CHAIRPERSON Term of office will be for a period of five (5) years or as may be determined by the Minister in line with Section 74 (7) of the Correctional Services Act, Act 111 of 1998.

This vacancy invites suitably qualified and experienced individuals to apply for appointment as Chairperson of the Correctional Supervision and Parole Board, a statutory body established under Section 74 of the Correctional Services Act, Act 111 of 1998. The appointment is made by the Minister of Correctional Services, and the term of office runs for five years or as the Minister may determine. The Parole Board functions as an independent body whose primary purpose is the protection of the public through the rigorous risk assessment of offenders, determining whether they may be safely released into the community. The Chairperson bears the central decision-making responsibility within this process, weighing a complex range of factors that include the rights of the offender under relevant legislation, the calculation of minimum detention periods, an understanding of the criminal justice value chain, court papers, sentencing remarks, judgments, warrants of detention, case law, SAP 69 and 62 records, professional reports compiled by Department of Correctional Services officials, the rehabilitation process, risk assessment, victim and community empathy, and the overarching imperative of public safety. The role is available at multiple correctional centres across the Eastern Cape, Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West, and Western Cape regions, with several posts being re-advertisements, meaning that candidates who applied previously must submit fresh applications.

Candidates must hold a recognised qualification at NQF level 7 in a criminal justice field, social sciences, or a related discipline, coupled with at least five years of experience in a management or decision-making capacity. The role demands demonstrated ability to conduct effective, evidence-based decision-making, weighing facts and critically evaluating large volumes of complex information from electronic and paper sources, often under tight deadlines and with substantial independence. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential, as the Chairperson must build rapport, challenge opinions where necessary, work collegiately with other parole board members, and resolve differences to reach sound decisions. Excellent written skills are required to draft well-structured reports summarising evidence in support of decisions or recommendations. High standards of corporate and personal integrity, a commitment to fairness and equality, and a dedication to the wider public good are non-negotiable. Experience within any aspect of the criminal justice system and an understanding of the victim's perspective are also required.

The duties involve analysing and critically evaluating information to identify continuing risk or dangerousness in individual offender cases, deciding whether offenders can be safely released, and setting appropriate conditions where release is granted. The Chairperson oversees hearings, collaborates with other members in assessing evidence, facilitates report writing, and serves as an ambassador for the Board at hearings and other events. Administrative responsibilities include preparing for hearings, managing revocations, public education on parole, inviting victims to hearings, and attending court as a result of litigation by offenders. Remuneration is provided on a monthly basis at a rate determined by National Treasury for statutory board members, and the position is open to applicants who have retired from the Public Service.