The role and function of the Parole Board is not clear-cut. This article reviews changes in law and practice in recent years, making use of findings from empirical work carried out in recent years into the Parole Board’s decision-making, as well as recent case law. It raises fundamental questions about the status of the Parole Board today. It argues that fundamental uncertainties at the heart of the parole process continue to cause difficulties. These uncertainties are unlikely to be resolved unless the status of the Parole Board as an independent court or tribunal is re-enforced. Other rules, relating, for example, to the burden and standard of proof, also need to be clarified.