Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) in Scotland: National Overview Report 2024-2025

2. Justice Policy Context

The Scottish Government in its Programme for Government (2025 to 2026) sets out its four core missions which are:

Growing the Economy;

Eradicating Child Poverty

Tackling the Climate Emergency;

High Quality and Sustainable Public Services

A number of commitments are outlined in the document^[2] including: ensuring that victims and witnesses of crime feel more supported; to secure a more sustainable prison population; and to oversee reforms in relation to deaths in custody.

The Government’s Vision for Justice includes reform of the Justice system to deliver a just, safe and resilient Scotland. It sets out an approach that seeks to have custody reserved for those who present a risk of serious harm. There is a focus on rehabilitation both in custody and in the community in recognition that this is the best way to reduce offending and make our communities safer. Delivery of the National Strategy for Community Justice^[3] contributes to the achievement of those aims as does the continued application of MAPPA to assess, manage and minimise the potential risks posed by the most serious offenders through collaborative working.