The Sentencing Act 2026 - The Fundamental Changes Explored

Introduction

This virtual classroom seminar will look at the key changes brought about by the Sentencing Act 2026, which received Royal Assent on the 22 January 2026, following the Independent Sentencing Review by Gauke of 2025.

It is critical for any criminal justice practitioner to know about the fundamental changes from this legislation and to have that information at their fingertips, particularly as some of those key sections come into force on the 22 March 2026.

This is aimed at busy practitioners who want an easy, yet comprehensive, digest of the main changes brought about by the Sentencing Act 2026.

What You Will Learn

This live and interactive course will cover the following:

• Presumption of suspended sentence orders for sentences of 12 months or less - looking at exceptional circumstances and exemptions
• Allowance for sentences up to 3 years to be suspended
• Amending purposes of sentencing
• Deferment periods - extended to 12 months
• Judicial findings on domestic abuse at point of sentencing
• Whole life orders for murder of police, prison or probation officer
• New community order requirements
• Sentencing guidelines and approval pre-issuance
• Movement towards an earned progression model - changes to release for Standard Determinate Sentences
• Changes to the recall model
• Amendments to Bail Act 1976
• Release for certain repatriated prisoners
• Deportation of foreign criminals

Recording of live sessions: Soon after the Learn Live session has taken place you will be able to go back and access the recording - should you wish to revisit the material discussed.