Redress Scheme Scotland caseworker allocation: FOI release

Information requested

1. How many applications are pending caseworker allocation?

2. Why do you only have 20 caseworkers? What has the Government got planned to increase this to reduce the waiting times?

3. Is there an independent body to oversee the Government and Redress in a similar way to the Horizon victims of the Post Office. The compensation schemes for these victims have been reviewed, sped up etc based on findings from the inquiry.

Response

1. How many applications are pending caseworker allocation?

As of 17 November 2025, there were approximately 1609 applications pending caseworker allocation.

2. Why do you only have 20 caseworkers? What has the Government got planned to increase this to reduce the waiting times?

Whilst we have made a commitment to maintain 23 caseworkers in post, we currently have vacancies due to staff moving posts. We are currently undertaking a recruitment campaign to recruit additional caseworkers.

3. Is there an independent body to oversee the Government and Redress in a similar way to the Horizon victims of the Post Office. The compensation schemes for these victims have been reviewed, sped up etc based on findings from the inquiry.

The Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry (SCAI) is a statutory inquiry, set up by Scottish Government, considering the abuse of children in care in Scotland. The Inquiry is looking at what happened and why and where abuse took place. This includes the effects of abuse on children and their families and whether the organisations responsible for children in care failed in their duties. The Inquiry is also looking at whether any failures have been corrected and if changes to the law, policies, or procedures are needed.

Although the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry (SCAI) does not have a formal role in overseeing the redress scheme, the Inquiry may make findings and recommendations related to the redress scheme.

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