Section II - Analysis of Program Activities by Strategic Outcome

Analysis by Program Activity

The Program Activity Architecture for the National Parole Board reflects the key aspects for the Board's legislative framework (the Corrections and Conditional Release Act, the Criminal Records Act and the Criminal Code), and the areas of performance in which Parliament and the public most frequently express interest. In this context, the Board's strategic outcomes are the cornerstones of its public accountability.

Strategic Outcome: Conditional release decisions which contribute to public protection through the safe reintegration of offenders in the community.

Program Activity Name: Conditional Release Decisions.

Program Activity Description: Case review and quality decision-making; provision of support for decision-making; provision of appropriate training to ensure professionalism in all aspects of decision-making; and policy development to guide decision-making and operations.

Through this program activity, the Board works to provide quality decisions on the timing and conditions of release of offenders to the community on various forms of release. Public safety is the primary objective. In this context, effective training and policy development are essential tools for quality risk assessment and decision-making. Effectiveness is assessed through the monitoring of the outcomes for release of offenders on parole. Monitoring of outcomes addresses violent reoffending as a priority. This program activity relates directly to the Board's program priorities for: effective management of legislated responsibilities for quality conditional release decision-making; strategic planning to prepare NPB for response to government announcements to introduce amendments to the CCRA and the Criminal Code; implementation of plans to enable NPB to assume parole decision-making responsibilities for provincial offenders in British Columbia in response to the province's decision to disband its board of parole; and improved information sharing in support of NPB's conditional release responsibilities through development of an automated conditional release system (CRS).

Financial Resources ($ thousands)

Human Resources (Full-time Equivalents)

Strategic Outcome: Open and accountable conditional release processes that ensure active involvement and engagement of victims of crime and the public, before and after conditional release decisions are made.

Program Activity Name: Conditional Release Openness and Accountability.

Program Activity Description: Provision of information for victims and assistance for observers at NPB hearings and those who seek access to NPB's decision registry; public information strategies; and investigation of tragic incidents in the community.

This program activity is designed to ensure that the Board operates in an open and accountable manner, consistent with the provisions of the CCRA, and that it shares information effectively in support of public safety and effective conditional release. Work in this area recognizes that NPB operates in a difficult environment in which timely sharing of accurate information is fundamental for effective partnership and public trust. Results for this program are assessed by monitoring of the timeliness of information shared and selected surveys of those who receive information and assistance from the Board (e.g. victims). This program activity relates directly to NPB's priorities for effective management of legislated responsibilities for open and accountable conditional release processes; and introduction of measures to provide victims with a more effective voice in conditional release processes.

Financial Resources ($ thousands)

Human Resources (Full-time Equivalents)

Strategic Outcome: Pardon decisions and clemency recommendations which contribute to public protection and support the process of rehabilitation.

Program Activity: Pardon Decisions/Clemency Recommendations.

Program Activity Description: The review of pardon applications and the making of quality decisions to grant or deny pardons; provision of support for pardon decision-making; development of pardon and clemency policy; the collection of pardon revenues; and development of recommendations for clemency.

This program activity is designed to remove the stigma of a criminal record for those found guilty of a federal offence who, after satisfying their sentence and a specific waiting period, have shown themselves to be responsible citizens. A pardon is, therefore, a means to facilitate safe reintegration in the community. Results are assessed through ongoing review of the average time required to process pardon applications, and the rates of revocation of pardons granted. This program activity is related directly to the Board's program priority for effective management of legislated responsibilities related to the processing of pardon applications.

Financial Resources ($ thousands)

Human Resources (Full-time Equivalents)

The Board's three program activities are also directly related to its two management priorities:

• Implementation of a new information systems and technology partnership in which CSC will provide the Board's information systems/technology services; and
• Integrated human resource and business planning to sustain effective program delivery in the midst of anticipated retirement of significant numbers of senior staff at the Board.