Vision for Justice in Scotland: three year delivery plan

Provides a high-level overview of the main areas of work that are being undertaken across the justice sector, and further significant reforms that will be introduced over the period 2023 to 2026.


2. Delivery Plan

2.1 Aim: Safe

We have a society in which people feel, and are, safer in their communities

Action

Refresh the Trafficking and Exploitation Strategy

Milestone(s)

Publication of refreshed strategy

Timescale

Q3 24/25

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Action

Introduce new misogyny criminal laws

Milestone(s)

Support passage of Bill through Parliament

Timescale

Q4 23/24 to Q1 24/25

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

The Bill will take forward the new laws provided by Baroness Kennedy’s independent working group report from March 2022.

Action

Introduce new misogyny criminal laws

Timescale

Q1 24/25 to Q1 25/26

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

The Bill will take forward the new laws provided by Baroness Kennedy’s independent working group report from March 2022.

Action

Develop a framework to challenge men’s demand for prostitution and support those with experience of it

Milestone(s)

Develop and publish the component parts of the Framework

Timescale

Q3 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

The Policy Principles published in December 2022 include recognising the need for a collective response across government, and the wider public and third sector, and civic society, to tackle the systemic societal and economic disadvantages and circumstances that can foster sexual exploitation.

Action

Develop a framework to challenge men’s demand for prostitution and support those with experience of it

Milestone(s)

Test and evaluate Framework

Timescale

Q3 24/25

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

The Policy Principles published in December 2022 include recognising the need for a collective response across government, and the wider public and third sector, and civic society, to tackle the systemic societal and economic disadvantages and circumstances that can foster sexual exploitation.

Action

Refresh the National Missing Persons Framework for Scotland

Milestone(s)

Refresh completed

Timescale

Q4 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Action

Refresh the National Missing Persons Framework for Scotland

Milestone(s)

Framework Implementation Project to embed aims and objectives of the new Framework

Timescale

Q1 24/25 to Q4 25/26

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Action

Improvements to police complaints and misconduct processes

Milestone(s)

Publication of fourth thematic progress report

Timescale

Q1 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

This policy comes from recommendations from Dame Elish Angiolini’s review. A public consultation and engagement took place in summer 2022 on Government’s legislative proposals.

Action

Improvements to police complaints and misconduct processes

Milestone(s)

Introduction of a Police (Ethics, conduct and scrutiny) Scotland Bill to Parliament

Timescale

Q1 23/34

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

This policy comes from recommendations from Dame Elish Angiolini’s review. A public consultation and engagement took place in summer 2022 on Government’s legislative proposals.

Action

Improvements to police complaints and misconduct processes

Milestone(s)

Support passage of the Bill through parliament

Timescale

Q2 23/24 to Q1 24/25

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

This policy comes from recommendations from Dame Elish Angiolini’s review. A public consultation and engagement took place in summer 2022 on Government’s legislative proposals.

Action

Continue to communicate and co-ordinate work through the Serious Organised Crime Strategy

Milestone(s)

Publication of annual SOC Taskforce Progress Report

Timescale

Q4 23/24 Q4 24/25 Q4 25/26

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

As envisaged in the Serious Organised Crime Strategy, the SOC Taskforce Steering Group uses the SMASTA to identify the highest priority threats and the areas where the Taskforce’s multi-agency approach can make the biggest difference. The resulting activity is reported in the annual Progress Report.

Action

Continue to communicate and co-ordinate work through the Serious Organised Crime Strategy

Milestone(s)

Sectoral workshops for Local Authority SPOC; and Health Board representative networks

Timescale

Q4 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

As envisaged in the Serious Organised Crime Strategy, the SOC Taskforce Steering Group uses the SMASTA to identify the highest priority threats and the areas where the Taskforce’s multi-agency approach can make the biggest difference. The resulting activity is reported in the annual Progress Report.

Action

Continue to communicate and co-ordinate work through the Serious Organised Crime Strategy

Milestone(s)

Publication of public-facing Scottish Multi Agency Strategic Threat Assessment (SMASTA)

Timescale

Q3 24/25

Responsibility

Police Scotland Serious Organised Crime Taskforce

Further Detail

As envisaged in the Serious Organised Crime Strategy, the SOC Taskforce Steering Group uses the SMASTA to identify the highest priority threats and the areas where the Taskforce’s multi-agency approach can make the biggest difference. The resulting activity is reported in the annual Progress Report.

Action

Improve the cyber resilience of the public, private and third sectors and the general public

Milestone(s)

Taking Stock (Cyber Resilience) report published

Timescale

Q3 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

Through the implementation of The Strategic Framework for a Cyber Resilient Scotland, the strengthening of the CyberScotland Partnership, a collaboration of national delivery partners and the development of the Scottish Cyber Coordination Centre – ensures a coordinated partnership approach to improve the cyber resilience of the public, private and third sectors and the general public.

Action

Improve the cyber resilience of the public, private and third sectors and the general public

Milestone(s)

£500k funding to boost cyber resilience capabilities across diverse communities including older people, people whose first language is not English, disabled people and those facing barriers

Timescale

Q2 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

Through the implementation of The Strategic Framework for a Cyber Resilient Scotland, the strengthening of the CyberScotland Partnership, a collaboration of national delivery partners and the development of the Scottish Cyber Coordination Centre – ensures a coordinated partnership approach to improve the cyber resilience of the public, private and third sectors and the general public.

Action

Improve the cyber resilience of the public, private and third sectors and the general public

Milestone(s)

Refresh of Public, Private and Third Sector and Learning and Skills Action Plans (to support strategic implementation)

Timescale

Q3 23/24 Q3 25/26

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

Through the implementation of The Strategic Framework for a Cyber Resilient Scotland, the strengthening of the CyberScotland Partnership, a collaboration of national delivery partners and the development of the Scottish Cyber Coordination Centre – ensures a coordinated partnership approach to improve the cyber resilience of the public, private and third sectors and the general public.

Action

Improve the cyber resilience of the public, private and third sectors and the general public

Milestone(s)

CyberScotland Summit – bringing stakeholders together to discuss challenges and priorities

Timescale

Q3 23/24 Q3 24/25 Q3 25/26

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

Through the implementation of The Strategic Framework for a Cyber Resilient Scotland, the strengthening of the CyberScotland Partnership, a collaboration of national delivery partners and the development of the Scottish Cyber Coordination Centre – ensures a coordinated partnership approach to improve the cyber resilience of the public, private and third sectors and the general public.

Action

Improve the cyber resilience of the public, private and third sectors and the general public

Milestone(s)

CyberScotland Week – an annual nationwide festival of events raising awareness of the cyber risk and boosting cyber resilience capabilities across sectors and the general public

Timescale

Q4 23/24 Q4 24/25 Q4 25/26

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

Through the implementation of The Strategic Framework for a Cyber Resilient Scotland, the strengthening of the CyberScotland Partnership, a collaboration of national delivery partners and the development of the Scottish Cyber Coordination Centre – ensures a coordinated partnership approach to improve the cyber resilience of the public, private and third sectors and the general public.

Milestone(s)

Development of the Scottish Cyber Coordination Centre’s national cyber resilience capacity and capabilities to improve intelligence sharing, early warning, national exercising and coordination of national incident response

Timescale

Q1 23/24 to Q4 25/26

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Action

Implementation of Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023

Milestone(s)

Commencement and ensure implementation of Part 4 and Schedules 8 and 9 for criminal confiscation and civil recovery for cryptoassets

Timescale

Q3 23/24 to Q4 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

To strengthen law enforcement powers in tackling illegal use of cryptoassets.

Action

Consider UKG proposals for confiscation regime in Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA)

Milestone(s)

Consider whether those proposals should be extended to Scotland

Timescale

Q3 23/24 to Q4 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Government with assistance from COPFS

Further Detail

UKG aim is to improve the confiscation scheme under POCA to address problems in regime in E&W. Current aim is to keep Act aligned as closely as possible across UK jurisdictions. Decision needed whether we replicate those amendments for Scotland.

Action

Implementation of Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022

Milestone(s)

Commencement of Part 4 and 5 of the Act – Firework Control Zones; Pyrotechnic articles in public places and at designated venues and events

Timescale

Q1 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

The Act aims to protect public and community safety and wellbeing by ensuring fireworks and pyrotechnics do not cause harm, distress or serious injury.

Action

Implementation of Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022

Milestone(s)

Publication of Local Authority Guidance for implementing Firework Control Zones with introduction from COSLA

Timescale

Q1 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

The Act aims to protect public and community safety and wellbeing by ensuring fireworks and pyrotechnics do not cause harm, distress or serious injury.

Action

Implementation of Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022

Milestone(s)

Awareness raising workshops and information sessions being hosted by SCSN with LAs – throughout August-September

Timescale

Q2 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

The Act aims to protect public and community safety and wellbeing by ensuring fireworks and pyrotechnics do not cause harm, distress or serious injury.

Action

Implementation of Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022

Milestone(s)

Progress development of the Fireworks Licensing service

Timescale

Q4 23/24 to Q4 24/25

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

The Act aims to protect public and community safety and wellbeing by ensuring fireworks and pyrotechnics do not cause harm, distress or serious injury.

Action

Work with SFRS to ensure continuing priority is given to the implementation of their wildfire strategy

Milestone(s)

SFRS wildfire strategy to be fully implemented by 2024/25 ‘wildfire season’

Timescale

TBC

Q3 2024/25

Responsibility

SFRS

Further Detail

SFRS has designed a wildfire strategy for the provision of resources and advice at wildfires. The strategy describes a four-tier level of resource provision:

Tier 1: a standard level of training for all firefighters.

Tier 2: a fire station with wildfire support capability. Fifteen existing locations proposed. These stations will hold additional equipment. In addition to beaters and shovels, they are expected to be supplied with leaf blowers, mechanical brush cutters and hand tools to assist in creating a fire break.

