FTR56 – policy documents released under FOI

14 July 2026

In March 2026, the recall process for people on standard determinate sentences in England and Wales changed. This was in response to the recommendation by the Gauke review for “56-day” recalls, which was implemented by the Sentencing Act 2026.

However, the process has caused a lot of confusion among people in prison, as there are various exceptions and carve outs.

I therefore made an FOI for the guidance that is used to be disclosed. Originally the request was refused on grounds of cost as my request was interpreted as being too broad. I appealed. I have now been provided with the following centrally held guidance which I have posted here in case it is helpful for those involved in the process:

The documents that will be provided are as follows:

• Annex 1 FTR56-Part A changes CaR explainer -Redacted

• Annex 2 Advice Note 02022026 Recording of FTR56 Eligibility and Additional information – Redacted

• Annex 3 OFF SENS_OMU comms – further clarification on FTR cross border cases – Redacted

• Annex 4 FTR quick reference guide for practitioners – Redacted

• Annex 5 Good Practice Guidance for Recall Part A Report Authors No redaction

• Annex 6 Updated Part A Recall Report and New Good Practice Guidance Overview – youth No redaction

• Annex 7 OFF Probation Fixed Term Recall guidance (V.2) Redacted

• Annex 8 Practice Guidance Working with People Released on Licence and Recall Decision Making redacted

• Annex 9 OFF SENS_HMPPS Prisons Op Guidance – New Model of Recall v1.0 – 02-02-2026 redacted

• Annex 10 FTR56 Position Statement on VPS_February 2026 No redaction

• Annex 11 VCS Guidance – Recall – March 2026 redacted