Progression Model
The three-stage structure the Sentencing Act 2026 gives standard determinate sentences: roughly one-third in custody, one-third in the community under intensive supervision, and one-third 'at risk' with no active supervision but still liable to recall. It starts on 1 October 2026. Also called the earned progression model, though release remains automatic at the conditional release date.
Related Terms
Relationship map
Added Days
Extra days in custody that can be imposed as punishment following a prison adjudication (disciplinary hearing). Added days delay your release date. For example, if you would be released on 1 June and have 14 added days, your new release date is 15 June.
Licence
The conditions under which a prisoner is released before the end of their sentence. Breach of licence conditions can result in recall to prison.
Recall
The return to prison of an offender who has breached their licence conditions or whose behaviour suggests increased risk.
SDS33
Shorthand for the release point that replaces SDS40 from 1 October 2026: most people serving a standard determinate sentence are automatically released after one-third of the custodial term rather than 40%. Sentences currently releasing at two-thirds move to one-half.
SDS40
Scheme where prisoners serve 40% instead of 50% of standard determinate sentences in prison, with extended community supervision. Replaced ECSL in September 2024. The Sentencing Act 2026 replaces it in turn: from 1 October 2026 the automatic release point for most standard determinate sentences moves to one-third, sometimes called SDS33.