Tier 3: a fire station with a wildfire specialist capability. Ten existing locations proposed. In addition to the equipment described for tier 2, they are expected to be provided with dedicated vehicles for carrying additional equipment including backburning and tactical burn operations.

Tier 4: wildfire tactical advisor. Twelve individuals envisaged.

Action

Continue to work with partners to implement the Water Safety Action Plan to prevent drowning

Milestone(s)

Water Safety Stakeholder Group annual report published

Timescale

Q1 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Action

Continue to work with partners to implement the Water Safety Action Plan to prevent drowning

Milestone(s)

Ministerial meetings with Water Safety Scotland stakeholders to review progress against action plan

Timescale

Q2 23/24 Q4 23/24 Q2 24/25 Q4 24/25

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Action

Continue to work with partners to implement the Water Safety Action Plan to prevent drowning

Milestone(s)

Launch of Water Safety Education resources for schools

Timescale

Q2 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Action

Continue to work with partners to implement the Water Safety Action Plan to prevent drowning

Milestone(s)

Water Safety Stakeholder Group annual report published

Timescale

Q1 24/25

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Action

Implement recommendations from the Action Group on Processions

Milestone(s)

Development and delivery of a pilot training programme for stewarding of assemblies

Timescale

Q4 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Action

Implement recommendations from the Action Group on Processions

Milestone(s)

Final report from Action Group on Processions in Scotland

Timescale

Q4 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Action

Implement recommendations from the Action Group on Processions

Milestone(s)

Implementation of Action Group’s recommendations

Timescale

Q1 24/25 to Q4 25/26

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Action

Support Policing Together: Police Scotland’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy

Milestone(s)

Joint Mainstreaming and Equality Outcomes Progress Report published, setting out how Police Scotland and the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) is making progress with its Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Timescale

Q1 23/24

Responsibility

Police Scotland

Scottish Police Authority

Further Detail

To contribute to continuous improvement in policing and seek to address the issues of institutional racism, sexism, misogyny and discrimination within Police Scotland.

Action

Support Policing Together: Police Scotland’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy

Milestone(s)

First Report from the Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Human Rights Independent Review Group (IRG)

Timescale

Q1 23/24

Responsibility

Police Scotland

Further Detail

To contribute to continuous improvement in policing and seek to address the issues of institutional racism, sexism, misogyny and discrimination within Police Scotland.

Action

Support Policing Together: Police Scotland’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy

Milestone(s)

Second Report from the Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Human Rights Independent Review Group (IRG)

Timescale

Q4 23/24

Responsibility

Police Scotland

Further Detail

To contribute to continuous improvement in policing and seek to address the issues of institutional racism, sexism, misogyny and discrimination within Police Scotland.

Action

We will act on the findings of His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland (HMICS) Thematic Review of the servicing of mental health demand on policing

Milestone(s)

Publication of HMICS report on Mental Health

Timescale

Q2 23/24

Responsibility

HMICS

Further Detail

Police are dealing with increasing numbers of people in mental health distress, where no, or only a minor offence, has been committed, placing significant demand on the service. A dashboard has been created in an attempt to capture and measure the demand and will be available imminently.

This work will promote partners to work together to better direct people to the most appropriate services, alleviating the amount of time spent by frontline policing and those in police custody centres supporting people in distress.

Action

We will act on the findings of His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland (HMICS) Thematic Review of the servicing of mental health demand on policing

Milestone(s)

Publication of Scottish Government Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy’s Delivery Plan and Workforce Action Plan, reflecting actions based on recommendations from HMICS report where possible

Timescale

Q3 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

Police are dealing with increasing numbers of people in mental health distress, where no, or only a minor offence, has been committed, placing significant demand on the service. A dashboard has been created in an attempt to capture and measure the demand and will be available imminently.

This work will promote partners to work together to better direct people to the most appropriate services, alleviating the amount of time spent by frontline policing and those in police custody centres supporting people in distress.

Action

We will act on the findings of His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland (HMICS) Thematic Review of the servicing of mental health demand on policing

Milestone(s)

Police Scotland Mental Wellbeing Strategy

Timescale

Q4 23/24

Responsibility

Police Scotland

NHS24

Scottish Ambulance Service

Further Detail

Police are dealing with increasing numbers of people in mental health distress, where no, or only a minor offence, has been committed, placing significant demand on the service. A dashboard has been created in an attempt to capture and measure the demand and will be available imminently.

This work will promote partners to work together to better direct people to the most appropriate services, alleviating the amount of time spent by frontline policing and those in police custody centres supporting people in distress.

Action

We will act on the findings of His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland (HMICS) Thematic Review of the servicing of mental health demand on policing

Milestone(s)

Increase the number of referrals to Enhanced Mental Health Pathway to best support those in mental health distress

Timescale

Q4 23/24

Responsibility

Police Scotland

Further Detail

Police are dealing with increasing numbers of people in mental health distress, where no, or only a minor offence, has been committed, placing significant demand on the service. A dashboard has been created in an attempt to capture and measure the demand and will be available imminently.

This work will promote partners to work together to better direct people to the most appropriate services, alleviating the amount of time spent by frontline policing and those in police custody centres supporting people in distress.

Action

Modernisation of SFRS

Milestone(s)

Publish SFRS’s Annual Performance Review Report

Timescale

Q3 23/24 Q3 24/25 Q3 25/26

Responsibility

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

Further Detail

The Annual Performance Review sets out SFRS’s progress against delivery of the 7 Strategic Outcomes set out in SFRS’s Strategic Plan published in October 2022.

Action

Modernisation of SFRS

Milestone(s)

SFRS Strategic Service Review Programme (SSRP) to identify future change requirements for three workstreams (Corporate Services; Service Delivery; Asset Management)

Timescale

Q4 23/24 Q4 24/25 Q4 25/26

Responsibility

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

Further Detail

The Annual Performance Review sets out SFRS’s progress against delivery of the 7 Strategic Outcomes set out in SFRS’s Strategic Plan published in October 2022.

Action

Modernisation of SFRS

Milestone(s)

Implement new Fire Alarm Signal policy

Timescale

Q2 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

Further Detail

The Annual Performance Review sets out SFRS’s progress against delivery of the 7 Strategic Outcomes set out in SFRS’s Strategic Plan published in October 2022.

2.2 Aim: Prevention And Early Intervention

We work together to address the underlying causes of crime and support everyone to live full and healthy lives

Action

Implement the Violence Prevention Framework for Scotland

Milestone(s)

Publication of first Violence Prevention Framework for Scotland

Timescale

Q1 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

The Action Plan within the Framework includes 14 specific actions to be taken forward in collaboration with our delivery partners. This will be overseen by a Framework Implementation Group and will be reported through the publication of an annual Progress Report.

Action

Implement the Violence Prevention Framework for Scotland

Milestone(s)

Annual Progress report and next steps published

Timescale

Q2 24/25 Q2 25/26

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

The Action Plan within the Framework includes 14 specific actions to be taken forward in collaboration with our delivery partners. This will be overseen by a Framework Implementation Group and will be reported through the publication of an annual Progress Report.

Action

Take a public health approach to preventing crime and unintentional harm

Milestone(s)

This work is undertaken through the annual budget planning cycle with current 2023-24 funded project outputs delivered by March 2024

Timescale

Q1 23/24 to Q4 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

Work in partnership with local community safety organisations to deliver preventative interventions to achieve safer communities.

Action

Take a public health approach to preventing crime and unintentional harm

Milestone(s)

Decisions on funding projects for 2024-5 will be made in advance of the 2024-5 budget settlement

Timescale

Q4 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

Work in partnership with local community safety organisations to deliver preventative interventions to achieve safer communities.

Action

End the placement of under 18s in Young Offenders’ Institutions

Milestone(s)

Support passage of Bill through Parliament

Timescale

Q1 23/24 to Q4 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

This is part of the Children (Care and Justice) (Scotland) Bill which was introduced into Parliament in December 2022.

This commitment aligns with our Whole System Approach which seeks to address the needs of those under the age of 18 who are involved in, or at risk of becoming involved in, offending.

This is a key action towards Keeping the Promise, providing the support children and young people need in very difficult circumstances, shifting the approach from one of punishment to one of love and support.

Action

Continue to implement Support the Justice for Children and young people – a rights respecting approach

Milestone(s)

We will work in partnership to deliver the vision and priorities in order to meet the asks of the Promise and other review/research pieces

Timescale

Q1 23/24 to Q1 24/25

Responsibility

Scottish Government and Youth Justice Improvement Board Members

Further Detail

This vision builds on the youth justice strategy which concluded in 2020. It represents a shared foundation between the Scottish Government and partners to continue to support the agenda to keep children out of the criminal justice system and promote the use of the Whole System Approach. Two implementation groups have been set up to deliver on the priorities within the vision.

Action

The regulation of child contact services used in private family law cases for children to spend time with a parent they don’t live with in a safe, conflict-free environment

Milestone(s)

Secondary legislation to be laid to put the Care Inspectorate in place as the independent regulator of child contact services

Timescale

Q1 24/25

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

This forms part of a wider work to implement the Children (Scotland) Act 2020, including in relation to child welfare reporters and alternative dispute resolution.

Action

The regulation of child contact services used in private family law cases for children to spend time with a parent they don’t live with in a safe, conflict-free environment

Milestone(s)

New regulatory system established requiring child contact services to register with the Care Inspectorate and be subject to a quality improvement framework and regular inspections

Timescale

Q1 25/26

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

This forms part of a wider work to implement the Children (Scotland) Act 2020, including in relation to child welfare reporters and alternative dispute resolution.

Action

Support primary and secondary prevention intervention: Cashback for Communities to support young people at risk

Milestone(s)

Launch of Phase 6

Timescale

Q1 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

Phase 6 of CashBack for Communities includes 29 grant funded partners funded until 2025/6. Partners are supported by our programme manager Inspiring Scotland and have quarterly visits/engagement. Partners are also brought together as a collective twice a year for broader discussions.

