A Review of the Multi-Agency Review Arrangements in Northern Ireland

What is MARA?

The Multi-Agency Review Arrangements, known as MARA, were introduced in 2021 to assess and manage the risks posed by people convicted of terrorist related offences.  They were introduced after the withdrawal of supervision services by the Probation Board for Northern Ireland after a threat against their staff.  The arrangements are delivered by the Department of Justice (DoJ), His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS), the Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS) and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

Strong framework and positive findings

The Inspection found that MARA provide a necessary and appropriate framework for managing the risks posed by a complex group of individuals convicted of terrorist‑related offences. Some strengths highlighted in the Review included:

• the working relationships between the organisations supported effective risk management;
• Police Officers supported and engaged with the effective management of people under MARA arrangements;
• feedback from individuals under supervision was positive, particularly in relation to support for personal circumstances, access to services and family engagement;
• Supervising Officers from HMPPS built respectful and productive relationships with individuals under supervision, supporting rehabilitation; and
• a bespoke risk assessment tool, designed to reflect local circumstances, helped partners understand and manage risk.

Governance, delivery and areas for improvement

The Review found the MARA arrangements lacked an overarching vision, strategy and would benefit from long-term planning. Inspectors noted the need for defined objectives, performance indicators, and measures of success to be established. In addition, work was needed to develop more effective information‑sharing and case recording arrangements to better support risk management.

The NIPS needs a policy framework for managing individuals in prisons under the Multi-Agency Review Arrangements.  Without a dedicated policy framework, Inspectors found there was uncertainty regarding the roles and responsibilities of the NIPS within these arrangements.

Inspectors also highlighted the need for a multi-agency training strategy to address gaps in knowledge and enhance skills.

Conclusion

MARA play an important role in keeping communities safe in Northern Ireland, providing a solid framework for managing terrorist‑related risks posed by individuals convicted of terrorist-related offences. However, further development is needed to build on this foundation.

Inspectors made three strategic and five operational recommendations aimed at strengthening MARA.  When implemented these recommendations will set a clear vision, strategic governance and accountability framework, to ensure effective delivery and a commitment to longer-term planning to continue to protect the public while supporting effective supervision and rehabilitation.