PRESS RELEASE

FROM THE Ministry of Public Safety & Utilities

Expression of Interest

OVERVIEW: The Parole Board, which is an independent body, plays a crucial role in the criminal justice system, overseeing the process by which incarcerated individuals are evaluated for potential release back into society. This body is responsible for making informed decisions on parole applications, ensuring that each case is considered with the utmost care, balancing public safety, the interests of justice, and the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders. Serving on the Parole Board requires a deep commitment to fairness, integrity, and the community’s well-being.

We are currently seeking expressions of interest for the positions of Parole Board Chair and Members.

Parole Board Chair

The Chair leads the Parole Board, guiding its members in the assessment of parole applications and ensuring that all decisions are made based on a comprehensive evaluation of each case. This leadership role involves coordinating board activities, setting agendas, and ensuring that deliberations are thorough and impartial. The Chairman also represents the board in communications with government officials, community organizations, and the public, articulating the board’s decisions and policies.

Applicants for the Chairman position should possess a strong background in one of the following areas: law, criminal justice, social work, or a related field. Experience in leadership, strategic decision-making, and a demonstrated commitment to public service are essential. The ideal candidate will have exceptional communication skills, the ability to foster a collaborative and respectful environment, and the capacity to handle complex and sensitive situations with discretion and empathy.

Parole Board Members

In this role, you will be required to analyze complex information, including offender backgrounds, rehabilitation progress, and potential risks. You will participate in panel discussions and hearings, where you will work collaboratively with other board members to evaluate cases and reach decisions. Your decisions will have a significant impact on both the individuals seeking parole and the community at large, so it is crucial that you approach each case with fairness, integrity, and a commitment to justice.

Effective communication and interpersonal skills are essential for this role. Additionally, you will be expected to adhere to high standards of corporate and personal integrity, demonstrating a strong commitment to serving the public and upholding principles of equality and diversity. Overall, as a Parole Board Member, you will play an important part in ensuring that the parole system operates fairly and effectively, contributing to the rehabilitation of offenders and the safety and well-being of the community.

This is an opportunity to contribute significantly to the criminal justice system and positively impact the lives of individuals and the community. If you have the qualifications and the passion to lead a critical institution like the Parole Board, we invite you to submit your expression of interest. Join us in this vital work of ensuring justice, promoting rehabilitation, and enhancing public safety.

ROLE DESCRIPTION:

• Lead and manage the parole board, ensuring effective performance of duties.
• Guide the board in making unbiased, well-informed decisions on parole applications.
• Develop and set agendas for board meetings, and ensuring timely and organized addressing of all necessary cases and issues.
• Conduct thorough reviews of parole applications. Analyze prisoner’s backgrounds, rehabilitation efforts, and potential risks to ensure all relevant information is considered.
• Apply knowledge and judgement to make fair decisions based on evidence to decide whether a prisoner should be safely released into the community. This includes setting appropriate license conditions for those who are granted release and, in relevant cases, determining whether to recommend the transfer of a prisoner to open conditions.
• Be proactive to identify and resolve issues in all allocated cases at the earliest opportunity, applying the current relevant ordnance, procedure and guidance.
• Assess parole cases on referral to conclude on the papers or set directions for effective case management of those to be considered at an oral hearing.
• Actively participate in oral hearings by ensuring that all areas of risk are thoroughly identified and addressed; lead a comprehensive discussion of the case to accurately weigh the evidence; Collaborate with other panel members to evaluate the available evidence and provide detailed written explanations for the panel’s decisions or recommendations in each case.
• Keep up to date with current law, policies, procedures, and new developments regarding parole and offender management.
• Be an effective ambassador whenever representing the Parole Board.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

Candidates must evidence all of the following:

1. Proven ability to make sound judgments and decisions independently, using evidence-based methods.
2. Skill in assimilating and clarifying complex evidence from multiple sources.
3. Competence in weighing facts and evidence critically.
4. Ability to analyze and evaluate large volumes of complex information.
5. Capability to identify key issues within tight deadlines and work independently.
6. Proficiency in condensing complex and potentially conflicting information into accessible, legally justified documents.
7. Experience in collaborating with colleagues to draft and review reports.
8. Ability to create well-structured written accounts that accurately document, analyze, and summarize evidence in support of decisions or recommendations.
9. Clear, succinct, and accessible writing style.
10. Strong attention to detail.
11. Ability to work collaboratively to produce written reasons that accurately reflect the Board’s decision or recommendation.
12. Demonstrable experience in chairing roles, whether from judicial, tribunal, or equivalent appointments, employment, or other relevant positions.
13. Strong ability to communicate clearly and persuasively, and capable of challenging opinions constructively, working collaboratively, and resolving differences to reach sound decisions.
14. Proven high standards of corporate and personal integrity and conduct with a strong commitment to serving the public.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA:

• Experience in risk assessment or public protection.

All Expressons of Interest must be sent to the Ministry of Public Safety amd Utilties in a sealed envelope marked Expression of Interest, Visiting Committee and/or Parole Board.

Alternatively, emails could be sent to the Head of Secretariat, Ms. Shanetta Thompson at ssthompson@gov.tc headed Expressions of Interest on or before March 12, 2025.