Action

Support primary and secondary prevention intervention: Cashback for Communities to support young people at risk

Milestone(s)

Publication of 2022/23 Impact Report

Timescale

Q3 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

Phase 6 of CashBack for Communities includes 29 grant funded partners funded until 2025/6. Partners are supported by our programme manager Inspiring Scotland and have quarterly visits/engagement. Partners are also brought together as a collective twice a year for broader discussions.

Action

Support primary and secondary prevention intervention: Cashback for Communities to support young people at risk

Milestone(s)

Publication of Phase 5 Evaluation

Timescale

Q4 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

Phase 6 of CashBack for Communities includes 29 grant funded partners funded until 2025/6. Partners are supported by our programme manager Inspiring Scotland and have quarterly visits/engagement. Partners are also brought together as a collective twice a year for broader discussions.

Action

Support primary and secondary prevention intervention: Cashback for Communities to support young people at risk

Milestone(s)

End of year reporting and evaluation

Timescale

Q4 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

Phase 6 of CashBack for Communities includes 29 grant funded partners funded until 2025/6. Partners are supported by our programme manager Inspiring Scotland and have quarterly visits/engagement. Partners are also brought together as a collective twice a year for broader discussions.

Action

Support primary and secondary prevention intervention: Cashback for Communities to support young people at risk

Milestone(s)

Cashback Phase 7 feasibility discussions and consultation (2024)

Timescale

Q2 24/25 to Q4 24/25

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

Phase 6 of CashBack for Communities includes 29 grant funded partners funded until 2025/6. Partners are supported by our programme manager Inspiring Scotland and have quarterly visits/engagement. Partners are also brought together as a collective twice a year for broader discussions.

Action

Support primary and secondary prevention intervention: Cashback for Communities to support young people at risk

Milestone(s)

Publication of Cashback Impact reports for Phase 6 Y1(2024)

Timescale

Q3 24/25

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

Phase 6 of CashBack for Communities includes 29 grant funded partners funded until 2025/6. Partners are supported by our programme manager Inspiring Scotland and have quarterly visits/engagement. Partners are also brought together as a collective twice a year for broader discussions.

Action

Support primary and secondary prevention intervention: Cashback for Communities to support young people at risk

Milestone(s)

Publication of Cashback Impact reports for Phase 6 Y2 (2025)

Timescale

Q3 25/26

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

Phase 6 of CashBack for Communities includes 29 grant funded partners funded until 2025/6. Partners are supported by our programme manager Inspiring Scotland and have quarterly visits/engagement. Partners are also brought together as a collective twice a year for broader discussions.

Action

Develop proposals for refreshing our approach to dealing with Antisocial behaviour (ASB) with a strong focus on prevention

Milestone(s)

Compile findings and recommendations from engagement on current approach to preventing and tackling ASB

Timescale

Q2 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Action

Develop proposals for refreshing our approach to dealing with Antisocial behaviour (ASB) with a strong focus on prevention

Milestone(s)

Establish independent working group to develop proposals on a more strategic approach to preventing and tackling ASB

Timescale

Q3 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Action

Develop proposals for refreshing our approach to dealing with Antisocial behaviour (ASB) with a strong focus on prevention

Milestone(s)

Publish stakeholder engagement report – Developing a New Approach to Antisocial Behaviour

Timescale

Q3 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Action

Develop proposals for refreshing our approach to dealing with Antisocial behaviour (ASB) with a strong focus on prevention

Milestone(s)

Working Group report to Ministers setting out their conclusions and recommendations

Timescale

Q3 24/25

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Action

Publish a Delivery Plan to support implementation of the Hate Crime Strategy for Scotland. A key priority will be supporting implementation of the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021

Milestone(s)

Delivery Plan published

Timescale

Q3 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

The Hate Crime strategy was published in March 2023.

Action

Publish a Delivery Plan to support implementation of the Hate Crime Strategy for Scotland. A key priority will be supporting implementation of the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021

Milestone(s)

Commencement of the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021

Timescale

Q1 24/25

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

The Hate Crime strategy was published in March 2023.

Action

Take action to keep the promise

Milestone(s)

To take immediate action to improve experiences and outcomes for children, young people, adults and their families who are currently in or on the edge of care; and action over the longer term to improve the level of support for families from birth through to adulthood to significantly reduce the numbers of families coming into the care system

Timescale

Ongoing

Responsibility

All justice partners

Further Detail

Key activities to keep the Promise are being progressed such as the implementation of the Bairns’ Hoose model and legislation to end the placement of under 18s in Young Offenders Institutions.

Collective action continues to embed the Promise across justice to improve outcomes for care experienced children, young people, adults and their families in Scotland.

Action

Improve the operational response to control of dogs

Milestone(s)

Delivery of 8 regional engagements

Timescale

Q3 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

A number of regional events will be held bringing together representatives from local authorities, Police Scotland, Scottish Community Safety Network, dog behaviourists, SSPCA, Dogs Trust and others to look at ways of strengthening the operational response to help address dog control issues in our communities.

Action

Improve the operational response to control of dogs

Milestone(s)

Implementation of agreed actions from engagement events

Timescale

Q4 24/25

Responsibility

Scottish Government in collaboration with stakeholders

Further Detail

A number of regional events will be held bringing together representatives from local authorities, Police Scotland, Scottish Community Safety Network, dog behaviourists, SSPCA, Dogs Trust and others to look at ways of strengthening the operational response to help address dog control issues in our communities.

2.3 Aim: Person-Centred And Trauma-Informed

We have effective, modern and person-centred approaches to justice in which everyone can have trust, including as victims, those accused of crimes, and as individuals in civil disputes

Action

Implement the Bairns’ Hoose Model

Milestone(s)

Publication of documents setting out various elements of the model

Timescale

Q1 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

The Pathfinders will act as proof of concept for the Bairns’ Hoose model in Scotland. Learning from the implementation of the Standards, alongside the rollout of the Scottish Child Interview Model, will help provide a blueprint for a pilot of a national Bairns’ Hoose model in Scotland.

The pilots, expected to be launched in 2025, will test the full implementation of the Bairns’ Hoose model blueprint. They will be formally evaluated to identify any issues and to evidence impacts, including impacts on outcomes for children and young people. This will provide a basis to refine the Bairns’ Hoose model in Scotland before being rolled out nationally.

Action

Implement the Bairns’ Hoose Model

Milestone(s)

Launch Phase 1 Pathfinder

Timescale

Q3 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

The Pathfinders will act as proof of concept for the Bairns’ Hoose model in Scotland. Learning from the implementation of the Standards, alongside the rollout of the Scottish Child Interview Model, will help provide a blueprint for a pilot of a national Bairns’ Hoose model in Scotland.

The pilots, expected to be launched in 2025, will test the full implementation of the Bairns’ Hoose model blueprint. They will be formally evaluated to identify any issues and to evidence impacts, including impacts on outcomes for children and young people. This will provide a basis to refine the Bairns’ Hoose model in Scotland before being rolled out nationally.

Action

Implement the Bairns’ Hoose Model

Milestone(s)

Publish findings from Pathfinder

Timescale

Q1 25/26

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

The Pathfinders will act as proof of concept for the Bairns’ Hoose model in Scotland. Learning from the implementation of the Standards, alongside the rollout of the Scottish Child Interview Model, will help provide a blueprint for a pilot of a national Bairns’ Hoose model in Scotland.

The pilots, expected to be launched in 2025, will test the full implementation of the Bairns’ Hoose model blueprint. They will be formally evaluated to identify any issues and to evidence impacts, including impacts on outcomes for children and young people. This will provide a basis to refine the Bairns’ Hoose model in Scotland before being rolled out nationally.

Action

Implement the Bairns’ Hoose Model

Milestone(s)

Blueprint and Pilot Delivery Plan to be developed

Timescale

Q1 25/26

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

The Pathfinders will act as proof of concept for the Bairns’ Hoose model in Scotland. Learning from the implementation of the Standards, alongside the rollout of the Scottish Child Interview Model, will help provide a blueprint for a pilot of a national Bairns’ Hoose model in Scotland.

The pilots, expected to be launched in 2025, will test the full implementation of the Bairns’ Hoose model blueprint. They will be formally evaluated to identify any issues and to evidence impacts, including impacts on outcomes for children and young people. This will provide a basis to refine the Bairns’ Hoose model in Scotland before being rolled out nationally.

Action

Implement the Bairns’ Hoose Model

Milestone(s)

Phase 2 Pilots launched

Timescale

Q4 25/26

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

The Pathfinders will act as proof of concept for the Bairns’ Hoose model in Scotland. Learning from the implementation of the Standards, alongside the rollout of the Scottish Child Interview Model, will help provide a blueprint for a pilot of a national Bairns’ Hoose model in Scotland.

The pilots, expected to be launched in 2025, will test the full implementation of the Bairns’ Hoose model blueprint. They will be formally evaluated to identify any issues and to evidence impacts, including impacts on outcomes for children and young people. This will provide a basis to refine the Bairns’ Hoose model in Scotland before being rolled out nationally.

Action

Introduce the Scottish Child Interview Model

Milestone(s)

Complete national delivery of the Scottish Child Interview Model in all partnerships in Scotland

Timescale

Q4 23/24

Responsibility

Police Scotland

Further Detail

A key aim of the Scottish Child Interview Model – developed by local authorities and Police Scotland in a series of pilot projects – is to protect children and reduce stress when recounting their experiences.

Police Scotland, in collaboration with the Scottish Government continues to work with strategic partners of Social Work Scotland and COSLA, via the dedicated National Joint Investigative Interviewing (JII) Team, to complete the introduction of the Scottish Child Interview Model to all areas of Scotland by March 2024.

Action

Introduce the Scottish Child Interview Model

Milestone(s)

National Joint Investigative Interviewing (JII) Team will build capacity within training cohorts

Timescale

Q4 23/24

Responsibility

Police Scotland

Further Detail

A key aim of the Scottish Child Interview Model – developed by local authorities and Police Scotland in a series of pilot projects – is to protect children and reduce stress when recounting their experiences.

