1/7 This thread sets out changes the Board will be making to how it considers cases as a result of the Coronavirus (Scotland) Act.

2/7 Cases of extended sentence prisoners recalled in the extension part will now be referred to the Board by Scottish ministers under Part III of the Parole Board Rules. This means that they will be considered at casework meetings. This applies to all cases referred from today.

3/7 This does not preclude these cases from then being referred to oral hearings if, in accordance with the Rules, the Board decides this is the interests of justice. Any oral hearings would currently normally take place by teleconference

4/7 The Act also amends Rule 20, removing the requirement for all parties to agree before cases are considered without an oral hearing in Part IV cases. For the time being the Board has agreed as policy to continue to hold oral hearings by teleconference for all Part IV cases.

5/7 The amendment to Rule 20 is however useful in providing an alternative way to proceed if this policy becomes unsustainable because, for example, there is a significant drop in the Board’s capacity due to illness, or the capacity of SPS to facilitate teleconferences changes.

6/7 Although the default will be teleconference, we will be changing some of our documentation in Part IV cases to reflect the fact that it is possible for cases to be considered on papers alone if all parties prefer to proceed in that way.

7/7 We believe the approach we are taking is sensible and proportionate in response to the current circumstances. We will update you on here and our website if there are any further changes to process.