Minutes of meetings 2008

MINUTE OF PAROLE COMMISSIONER'S PLENARY HELD AT THE SIGNAL BUSINESS CENTRE ON 11th June 2009

The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed.

The Commissioners reviewed the matters arising from the previous minutes and received updates on the current position.

The Commissioners discussed the review of policies and the progress to date.

The Commissioners were updated on the progress of the new training and induction programme for Commissioners.

The Commissioners discussed a recent report detailing a recent release case on compassionate grounds. The report identified some points which could be raised with Prisons regarding future referrals.

The Commissioners were updated on the Parole Commissioners rules. New rules for Determinate Custody Sentence prisoners released under Article 17 are currently being developed.

The Chief Commissioner provided an update on the recruitment of the new Parole Commissioners. The complement of Commissioners will be three judges and eleven other Commissioners who will be appointed shortly.

The Chief Commissioner congratulated the new Deputy Chief Commissioner and wished her every success in her new role.

The Commissioners have agreed to write an interim policy on data handling. This policy should be completed for endorsement at the December plenary.

The Commissioners were advised that a meeting was organised for 25 th June to review pre-tariff interview reports with a view to developing best practice.

The Legal Group reported on the items discussed during the last legal group meeting. The following issues were discussed:

• Typing Services for the Chief and Deputy Chief Commissioner; and
• Re-opening of panel findings.

Commissioners heard a report from the Rehabilitation Group meeting. The following issues were discussed:

• Visit to Magilligan; and
• Informative reports for perusal by Commissioners.

The Psychology/Psychiatry Group reported on the items discussed during their recent meetings. The following issues were highlighted:

• Dossier Review; and
• Report on “An Evaluation of Offending Behaviour Programmes in Northern Ireland .

The Commissioners discussed the issue of Confidential Information and the payment of Special Advocates.

The Commissioners were advised that the Annual Report will be laid in Parliament on 9 th July 2009 .

The Commissioners discussed the issue of Corporate Governance and were advised that the Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland will be inspecting the Corporate Governance arrangements during July/August.

The Commissioners discussed the need to review the internal structures of the Parole Commissioners for Northern Ireland .

The next meeting will take place on Thursday 10 th December 2009 .

23 June 2009