Police Scotland, in collaboration with the Scottish Government continues to work with strategic partners of Social Work Scotland and COSLA, via the dedicated National Joint Investigative Interviewing (JII) Team, to complete the introduction of the Scottish Child Interview Model to all areas of Scotland by March 2024.

Action

Introduce the Scottish Child Interview Model

Milestone(s)

Work with key stakeholders (including the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and the Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration) to embed a learning culture and continuous improvement through a commitment to multi-agency evaluation of JII

Timescale

Q4 23/24

Responsibility

Police Scotland

Further Detail

A key aim of the Scottish Child Interview Model – developed by local authorities and Police Scotland in a series of pilot projects – is to protect children and reduce stress when recounting their experiences.

Police Scotland, in collaboration with the Scottish Government continues to work with strategic partners of Social Work Scotland and COSLA, via the dedicated National Joint Investigative Interviewing (JII) Team, to complete the introduction of the Scottish Child Interview Model to all areas of Scotland by March 2024.

Action

Introduce the Scottish Child Interview Model

Milestone(s)

Commence review to update the existing National JII Guidance to complement the Scottish Child Interview Model

Timescale

Q4 23/24

Responsibility

Police Scotland

Further Detail

A key aim of the Scottish Child Interview Model – developed by local authorities and Police Scotland in a series of pilot projects – is to protect children and reduce stress when recounting their experiences.

Police Scotland, in collaboration with the Scottish Government continues to work with strategic partners of Social Work Scotland and COSLA, via the dedicated National Joint Investigative Interviewing (JII) Team, to complete the introduction of the Scottish Child Interview Model to all areas of Scotland by March 2024.

Action

Implementation of the Children (Scotland) Act 2020 [section 21] – Duty on Scottish Ministers to ensure the availability of child advocacy services in court cases under section 11 of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995

Milestone(s)

Preparatory work in advance of a public consultation on child advocacy

Timescale

Q1 23/24 to Q4 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

This forms part of a wider work to implement the Children (Scotland) Act 2020, including in relation to child welfare reporters and alternative dispute resolution.

Advocacy is a key area linked to Keeping the Promise, and The Promise Scotland are leading on scoping work for a lifelong, national advocacy service which will report to the Scottish Ministers at the end of 2023.

Action

Implementation of the Children (Scotland) Act 2020 [section 21] – Duty on Scottish Ministers to ensure the availability of child advocacy services in court cases under section 11 of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995

Milestone(s)

Issue of public consultation

Timescale

Q1 24/25

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

This forms part of a wider work to implement the Children (Scotland) Act 2020, including in relation to child welfare reporters and alternative dispute resolution.

Advocacy is a key area linked to Keeping the Promise, and The Promise Scotland are leading on scoping work for a lifelong, national advocacy service which will report to the Scottish Ministers at the end of 2023.

Action

Review of section 6 of the Child Abduction Act 1984

Milestone(s)

Consultation with key stakeholders

Timescale

Q1 23/24 to Q4 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

Section 6 of the 1984 Act makes it a criminal offence in the law of Scotland for a person connected with a child under 16 to take or send the child out of the United Kingdom without the appropriate consent, but only where there is a court order from a court in the UK on custody or from a court in England, Wales or Northern Ireland making the child a ward of court. In addition, under section 6 of the 1984 Act, it is a criminal offence in Scotland to take a child out of the United Kingdom if there is an order from a court in the UK prohibiting the removal of the child from the UK or any part of it.

Action

Review of section 6 of the Child Abduction Act 1984

Milestone(s)

Report to be published outlining the outcomes of the review.

Timescale

Q2 24/25

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

Section 6 of the 1984 Act makes it a criminal offence in the law of Scotland for a person connected with a child under 16 to take or send the child out of the United Kingdom without the appropriate consent, but only where there is a court order from a court in the UK on custody or from a court in England, Wales or Northern Ireland making the child a ward of court. In addition, under section 6 of the 1984 Act, it is a criminal offence in Scotland to take a child out of the United Kingdom if there is an order from a court in the UK prohibiting the removal of the child from the UK or any part of it.

Action

Monitor and evaluate the use of police powers under the Age of Criminal Responsibility (Scotland) Act (ACRA)

Milestone(s)

Commencement of remedial work following Year 1 learning review

Timescale

Q3 23/24

Responsibility

Police Scotland

Action

Monitor and evaluate the use of police powers under the Age of Criminal Responsibility (Scotland) Act (ACRA)

Milestone(s)

Full report on the review of cases relating to increasing the ACR to be submitted to Scottish Government

Timescale

Q4 23/24

Responsibility

Police Scotland

Action

Monitor and evaluate the use of police powers under the Age of Criminal Responsibility (Scotland) Act (ACRA)

Milestone(s)

Year 2 data report compilation and submission to Scottish Government

Timescale

Q4 23/24

Responsibility

Police Scotland

Action

Monitor and evaluate the use of police powers under the Age of Criminal Responsibility (Scotland) Act (ACRA)

Milestone(s)

Year 3 data report compilation and submission to Scottish Government

Timescale

Q4 24/25

Responsibility

Police Scotland

Action

Abolition of the Not Proven Verdict

Milestone(s)

Introduction of Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill

Timescale

Q1 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

This is part of the Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill so both the policy and timescales are dependent on the Parliamentary process.

Action

Abolition of the Not Proven Verdict

Milestone(s)

Support passage of Bill through Parliament

Timescale

Q2 23/24 to Q3 24/25

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

This is part of the Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill so both the policy and timescales are dependent on the Parliamentary process.

Action

Establish specialist sexual offences court

Milestone(s)

Introduction of Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill

Timescale

Q1 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

This is part of the Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill so both the policy and timescales are dependent on the Parliamentary process.

Action

Establish specialist sexual offences court

Milestone(s)

Support passage of Bill through Parliament

Timescale

Q2 23/24 to Q3 24/25

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

This is part of the Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill so both the policy and timescales are dependent on the Parliamentary process.

Action

Pilot of single judge rape trials

Milestone(s)

Introduction of Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill

Timescale

Q1 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

This is part of the Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill so both the policy and timescales are dependent on the Parliamentary process.

Action

Pilot of single judge rape trials

Milestone(s)

Support passage of Bill through Parliament

Timescale

Q2 23/24 to Q3 24/25

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

This is part of the Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill so both the policy and timescales are dependent on the Parliamentary process.

Action

Introduce a statutory right to anonymity for victims of sexual offences

Milestone(s)

Introduction of Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill

Timescale

Q1 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

This is part of the Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill so both the policy and timescales are dependent on the Parliamentary process.

Action

Introduce a statutory right to anonymity for victims of sexual offences

Milestone(s)

Support passage of Bill through Parliament

Timescale

Q2 23/24 to Q3 24/25

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

This is part of the Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill so both the policy and timescales are dependent on the Parliamentary process.

Action

Continue to support victims and survivors of crime through the Victim Centred Approach Fund

Milestone(s)

Gather evidence to support shared learning across funded organisations

Timescale

Q4 24/25

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

This fund provides joined-up, accessible support to victims across Scotland. It helps support specialist services for those bereaved by crime, provide court advocacy support for survivors of gender-based violence, extend support and assistance for victims of human trafficking and enable better long-term outcomes for victims, including improved mental and physical health.

Action

Continue to support victims and survivors of crime through the Victim Centred Approach Fund

Milestone(s)

Consider options for future VCAF funding

Timescale

Q4 24/25

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

This fund provides joined-up, accessible support to victims across Scotland. It helps support specialist services for those bereaved by crime, provide court advocacy support for survivors of gender-based violence, extend support and assistance for victims of human trafficking and enable better long-term outcomes for victims, including improved mental and physical health.

Action

Provide support to victims of crime through the Victim Surcharge Fund

Milestone(s)

Fund open for applications

Timescale

Q2 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

Successful applicants will be able to use their share of the Victim Surcharge Fund, which is now in its fourth year, to provide direct, practical help to victims. This includes repairing or replacing damaged items, providing replacement clothes for people escaping domestic abuse, or equipment that helps people impacted by crime feel safe.

Action

Provide support to victims of crime through the Victim Surcharge Fund

Milestone(s)

Funds allocated

Timescale

Q3 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

Successful applicants will be able to use their share of the Victim Surcharge Fund, which is now in its fourth year, to provide direct, practical help to victims. This includes repairing or replacing damaged items, providing replacement clothes for people escaping domestic abuse, or equipment that helps people impacted by crime feel safe.

Action

Create the office of Victims and Witnesses Commissioner for Scotland

Milestone(s)

Introduction of Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill

Timescale

Q1 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

This is part of the Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill so both the policy and timescales are dependent on the Parliamentary process.

Action

Create the office of Victims and Witnesses Commissioner for Scotland

Milestone(s)

Support passage of Bill through Parliament

Timescale

Q2 23/24 to Q3 24/25

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

This is part of the Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill so both the policy and timescales are dependent on the Parliamentary process.

Action

Refresh the Equally Safe Strategy

Milestone(s)

Establish a Ministerial Oversight Group as part of the review of Equally Safe’s governance. The group will ensure momentum on delivering the cross-portfolio Equally Safe Strategy, including the refresh of the priorities

Timescale

Q3 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Action

Refresh the Equally Safe Strategy

Milestone(s)

Publish Refreshed Equally Safe Strategy

Timescale

Q3 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Action

Refresh the Equally Safe Strategy

Milestone(s)

Publish a new Equally Safe delivery plan

Timescale

Q4 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Action

Develop Scotland’s first national multi-agency domestic homicide review model

Milestone(s)

Targeted engagement to gather the views of those with lived experience of domestic abuse, those who have been bereaved by domestic homicide and those working within the sector

Timescale

Q3 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

The Scottish Government established a multi-agency Domestic Homicide Review Taskforce in December 2022. The purpose of the Taskforce is to provide leadership on the development and implementation of a national multi-agency Domestic Homicide Review model for Scotland.

