It can take around six months for the whole process to be investigated and for the parole board to make a decision. Once a decision has been made the inmate will usually be told within a few days. The inmate will receive the decision in writing along with the reasons for it. If the prisoner’s application for parole is granted then they will be released on their Parole Eligibility Date (PED). If their PED has passed because their initial application was refused then they should be released at the earliest opportunity.