Justice Committee to question Parole Board leaders

The Justice Committee will question the Parole Board Chair-Designate Alexandra Marks and Chief Executive Cecilia French during a one-off evidence session in Parliament on Tuesday, 1 July.

Ms Marks has already been appointed, taking up the role of Parole Board Chair on 18 July. MPs on the cross-party committee chaired by Labour MP Andy Slaughter will explore her experience and priorities for the role, as well as the work of the Parole Board. Ms French has served as Chief Executive of the Parole Board since October 2024.

The session is expected to focus on the leadership of the Parole Board, its role, operation, independence and transparency. It could also touch upon the performance of the parole system, IPP Sentences and the impact of the Independent Sentencing Review on its work.

The Parole Board is an independent body that carries out risk assessments on prisoners to determine whether they can be safely released into the community. The Parole Board has jurisdiction solely for England and Wales.

Witnesses – Tuesday, 1 July             

From 2.30pm

• Alexandra Marks CBE, Incoming Chair, Parole Board of England and Wales 
• Cecilia French, Chief Executive, Parole Board of England and Wales