Action

Develop Scotland’s first national multi-agency domestic homicide review model

Milestone(s)

Publish analysis report

Timescale

Q3 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

The Scottish Government established a multi-agency Domestic Homicide Review Taskforce in December 2022. The purpose of the Taskforce is to provide leadership on the development and implementation of a national multi-agency Domestic Homicide Review model for Scotland.

Action

Implement a new trauma informed domestic abuse court model

Milestone(s)

Workshop to capture and agree the high level scope and project considerations

Timescale

Q2 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service

Further Detail

This work is being taken forward under TCP3 – System Efficiency.

This new model seeks to develop the use of technology to increase flexibility and resilience in the management of criminal business, by creating specialist online courts to tackle domestic abuse cases from first appearance to sentence. This approach has the potential to reduce trauma for complainers, moving cases out of the physical courtroom, whilst making use of new approaches to manage business virtually.

Action

Implement a new trauma informed domestic abuse court model

Milestone(s)

Develop and finalise the model for implementation in Grampian, Highland and Islands in consultation with partners

Timescale

Q4 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service

Further Detail

This work is being taken forward under TCP3 – System Efficiency.

This new model seeks to develop the use of technology to increase flexibility and resilience in the management of criminal business, by creating specialist online courts to tackle domestic abuse cases from first appearance to sentence. This approach has the potential to reduce trauma for complainers, moving cases out of the physical courtroom, whilst making use of new approaches to manage business virtually.

Action

Implement a new trauma informed domestic abuse court model

Milestone(s)

Review approach and consider potential for further roll out

Timescale

Q1 24/25 to Q4 24/25

Responsibility

Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service

Further Detail

This work is being taken forward under TCP3 – System Efficiency.

This new model seeks to develop the use of technology to increase flexibility and resilience in the management of criminal business, by creating specialist online courts to tackle domestic abuse cases from first appearance to sentence. This approach has the potential to reduce trauma for complainers, moving cases out of the physical courtroom, whilst making use of new approaches to manage business virtually.

Action

Aim to increase the availability of the Caledonian domestic abuse perpetrators programme

Milestone(s)

Conclude formal programme accreditation

Timescale

Q4 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

We will deliver ongoing training and support to those areas currently delivering this internationally recognised behavioural programme for perpetrators of domestic abuse.

We will explore potential for further roll out with local authority areas who are in a position to roll out the programme.

Action

Improve the Management of Sexual Offences Cases

Milestone(s)

Delivery of a bespoke evidence by commission facility in Aberdeen to support the High Court and local sheriff courts

Timescale

Q3 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service

Further Detail

Supporting the implementation of recommendations made in the Lord Justice Clerk’s Review – “Improving the Management of Sexual Offence Cases” – by providing a supportive, trauma-informed approach to the taking of evidence prior to trial.

Whilst many of the Review’s recommendations require new legislation and provisions are contained within the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill 2023. This action relates to the elements of the Review that don’t require an immediate legislative change.

The Lord Advocate appointed Susanne Tanner KC to carry out a Review of the Prosecution of Sexual Offences to improve the service COPFS provides to victims of sexual crime.

Action

Improve the Management of Sexual Offences Cases

Milestone(s)

Supporting Victim Support Scotland’s roll-out of virtual reality headset technology to help vulnerable witnesses familiarise themselves with courts before attending court to give evidence

Timescale

Ongoing

Responsibility

Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service

Further Detail

Supporting the implementation of recommendations made in the Lord Justice Clerk’s Review – “Improving the Management of Sexual Offence Cases” – by providing a supportive, trauma-informed approach to the taking of evidence prior to trial.

Whilst many of the Review’s recommendations require new legislation and provisions are contained within the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill 2023. This action relates to the elements of the Review that don’t require an immediate legislative change.

The Lord Advocate appointed Susanne Tanner KC to carry out a Review of the Prosecution of Sexual Offences to improve the service COPFS provides to victims of sexual crime.

Action

Improve the Management of Sexual Offences Cases

Milestone(s)

Develop and deliver SCTS leaders training on trauma informed approaches – to raise organisational awareness around trauma informed care and inform development of training for all staff in line with the levels identified in the Trauma Informed Justice Knowledge and Skills Framework

Timescale

Q3 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service

Further Detail

Supporting the implementation of recommendations made in the Lord Justice Clerk’s Review – “Improving the Management of Sexual Offence Cases” – by providing a supportive, trauma-informed approach to the taking of evidence prior to trial.

Whilst many of the Review’s recommendations require new legislation and provisions are contained within the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill 2023. This action relates to the elements of the Review that don’t require an immediate legislative change.

The Lord Advocate appointed Susanne Tanner KC to carry out a Review of the Prosecution of Sexual Offences to improve the service COPFS provides to victims of sexual crime.

Milestone(s)

Delivery of a bespoke trauma informed multifunctional evidence giving facility in Dundee

Timescale

Q4 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service

Milestone(s)

Report the Review of the Prosecution of Sexual Offences to be submitted to Lord Advocate

Timescale

Q3 23/24

Responsibility

Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service

Milestone(s)

COPFS to consider and take forward the recommendations from the review

Timescale

Q4 23/24

Responsibility

Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service

Action

Further develop how a person centred approach to justice reflects specific gender needs

Milestone(s)

Women’s Justice Leadership Panel The Case for Gendered and Intersectional Approaches to Justice report published

Timescale

Q2 23/24

Responsibility

Women’s Justice Leadership Panel

Further Detail

The Panel was established in January 2022 to address gender inequality and improve women’s experiences within the justice system. The Panel’s remit was to demonstrate that the experience of women in the justice system is different to men, and to promote consistent understanding of gendered issues within the justice system. Members of the Panel examined the experiences of women as both victims and offenders in a range of settings including policing, community justice, criminal and civil courts, tribunals and prisons.

Action

Further develop how a person centred approach to justice reflects specific gender needs

Milestone(s)

Presentations to be delivered to Equally Safe Joint Strategic Board, Justice Board, The Promise Board and the National Advisory Council on Women and Girls on the report from the Women’s Justice Leadership Panel report

Timescale

Q3 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

The Panel was established in January 2022 to address gender inequality and improve women’s experiences within the justice system. The Panel’s remit was to demonstrate that the experience of women in the justice system is different to men, and to promote consistent understanding of gendered issues within the justice system. Members of the Panel examined the experiences of women as both victims and offenders in a range of settings including policing, community justice, criminal and civil courts, tribunals and prisons.

Action

Implement the Trauma-informed Knowledge and Skills Framework for Victims and Witnesses

Milestone(s)

Agree an implementation plan with partners including developing specialised training for relevant staff

Timescale

Q4 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Government

NHS Education Scotland

All Justice agencies

Further Detail

This work is being taken forward under TCP1 – Person Centred Justice and is a workstream of the Victims Taskforce.

The framework sets out key principles and aims of trauma informed justice systems and practice. It details knowledge and skills different members of the workforce will need in order to achieve them. Justice organisations working with victims and witnesses will need to use the framework to identify what that means for them in practice and implement the required training.

Action

Implementation of the Vulnerable Witnesses (Criminal Evidence) (Scotland) Act 2019

Milestone(s)

Implementation Group to be reformed

Timescale

Q2 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

This work is being taken forward under TCP1 – Person Centred Justice.

The Report to Parliament must: evaluate whether the presumption has helped witnesses to participate in the criminal justice system and set out the next steps that Scottish Ministers intend to take to further extend the presumption.

Action

Implementation of the Vulnerable Witnesses (Criminal Evidence) (Scotland) Act 2019

Milestone(s)

Reporting to Parliament on the on the first three years of the 2019 Act’s implementation

Timescale

Q4 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

This work is being taken forward under TCP1 – Person Centred Justice.

The Report to Parliament must: evaluate whether the presumption has helped witnesses to participate in the criminal justice system and set out the next steps that Scottish Ministers intend to take to further extend the presumption.

Action

Implementation of the Vulnerable Witnesses (Criminal Evidence) (Scotland) Act 2019

Milestone(s)

Publication of updated Implementation Plan

Timescale

Q4 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

This work is being taken forward under TCP1 – Person Centred Justice.

The Report to Parliament must: evaluate whether the presumption has helped witnesses to participate in the criminal justice system and set out the next steps that Scottish Ministers intend to take to further extend the presumption.

Action

Victim Information and Advice (VIA) modernisation programme

Milestone(s)

Development and delivery of key products in a phased approach

Timescale

Q3 23/24 to Q4 23/24

Responsibility

Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service

Further Detail

VIA is a service provided by COPFS to victims and witnesses of crime, offering information and advice about how the Scottish criminal justice system works and what victims and witnesses can expect, communicating about what is happening in their case and putting them in touch with other services that can help. This programme will deliver an improved service to victims, witnesses and nearest relatives and support the effective preparation and prosecution of casework.

Action

Victim Information and Advice (VIA) modernisation programme

Milestone(s)

Collaboration and engagement with internal and external stakeholders on key interdependent projects/initiatives

Timescale

Q3 23/24 to Q1 24/25

Responsibility

Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service

Further Detail

VIA is a service provided by COPFS to victims and witnesses of crime, offering information and advice about how the Scottish criminal justice system works and what victims and witnesses can expect, communicating about what is happening in their case and putting them in touch with other services that can help. This programme will deliver an improved service to victims, witnesses and nearest relatives and support the effective preparation and prosecution of casework.

Action

Extend use of Restorative Justice

Milestone(s)

Prepare Business Case for Test Project Area expansion

Timescale

Q1 24/25

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Community Justice Scotland

Further Detail

This work is being taken forward under TCP1 – Person Centred Justice.

Widening the availability of reliable and safe restorative Justice services to people who have been impacted by harm and want to pursue RJ as an option for addressing the harm caused, support recovery, and where feasible repair harm caused.

Action

Improve communications for Victims and Witnesses

Milestone(s)

Revised written communications for Victims and Witnesses

Timescale

Q4 23/24

Responsibility

Justice Agencies Scottish Government

Further Detail

This work is being taken forward under TCP1 – Person Centred Justice and is a workstream of the Victims Taskforce.

