A qualitative enquiry into the experiences of Prison Offender Managers providing evidence at Parole Board directed oral hearings in a category C prison

Aim: Professionals are often directed to attend formal hearings as a witness to provide evidence to a Parole Board. However, given the gravity of the hearing this may lead to adverse reactions on the part of the witness. Within a forensic setting, evidence is taken at an oral hearing. This is a decisive meeting where the test for release is considered for a serving prisoner. To date there has been very limited research published exploring how professional witnesses experience this aspect of their work. This research therefore aimed to capture the experiences of Prison Offender Managers (POMs) who have attended and provided evidence at oral hearings. Method: Semi-structured interviews were carried out with six POMs, and data was analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Results: Four themes were identified: ‘Forecasting the hearing’, ‘A combative experience’, ‘Coping’ and a ‘Return to normal state’. Implications: The findings have implications for training, reframing of their experiences, and individualised support for POMs who attend and give evidence at oral hearings. Limitations and future research: This research was conducted in a single site with POMs, as a result, additional research which extends on this sample may provide more insight into this area of forensic work.