The main aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of current parole procedures and to identify areas where developments, improvements or different approaches are needed. The report is divided into eight chapters: (1) The research in context; (2) Preparing for parole; (3) At the Board; (4) Risk and the decision to grant or deny parole; (5) The role of probation officers' reports; (6) Predicting parole decisions; (7) The role, use and value of PBIM (Parole Board Interviewing Members) reports; and (8) Conclusions and implications for policy. Research included examination of how dossiers are compiled, how the Parole Board assesses applications in relation to the Secretary of State's directions, how panel decisions compare with risk assessment scores, reasons for refusal or granting parole, the influence of probation officers' recommendations, the conduct and perceptions of interviews carried out by PBIMs, and an assessment of the value they added to parole decision making. Notes, tables, appendixes, references