Ensure compassionate and timely communication across the justice system for Victims and Witnesses.

This includes

Implementation of a new style guide [People at Heart] and approach to communication, and related activity across the sector.

Setting out our intended approach to VNS Review recommendations.

Improving information provided across websites for consistency and ease of navigation.

Action

Improve communications for Victims and Witnesses

Timescale

Q3 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

This work is being taken forward under TCP1 – Person Centred Justice and is a workstream of the Victims Taskforce.

Ensure compassionate and timely communication across the justice system for Victims and Witnesses.

This includes

Implementation of a new style guide [People at Heart] and approach to communication, and related activity across the sector.

Setting out our intended approach to VNS Review recommendations.

Improving information provided across websites for consistency and ease of navigation.

Action

Improve communications for Victims and Witnesses

Milestone(s)

Response to the Victim Notification Scheme review and subsequent implementation

Timescale

Q4 23/24 onwards

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

This work is being taken forward under TCP1 – Person Centred Justice and is a workstream of the Victims Taskforce.

Ensure compassionate and timely communication across the justice system for Victims and Witnesses.

This includes

Implementation of a new style guide [People at Heart] and approach to communication, and related activity across the sector.

Setting out our intended approach to VNS Review recommendations.

Improving information provided across websites for consistency and ease of navigation.

Action

Victims Taskforce

Milestone(s)

Continue meeting on 6-monthly basis to co-ordinate and drive action to improve the experiences of victims and witnesses within the criminal justice system

Timescale

Q1 23/24 to Q4 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Government, third sector and all justice partners

Further Detail

The Victims Taskforce, chaired jointly by the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs and the Lord Advocate, brings together representatives of justice agencies, victims organisations and others to consider measures to improve the experiences of victims within the justice system.

A key focus of the Taskforce is to ensure that policy and operational decisions are informed by the voices of victims/survivors and their families.

Three workstreams sit under the Victims Taskforce:

Victim Centred Approach

Trauma Informed Workforce

Communication

These workstreams include projects managed under TCP1, but for which the Victims Taskforce have strategic oversight.

Action

Victims Taskforce

Milestone(s)

Continue working with the Victim-Survivor Advisory Board to the Victims Taskforce to develop feedback mechanisms to ensure to that the voices of victims and survivors are at the heart of the work of the Victims Taskforce

Further Detail

The Victims Taskforce, chaired jointly by the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs and the Lord Advocate, brings together representatives of justice agencies, victims organisations and others to consider measures to improve the experiences of victims within the justice system.

A key focus of the Taskforce is to ensure that policy and operational decisions are informed by the voices of victims/survivors and their families.

Three workstreams sit under the Victims Taskforce:

Victim Centred Approach

Trauma Informed Workforce

Communication

These workstreams include projects managed under TCP1, but for which the Victims Taskforce have strategic oversight.

Action

Victims Taskforce

Milestone(s)

Maintain strategic oversight of the communications [People at Heart] and trauma-informed workforce projects in TCP1

Further Detail

The Victims Taskforce, chaired jointly by the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs and the Lord Advocate, brings together representatives of justice agencies, victims organisations and others to consider measures to improve the experiences of victims within the justice system.

A key focus of the Taskforce is to ensure that policy and operational decisions are informed by the voices of victims/survivors and their families.

Three workstreams sit under the Victims Taskforce:

Victim Centred Approach

Trauma Informed Workforce

Communication

These workstreams include projects managed under TCP1, but for which the Victims Taskforce have strategic oversight.

Action

Expansion in use of Victim Statements

Milestone(s)

Agree pilot approach

Timescale

Q3 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

This work is being taken forward under TCP1 – Person Centred Justice.

To allow all victims the option to make a Victim statements. A pilot will seek to understand the costs associated with a digital process rather than the current paper process.

Action

Expansion in use of Victim Statements

Milestone(s)

Start pilot

Timescale

Q4 23/24

Responsibility

COPFS

Further Detail

This work is being taken forward under TCP1 – Person Centred Justice.

To allow all victims the option to make a Victim statements. A pilot will seek to understand the costs associated with a digital process rather than the current paper process.

Action

Review the standard prosecution report

Milestone(s)

Launch of project

Timescale

Q3 23/24

Responsibility

Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service

Police Scotland

Further Detail

This is a joint review by COPFS and the police with the purpose of modernising arrangements for police reporting of offences to the Procurator Fiscal. The aim is to ensure that reports from the police include all pertinent information about the accused, victims and witnesses, and others affected including children in order that COPFS make best informed decisions and is better placed to support victims and witnesses.

Action

Extend simplified divorce and dissolution procedures to cases where the spouses or civil partners have agreed about the upbringing of any children of the family under 16 years of age

Milestone(s)

Publication of a Scottish Government consultation on the proposal

Timescale

Q1 24/25

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Action

Extend simplified divorce and dissolution procedures to cases where the spouses or civil partners have agreed about the upbringing of any children of the family under 16 years of age

Milestone(s)

Analysis of consultation to be published

Timescale

Q4 24/25

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Action

Improve the investigation into deaths

Milestone(s)

Death Investigation Improvement Programme work ongoing

Timescale

Ongoing

Responsibility

Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service

Further Detail

This is a suite of improvement work which includes consideration of the investigation of the deaths of children, deaths in custody and deaths linked to Covid-19, and arrangements for pathology and toxicology work, which has the overarching aim of improving the investigation of deaths, increasing public confidence and awareness, ensuring that bereaved relatives can effectively participate in the death investigation process and reducing the journey time for concluding death investigations, including FAIs.

Action

Improve the investigation into deaths

Milestone(s)

Custody Deaths Investigation Unit established

Responsibility

Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service

Further Detail

This is a suite of improvement work which includes consideration of the investigation of the deaths of children, deaths in custody and deaths linked to Covid-19, and arrangements for pathology and toxicology work, which has the overarching aim of improving the investigation of deaths, increasing public confidence and awareness, ensuring that bereaved relatives can effectively participate in the death investigation process and reducing the journey time for concluding death investigations, including FAIs.

Action

Improve the investigation into deaths

Milestone(s)

Work of the Covid Deaths Investigation Unit continues

Responsibility

Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service

Further Detail

This is a suite of improvement work which includes consideration of the investigation of the deaths of children, deaths in custody and deaths linked to Covid-19, and arrangements for pathology and toxicology work, which has the overarching aim of improving the investigation of deaths, increasing public confidence and awareness, ensuring that bereaved relatives can effectively participate in the death investigation process and reducing the journey time for concluding death investigations, including FAIs.

Action

Improve the investigation into deaths

Milestone(s)

Brief Law Officers on the outcome of the gateway review of the Pathology, Toxicology and Mortuary (PTM) Programme, with recommendations

Timescale

Q3 23/24

Responsibility

Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service

Further Detail

This is a suite of improvement work which includes consideration of the investigation of the deaths of children, deaths in custody and deaths linked to Covid-19, and arrangements for pathology and toxicology work, which has the overarching aim of improving the investigation of deaths, increasing public confidence and awareness, ensuring that bereaved relatives can effectively participate in the death investigation process and reducing the journey time for concluding death investigations, including FAIs.

Action

Develop a draft model for the delivery of mediation services

Milestone(s)

Work in partnership with the University of Strathclyde Mediation Clinic to expand the availability of mediation services across Scotland

Timescale

Q4 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

We will work in partnership with stakeholders to expand the availability of mediation services within the civil justice system to give our citizens, businesses and organisations access to flexible, and affordable and less stressful means of settling disputes, benefitting them and saving time in courts.

Action

Take forward recommendations from the British Sign Language Action plan about improvements to the justice system in respect of BSL users

Milestone(s)

Action plan published

Timescale

Q3 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

Any future work will be dependent on the recommendations set out in the Action Plan.

2.4 Aim: Rehabilitation

We support rehabilitation, use custody only where there is no alternative and work to reduce reoffending and revictimisation

Action

Take forward the Priority Actions set out in the National Strategy for Community Justice and the accompanying Delivery Plan

Milestone(s)

Delivery Plan published

Timescale

Q1 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

This work is being taken forward under TCP2 – Shifting the balance between custody and justice in the community.

The National Strategy for Community Justice sets out the national direction for community justice by building on progress made to date and emphasises the Scottish Government’s longstanding aim to encourage a person centred, trauma-informed, and rehabilitative approach. It recognises that while public protection is paramount, that is entirely consistent with widening the use of community-based interventions and sentences, which can be more effective in reducing reoffending and assisting with rehabilitation while still protecting victims, the public and robustly managing risk.

Action

Take forward the Priority Actions set out in the National Strategy for Community Justice and the accompanying Delivery Plan

Milestone(s)

Six monthly update

Timescale

Q3 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q3 24/25 Q1 25/26 Q3 25/26

Responsibility

Responsibility for the actions in the plan is shared amongst a range of partners, including:

ALACHO

Alcohol and Drugs Partnerships

Children and Young People’s Centre for Justice (CYCJ)

Community Justice Scotland

COPFS

COSLA

Local Authorities

National Police Care Network

NHS Boards

Police Scotland

Further Detail

This work is being taken forward under TCP2 – Shifting the balance between custody and justice in the community.

The National Strategy for Community Justice sets out the national direction for community justice by building on progress made to date and emphasises the Scottish Government’s longstanding aim to encourage a person centred, trauma-informed, and rehabilitative approach. It recognises that while public protection is paramount, that is entirely consistent with widening the use of community-based interventions and sentences, which can be more effective in reducing reoffending and assisting with rehabilitation while still protecting victims, the public and robustly managing risk.

Responsibility

Public Health Scotland

RMA

Scottish Association of Social Workers

Scottish Prison Service

Skills Development Scotland

Social Work Scotland

Third Sector

Further Detail

The strategy sets out 4 national aims and 13 priority actions, with further detail provided on the deliverables which will be taken forward in pursuit of these set out in an accompanying delivery plan. That plan will be updated twice a year.

