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.
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