When someone is released from prison on licence either automatically or by the Parole Board  they are supervised by an Offender Manager and must follow the conditions set out in their licence.

If they do not keep to these conditions, they can be sent back to prison. This is known as a recall. The Offender Manager should explain why the person has been recalled.

Why someone can be recalled

A person can be recalled to prison if:

• they break the conditions of their licence
• their behaviour leads their Offender Manager to believe the risk they pose has increased and cannot be managed in the community
• they commit another crime or are charged with another crime
• their behaviour leads their Offender Manager to believe they may be about to commit another offence

Types of recall

There are different types of recall. How long someone will be back in prison depends on the type of recall they receive.

Fixed‑term recall

Most adults serving a standard determinate sentence will receive a fixed‑term recall.

• They are returned to prison for 56 days
• When they are released, they are back on licence
• They remain on licence until the end of their sentence

Some people are not eligible for a fixed‑term recall, depending on the type of offence or level of risk.

Standard recall

A standard recall applies to people who are not eligible for a fixed‑term recall.

• They may remain in prison until the end of their sentence
• Their case is sent  to the Parole Board 28 days after they have returned to prison

The Parole Board will review the case on the papers and either:

• Not direct release,  
• Direct release, or
• Direct the case to an oral hearing at which a decision on release will be made.

The Offender Manager can also review the case at any time and recommend release to the Secretary of State for Justice.

Indeterminate sentence recalls

People serving indeterminate sentences can only be recalled on a standard recall.

Their case is sent to the Parole Board 28 days after they have returned to prison.

The Parole Board will review the case on the papers and either:

• Not direct release, 
• Direct release, or
• Direct the case to an oral hearing at which a decision on release will be made.

What happens after a recall

Anyone who is recalled will be:

• told the reasons for their recall
• given the opportunity to make representations to the Parole Board (standard recall only) or their Offender Manager (fixed or standard recal).

This is usually done with the help of a solicitor.

Appealing a Parole Board decision

The person who has been recalled will be given the full reasons for the Parole Board’s decision.

They can either accept the decision or request an oral hearing (if the decision was made ‘on the papers’), which takes place in the prison where they are held. At an oral hearing they can give evidence and  witnesses will be called by the Parole Board.

An oral hearing will not be granted automatically. There must be a strong reason for one to take place, and it will not be agreed simply because the person wants one.

After the oral hearing, the Parole Board will make a decision about whether to release the person or keep them in prison.

If release is refused after an oral hearing

If the Parole Board refuses to release someone after an oral hearing, the only way to challenge the decision further is through judicial review proceedings in the Administrative Court.

This is a complex process, and the person should seek legal advice before trying to take this forward.

Further review by the Parole Board

Where the Parole Board does not direct release, the person will have their case referred back to the Board for a further review:

• Standard determinate sentences – annually
• Indeterminate sentences – no more than 24 months from the date of the last review

Support for families

Recall can be upsetting and uncertain for both prisoners and their families.

The Prisoners’ Families Helpline can provide information and support to help you understand what is happening and what to expect next.

Page last reviewed: 14 May 2026.

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