Summary Justice Reform: Victims, Witnesses and Public Perceptions Evaluation

Acknowledgments

The researchers would like to thank all those who have contributed to producing this research report.

In particular, we would like to thank the Scottish Government Social Research staff and the Research Advisory Group members for their expert advice in the design and development of research tools that were used, especially the workshop materials. Their time, patience and attention to detail throughout the work has been much appreciated and has undoubtedly led to a final research report that recognises the complexity of the subject matter at hand whilst being as accurate as possible in its delivery.

We would extend particular thanks to representatives from the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and to Victim Support Scotland for assisting in the recruitment of research participants, as well as to the individual staff from these and other organisations who participated as interviewees themselves. We also thank Scottish Women's Aid, the Scottish Police Services Authority and the Police for their input to the work.

For the victims and witnesses who took part, we appreciate the time taken to meet with the researchers and to discuss so openly their experiences and perceptions of a system which, in many cases, presented personal and emotional challenges. Without their help, the research would not have been possible.

Finally, we would like to thank each and every one of those who attended our workshops, including members of the public and expert panellists alike. Their views have been invaluable in allowing us to produce a report which takes cognisance of the wide range of interests, preferences and priorities of the end users of the Scottish summary criminal justice system.

Thank you.