New rules for progression panels for I.P.P.s and DPP sentances

 

• New mandatory progression panels have been introduced, applying to:

  • All people serving IPP or DPP sentences, both in custody and in the community.

  • Life-sentenced individuals under probation supervision.
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• These panels are multi-disciplinary, designed to support sentence progression toward safe release and the end of licence supervision, and include regular reviews in both prison and community settings.
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• The policy framework specifies the frequency, panel composition, and duties of staff to ensure consistent and effective use of these panels.
  GOV.UK

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📆 Licence-Termination Reforms under Victims and Prisoners Act 2024

Key Dates & Phases:

• Phase 1 (from 1 November 2024):

  • IPP licences reviewed after 3 years in the community.

  • DPP licences reviewed after 2 years.

  • If not approved by Parole, the licence will automatically terminate after a further 2 years of recall-free obedience.

  • Provides power for Risk‑Assessed Recall Review (RARR) without Parole Board review.
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• Phase 2 (from 1 February 2025):

  • Reduces the previous 10‑year waiting threshold for Parole referral:

    • IPP licence referral at 3 years.

    • DPP licence referral at 2 years.
      UK ParliamentThe Howard League

What it Means:

• Under the new Parole test, the board will presume termination of licence unless public protection risks remain — a shift from the previous more cautious approach.
  GOV.UK

• People who were released over five years ago and have been continuously in the community for two years already qualify for immediate automatic licence termination. Over 1,700 IPP and DPP licence‑holders applied immediately on enactment.
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✅ Highlights & Benefits

Area	Key Improvement
Sentence Progression Monitoring	New regular multidisciplinary progression panels ensure individuals’ rehabilitation and requirements are effectively tracked.
Earlier Parole Review	License termination reviews speed up—from 10 to 3 years (IPP) or 2 years (DPP).
Automatic Termination	Licence ends automatically after 2 years without recall following an unsuccessful review.
Risk-Assessed Recall Review (RARR)	Allows early release decisions by the Secretary of State without needing Parole Board involvement.
Stronger Public Protection Assurance	Parole Board decisions now presuppose licence termination unless safety risks are substantiated.

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🧭 Broader Context & Oversight

• The IPP Action Plan (April 2023) established principles for effective sentence progression, including routine data monitoring, case planning, and reporting structures overseen by an IPP Progression Board.
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• An external stakeholder challenge group—including organisations like UNGRIPP, Prison Reform Trust, and independent bodies—is in place to scrutinise HMPPS delivery and ensure accountability.
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🎯 Summary

• Since November 2024 and February 2025, significant reforms have:

  • Introduced structured progression panels.

  • Accelerated access to Parole review.

  • Embedded a presumption of licence termination in decision‑making and automatic termination after two stable years in the community.

• These changes offer a faster, more transparent pathway toward ending indeterminate sentences, while aiming to maintain public protection.