Action

Improve health and wellbeing of people in custody as part of rehabilitation and recovery

Milestone(s)

Finalise Scottish Prison Service (SPS) Mental Health Strategy

Timescale

Q4 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Prison Service

Action

Improve health and wellbeing of people in custody as part of rehabilitation and recovery

Milestone(s)

Commence implementation of SPS Mental Health Strategy

Timescale

Q1 24/25

Responsibility

Scottish Prison Service

Action

Improve health and wellbeing of people in custody as part of rehabilitation and recovery

Milestone(s)

Finalise SPS Drugs & Alcohol Strategy

Timescale

Q4 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Prison Service

Action

Improve health and wellbeing of people in custody as part of rehabilitation and recovery

Milestone(s)

Commence implementation of SPS Drugs & Alcohol Strategy

Timescale

Q1 24/25

Responsibility

Scottish Prison Service

Action

Implement new models of female custody

Milestone(s)

Deliver a new model for female custody with the opening of HMP Stirling

Timescale

Q1 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Prison Service

Action

Implement new models of female custody

Milestone(s)

Commence implementation of SPS Strategy for Women in custody

Timescale

Q1 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Prison Service

Action

Support people in custody to maintain and enhance social networks and links with family

Milestone(s)

Finalise the SPS Family Strategy

Timescale

Q4 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Prison Service

Further Detail

This recognises the importance of maintaining relationships and engagement for the families of people in custody, including care experienced children, and is an important element of Keeping the Promise.

Action

Support people in custody to maintain and enhance social networks and links with family

Milestone(s)

Commence implementation of the SPS Family Strategy

Timescale

Q1 24/25

Responsibility

Scottish Prison Service

Further Detail

This recognises the importance of maintaining relationships and engagement for the families of people in custody, including care experienced children, and is an important element of Keeping the Promise.

Action

Support people who have offended and are in prison to live healthier, more productive lives

Milestone(s)

Carry out a review of SPS case management

Timescale

Q1 23/24 to Q4 24/25

Responsibility

Scottish Prison Service

Action

Support people who have offended and are in prison to live healthier, more productive lives

Milestone(s)

Commence implementation of changes to SPS case management

Responsibility

Scottish Prison Service

Action

Improve models of custody for children and young people, including no under 18s in custody

Milestone(s)

Improving models of custody for children and young people, including no under 18s in custody

Timescale

Ongoing

Responsibility

Scottish Prison Service

Action

Modernise the Prison Estate

Milestone(s)

Progress construction of HMP Highland, to replace HMP Inverness

Timescale

Ongoing

Responsibility

Scottish Prison Service

Action

Modernise the Prison Estate

Milestone(s)

Open HMP Highland

Timescale

Q4 25/26

Responsibility

Scottish Prison Service

Action

Modernise the Prison Estate

Milestone(s)

Progress construction of HMP Glasgow, to replace HMP Barlinnie

Timescale

Ongoing

Responsibility

Scottish Prison Service

Action

Modernise the Prison Estate

Milestone(s)

Implement in-cell telephony within Scottish prisons

Timescale

Q2 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Prison Service

Action

Modernise the Prison Estate

Milestone(s)

Launch in-cell technology within Scottish prisons

Timescale

Q1 25/26 to Q4 25/26

Responsibility

Scottish Prison Service

Action

Renewing services in prisons after COVID-19 disruption

Milestone(s)

Recalibration of Scottish Court Custody and Prisoner Escort Service contract

Timescale

Q4 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Prison Service

2.5 Aim: COVID-19 Recovery

We address the on-going impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to renew and transform justice

Action

Digital Evidence Sharing Capability (DESC): Delivering a digital pathway from crime scene to courtroom

Milestone(s)

Evaluation of Dundee pilot of DESC

Timescale

Q3 24/25

Responsibility

Police Scotland

Further Detail

This work is being taken forward under TCP3 – System Efficiency.

The pilot for DESC commenced in Dundee in January 2023. This solution will deliver an end-to-end service which will collect, manage and share digital evidence throughout the criminal justice process.

The DESC Project also includes work on making it easier to submit digital evidence to report poor road user behaviour, in support of making Scotland’s roads safer for all – especially for pedestrians and cyclists.

Action

Digital Evidence Sharing Capability (DESC): Delivering a digital pathway from crime scene to courtroom

Milestone(s)

Commence roll out of DESC platform across Scotland

Timescale

Q4 24/25

Responsibility

Police Scotland

Further Detail

This work is being taken forward under TCP3 – System Efficiency.

The pilot for DESC commenced in Dundee in January 2023. This solution will deliver an end-to-end service which will collect, manage and share digital evidence throughout the criminal justice process.

The DESC Project also includes work on making it easier to submit digital evidence to report poor road user behaviour, in support of making Scotland’s roads safer for all – especially for pedestrians and cyclists.

Action

Body Worn Video: Roll out body worn cameras to front line Police Scotland officers and staff

Milestone(s)

Contract awarded following procurement exercise

Timescale

Q2 23/24

Responsibility

Police Scotland

Scottish Police Authority

Further Detail

This work is being taken forward under TCP3 – System Efficiency.

Action

Body Worn Video: Roll out body worn cameras to front line Police Scotland officers and staff

Milestone(s)

Phase 1 rollout to front line officers and staff

Timescale

Q2 24/25 to Q2 25/26

Responsibility

Police Scotland

Further Detail

This work is being taken forward under TCP3 – System Efficiency.

Action

Body Worn Video: Roll out body worn cameras to front line Police Scotland officers and staff

Milestone(s)

Phase 2 rollout to remaining officers and staff

Timescale

Q2 25/26 to Q1 26/27

Responsibility

Police Scotland

Further Detail

This work is being taken forward under TCP3 – System Efficiency.

Action

Reduce the journey times for people within the criminal justice system

Milestone(s)

Continued delivery of the Criminal Court Recovery programme to address case backlogs and associated waiting times

Timescale

Q1 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q1 25/26

Responsibility

Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service

Further Detail

This work is being taken forward under TCP3 – System Efficiency.

Action

Reduce the journey times for people within the criminal justice system

Milestone(s)

Publication of revised modelling based on review of criminal court recovery programme and criminal case projections – to inform ongoing recovery activity

Timescale

Q3 23/24 Q3 24/25 Q3 25/26

Responsibility

Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service

Further Detail

This work is being taken forward under TCP3 – System Efficiency.

Action

Summary Case Management Pilot: A new initiative to manage summary cases in Scotland

Milestone(s)

Interim evaluation and consideration of the roll out to other cases/courts

Timescale

Q3 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service

Further Detail

This work is being taken forward under TCP3 – System Efficiency.

This work is being taken forward under TCP3 – System Efficiency.

The Summary Case Management Pilot is a judicially-led initiative that aims to reduce the number of cases set down for trial unnecessarily and reduce the volume of late pleas of guilty and late decisions on discontinuation. It aims to decrease the number of witness citations issued, increase case resolution at the pleading diet and reduce the number of trial diets at which no evidence is led.

The approach will have benefits for all involved in the summary criminal process, creating the opportunity for matters to be resolved at the earliest possible stage, reducing the overall time from a complaint first calling to its disposal.

Action

Summary Case Management Pilot: A new initiative to manage summary cases in Scotland

Milestone(s)

Final evaluation

Timescale

Q4 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service

Further Detail

This work is being taken forward under TCP3 – System Efficiency.

This work is being taken forward under TCP3 – System Efficiency.

The Summary Case Management Pilot is a judicially-led initiative that aims to reduce the number of cases set down for trial unnecessarily and reduce the volume of late pleas of guilty and late decisions on discontinuation. It aims to decrease the number of witness citations issued, increase case resolution at the pleading diet and reduce the number of trial diets at which no evidence is led.

The approach will have benefits for all involved in the summary criminal process, creating the opportunity for matters to be resolved at the earliest possible stage, reducing the overall time from a complaint first calling to its disposal.

Action

Support Police and Expert witnesses to provide evidence remotely, using technology to increase flexibility and resilience in criminal cases and expand capacity to host remote evidence in court

Milestone(s)

Police and expert witnesses routinely give evidence remotely in High Court cases

Timescale

Q1 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service

Further Detail

This work is being taken forward under TCP3 – System Efficiency.

The initial phase – remote provision of evidence by Police and Expert Witnesses was rolled out to the High Court from January 2022.

Action

Support Police and Expert witnesses to provide evidence remotely, using technology to increase flexibility and resilience in criminal cases and expand capacity to host remote evidence in court

Milestone(s)

Roll out of additional functionality to allow Clerks of Court to communicate with witnesses in virtual breakout rooms

Timescale

Q3 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service

Further Detail

This work is being taken forward under TCP3 – System Efficiency.

The initial phase – remote provision of evidence by Police and Expert Witnesses was rolled out to the High Court from January 2022.

Action

Support Police and Expert witnesses to provide evidence remotely, using technology to increase flexibility and resilience in criminal cases and expand capacity to host remote evidence in court

Milestone(s)

An evaluation report will be finalised to inform next steps and wider rollout to the Sheriff Courts

Timescale

Q4 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service

Further Detail

This work is being taken forward under TCP3 – System Efficiency.

The initial phase – remote provision of evidence by Police and Expert Witnesses was rolled out to the High Court from January 2022.

Action

Establish a new National Victims and Witnesses Gateway

Milestone(s)

Launch of COPFS Victim and Witness Gateway to pilot and evaluate the service.

Timescale

Q3 23/24

Responsibility

Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service

Further Detail

This work is being taken forward under TCP3 – System Efficiency.

This project will build on the gateway COPFS are currently developing to provide a single digital criminal justice access point for victims and witnesses.

The national gateway will provide victims and witnesses access to information from all justice partners.

Action

Establish a new National Victims and Witnesses Gateway

Milestone(s)

Implementation of COPFS Victims and Witness Gateway

Timescale

Q3 24/25

Responsibility

Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service

Further Detail

This work is being taken forward under TCP3 – System Efficiency.

