here.
In November 2018, Scottish Government launched a consultation on proposed reforms of the Parole Board for Scotland, aimed at improving the experience of victims in the parole process and to increase transparency. Community Justice Scotland considered these reforms in collaboration with Wellbeing Scotland, a third sector organisation supporting people who have experienced significant trauma. You can read our joint letter to the Cabinet Secretary for Justice here.