The Parole Board consists of three members:
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one must be a Legal Practitioner with at least seven years' experience
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two must have experience in sociology, criminology, penology or medicine
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the Governor appoints a chairperson from the above members
The Parole Board has the authority to:
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grant parole
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defer making a decision on whether a prisoner should be released on a parole order
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refuse to release a prisoner on a parole order
The Parole Board takes into consideration the following points before making a decision about granting a parole application:
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the likelihood of re offending
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the protection of the public
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the rehabilitation of the prisoner
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comments made on passing sentence (by the magistrate or judge)
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the likelihood of the prisoner complying with conditions
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the circumstances and the gravity of the offences committed
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the behaviour of the individual while in prison
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the behaviour of the prisoner during previous parole orders
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the behaviour of the prisoner during other orders (eg: probation order and community service order)
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any reports tendered to the Parole Board
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the probable circumstances of the prisoner after release from prison
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any other matters the Parole Board thinks relevant