Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) in Scotland: national overview report 2022-2023

2. Justice Policy Context

The Scottish Government in its Programme for Government (2023 to 2024)^[2] sets out its three connected core missions which are:

(i) Equality – tackling poverty and protecting people from harm;

(ii) Opportunity – a fair, green and growing economy; and

(iii) Communities – prioritising our public services.

The ambition of protecting people from harm underscores the Government’s commitment to prioritising the safety and security of the people of Scotland. The Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs emphasises that this is her clear priority and that genuine equality and opportunity are dependent on ensuring we live in a just, safe, and resilient Scotland where everyone can reach their potential and contribute fully to society.

The Government’s vision for reforming the Justice system to ensure that victims and witnesses are treated compassionately and that a trauma informed approach is applied, is combined with its commitment to ensuring effective public protection approaches to managing those individuals who commit the most serious violent and sexual offences. Focusing on rehabilitation both in custody and in the community is the best way to reduce offending and make our communities safer. Delivery of the National Community Justice Strategy^[3] contributes to the achievement of those aims as does the continued application of Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements designed to assess, manage and minimise the potential risks posed by the most serious offenders through collaborative working.