Abstract:The origin of the parole system in England and Wales, and its development in the 1970s, provide good illustrations of ‘penological pragmatism’, with policy and practice reacting to the recurring crises of prison overcrowding. It lacks a sound theoretical basis and clear guiding principles, although there has been a partial shift of emphasis from the ‘treatment model’ to the ‘assessment of risk’ of reoffending. A number of unresolved anomalies remain in the operation of the system, which can be removed only by a new statement of the principles that should guide parole decisions. This should be accompanied by a reconstruction of the system, extending parole eligibility to all prisoners, and establishing Regional Parole Review Boards to make decisions on short‐ and medium‐sentence cases. The national Parole Board would continue to deal with all long‐term prisoners. Consideration should be given to the introduction of compulsory after‐care for