Board Hearings
Board hearings are scheduled and conducted on weekday mornings, Monday through Friday, throughout the year. The Board does not convene on weekends or Public Holidays.
During a Board hearing, each case is thoroughly discussed by the Board members. Board members are strongly encouraged to engage in well thought-out open debate. It is the role of the Chairperson or Deputy Chairperson of the hearing to facilitate debate. This ensures that each Board member not only identifies his or her view of the appropriate outcome but explains the reasons for that view. This way, other members will become aware of factors they may not have considered, or they would not otherwise have given enough regard.
The Chairperson/Deputy Chairperson of a hearing ensures that all the information is considered and that the final decision is supported by evidence from the documentation provided.
Whilst most decisions are agreed upon by all Board members, a decision is passed if it is supported by the majority of the members in a hearing. A Board member can have their dissent noted on any decision they disagree with.
A decision of the Boards must clearly outline its reasons for its decision. This is one aspect where attention to detail and the quality of a Board decision, improves communication to a prisoner.
Last updated: 8 April 2025