This project will build on the gateway COPFS are currently developing to provide a single digital criminal justice access point for victims and witnesses.

The national gateway will provide victims and witnesses access to information from all justice partners.

Action

Establish a new National Victims and Witnesses Gateway

Milestone(s)

Development of National Victim and Witness Gateway across the justice sector to achieve a single platform for victims and witnesses

Timescale

Q3 24/25

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

This work is being taken forward under TCP3 – System Efficiency.

This project will build on the gateway COPFS are currently developing to provide a single digital criminal justice access point for victims and witnesses.

The national gateway will provide victims and witnesses access to information from all justice partners.

Action

Implement a new, more comprehensive service for defence agents to engage with COPFS

Milestone(s)

Evaluation of service

Timescale

Q3 23/24

Responsibility

Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service

Further Detail

This new service will replace the COPFS secure disclosure system and offer a more comprehensive service for defence solicitors engaging with COPFS.

Action

Implement a new, more comprehensive service for defence agents to engage with COPFS

Milestone(s)

Pilot to commence

Timescale

Q4 23/24

Responsibility

Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service

Further Detail

This new service will replace the COPFS secure disclosure system and offer a more comprehensive service for defence solicitors engaging with COPFS.

Action

Develop a fully digital end to end service for civil business in the courts, enhancing access to justice

Milestone(s)

Commence live streaming of publicly held Inner House hearings

Timescale

Q1 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service

Further Detail

This will enable all case documentation to be submitted and viewed online; the tracking of case progress and receipt of notifications when new documents are available. Providing assisted digital support for those services, so they are accessible to everyone. Increasing access to justice by live streaming civil appeal cases held publicly in the Inner House of the Court of Session (CoS) – helping to inform and educate the public about the work of the judiciary and the court.

Action

Develop a fully digital end to end service for civil business in the courts, enhancing access to justice

Milestone(s)

Digital Inventory of Process introduced into the Court of Session, providing the Court of Session staff with a digital case file, forming the basis of the Civil Online Case Tracker for external users

Timescale

Q4 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service

Further Detail

This will enable all case documentation to be submitted and viewed online; the tracking of case progress and receipt of notifications when new documents are available. Providing assisted digital support for those services, so they are accessible to everyone. Increasing access to justice by live streaming civil appeal cases held publicly in the Inner House of the Court of Session (CoS) – helping to inform and educate the public about the work of the judiciary and the court.

Action

Develop a fully digital end to end service for civil business in the courts, enhancing access to justice

Milestone(s)

Court of Session – Civil Online Case Tracker implemented allowing users to access to their own case’s data, and is the mechanism used to submit non-initiating documents and receive notifications of new case documents

Timescale

Q3 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service

Further Detail

This will enable all case documentation to be submitted and viewed online; the tracking of case progress and receipt of notifications when new documents are available. Providing assisted digital support for those services, so they are accessible to everyone. Increasing access to justice by live streaming civil appeal cases held publicly in the Inner House of the Court of Session (CoS) – helping to inform and educate the public about the work of the judiciary and the court.

Milestone(s)

Sheriff Court – Ordinary Actions – Civil Online Case Tracker. This will allow solicitors access to their own case data for Ordinary Actions

Timescale

Q3 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service

Milestone(s)

Sheriff Court – Ordinary Actions – Initial Writs. This will allow solicitors to initiate Ordinary Actions through Civil Online

Timescale

Q3 24/25

Responsibility

Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service

Milestone(s)

Functionality for Solicitors to track all case types and provide non-initiating documents in the Court of Session

Timescale

Q3 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service

Milestone(s)

Functionality to allow solicitors to initiate and track Ordinary Action cases in the Court of Session

Timescale

Q1 25/26

Responsibility

Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service

Action

Regulation of legal services

Milestone(s)

Introduction of Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Bill

Timescale

Q1 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

This Bill updates the regulation of legal services in Scotland and provides for a modernised regulatory framework.

Action

Regulation of legal services

Milestone(s)

Support passage of Bill through Parliament

Timescale

Q2 23/24 to Q1 24/25

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

This Bill updates the regulation of legal services in Scotland and provides for a modernised regulatory framework.

Action

Reform of Legal Aid

Milestone(s)

Engage with key stakeholders to inform and shape future legislative proposals

Timescale

Ongoing

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Action

Support Blue Light Collaboration as a way in which emergency services can realise further efficiencies while also enhancing community safety

Milestone(s)

Delivery of an outline business case that will identify any potential areas for shared services between Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

Timescale

Q1 24/25

Responsibility

Police Scotland

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

Further Detail

This is being taken forward as ‘Blue Light Collaboration’ – collaborative work between Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS).

Action

Identify proposals to modernise the justice system

Milestone(s)

Public Consultation on proposals

Timescale

Q3 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

This consultation will seek views on making permanent some of the temporary provisions put in place to deal with the Covid pandemic.

Action

Identify proposals to modernise the justice system

Milestone(s)

Analysis of responses

Timescale

Q1 24/25

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Further Detail

This consultation will seek views on making permanent some of the temporary provisions put in place to deal with the Covid pandemic.

Action

Transform and modernise the Office of the Public Guardian by launching a new case management system

Milestone(s)

Power of Attorney – Iteration One – implement the strategic case management system within OPG

Timescale

Q4 23/24

Responsibility

Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service

Further Detail

The new case management system will improve accessibility, efficiency and resilience, and help reduce backlogs and delays while also increasing the protection available to those with incapacity.

Action

Transform and modernise the Office of the Public Guardian by launching a new case management system

Milestone(s)

Power of Attorney Iteration Two – Development of existing external systems and redesign of user processes

Timescale

Q2 24/25

Responsibility

Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service

Further Detail

The new case management system will improve accessibility, efficiency and resilience, and help reduce backlogs and delays while also increasing the protection available to those with incapacity.

Action

Transform and modernise the Office of the Public Guardian by launching a new case management system

Milestone(s)

Guardianship Iteration One – Migration and development of Guardianship processes onto strategic case management system

Timescale

Q4 24/25

Responsibility

Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service

Further Detail

The new case management system will improve accessibility, efficiency and resilience, and help reduce backlogs and delays while also increasing the protection available to those with incapacity.

Milestone(s)

Guardianship Iteration Two – Remaining migration and development of Guardianship processes onto strategic case management system

Timescale

Q1 25/26

Responsibility

Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service

Milestone(s)

Judicial Factories – Migration and development of ‘JF’ processes onto strategic case management system

Timescale

Q2 25/26

Responsibility

Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service

Milestone(s)

Children Scotland Act/Consignation – Migration and development of remaining OPG processes onto strategic case management system

Timescale

Q4 25/26

Responsibility

Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service

Action

Reform of Tribunals in line with Tribunals (Scotland) Act 2014

Milestone(s)

Transfer of MHTS into the Mental Health Chamber in First-tier Tribunal for Scotland

Timescale

Ongoing

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service

Further Detail

There is a longstanding and on-going programme of tribunal reform in line with the aims of the Tribunals (Scotland) Act 2014.

We will seek to transfer the Mental Health Tribunal for Scotland and Police Appeals Tribunal into the Scottish Tribunals within the next three years.

Additional appeal functions will be added to the responsibilities of the Scottish Tribunals over the coming three years.

Action

Reform of Tribunals in line with Tribunals (Scotland) Act 2014

Milestone(s)

Expansion of appeal functions within Scottish Tribunals to support legislative changes made in a range of areas

Timescale

Ongoing

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service

Further Detail

There is a longstanding and on-going programme of tribunal reform in line with the aims of the Tribunals (Scotland) Act 2014.

We will seek to transfer the Mental Health Tribunal for Scotland and Police Appeals Tribunal into the Scottish Tribunals within the next three years.

Additional appeal functions will be added to the responsibilities of the Scottish Tribunals over the coming three years.

Action

Reform of Tribunals in line with Tribunals (Scotland) Act 2014

Milestone(s)

Expansion of the Social Security Chamber as devolved benefits are rolled out and grow in volume

Timescale

Ongoing

Responsibility

Scottish Government

Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service

Further Detail

There is a longstanding and on-going programme of tribunal reform in line with the aims of the Tribunals (Scotland) Act 2014.

We will seek to transfer the Mental Health Tribunal for Scotland and Police Appeals Tribunal into the Scottish Tribunals within the next three years.

Additional appeal functions will be added to the responsibilities of the Scottish Tribunals over the coming three years.

Action

Reform of Tribunals in line with Tribunals (Scotland) Act 2014

Milestone(s)

Expansion of the Upper Tribunal for Scotland as the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland expands (eg bus service appeals)

Timescale

Ongoing

Responsibility

Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service

Further Detail

There is a longstanding and on-going programme of tribunal reform in line with the aims of the Tribunals (Scotland) Act 2014.

We will seek to transfer the Mental Health Tribunal for Scotland and Police Appeals Tribunal into the Scottish Tribunals within the next three years.

Additional appeal functions will be added to the responsibilities of the Scottish Tribunals over the coming three years.

Action

Reform of Tribunals in line with Tribunals (Scotland) Act 2014

Milestone(s)

Expansion of the General Regulatory Chamber to include police appeals, shark fin appeals and transport-related functions

Timescale

Ongoing

Responsibility

Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service

Further Detail

There is a longstanding and on-going programme of tribunal reform in line with the aims of the Tribunals (Scotland) Act 2014.

We will seek to transfer the Mental Health Tribunal for Scotland and Police Appeals Tribunal into the Scottish Tribunals within the next three years.

Additional appeal functions will be added to the responsibilities of the Scottish Tribunals over the coming three years.

NB: Many of the actions set out in the Delivery Plan rely on legislation both primary and secondary. As such, both the policy intention and timescales are dependent on the Parliamentary process. What is recorded in the Plan is our estimate of the timescale and expectation of the policy. However, ultimately Parliament controls the timetable for legislation and the policy may change through amendments to the provisions.

Contact

Email: justice.transformation@gov.scot

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