Voices in Justice: parole reform consultation

Ministerial Foreword

I am pleased to publish this consultation, Voices in Justice: A Consultation on Parole Reform in Scotland, seeking your views on the next steps for the parole system.

Scotland’s parole system plays a vital role in our justice landscape; taking account of the rights and needs of victims, the rehabilitation of those who have caused harm, and the safety and confidence of our communities.

We have already taken action to improve the parole system over the past five years to ensure that it is fair, transparent and delivers for everyone. This consultation builds on those changes and marks the next step in reform of the system.

This consultation is grounded in the principle that parole must work for all those involved. It must be a system that treats everyone with dignity and respect, understands the trauma for victims of crime, and their families, and protects the public whilst supporting rehabilitation and reintegration of individuals back into the community and the reduction of reoffending. Our role is to create the conditions for a parole system that is just, compassionate, and effective. That means working in partnership with victims, people in custody, families, professionals, and communities to design a system that reflects our shared values and aspirations.

We are committed to making improvements to the parole system and that we continue to learn and adapt. Our goal is a person-centred, balanced, and trauma-informed parole process - one that hears victims, supports rehabilitation, protects the public, and respects the rights and needs of all involved.

This consultation has been informed by wide-ranging engagement already and I want to sincerely thank all the individuals, organisations, and justice partners who have engaged with us so openly and honestly. Your feedback, whether drawn from personal experience, professional insight, or advocacy has been invaluable.

I remain fully committed to ensuring victims’ voices and experiences inform meaningful change so I am especially grateful to the victims and survivors who have shared their experiences. Your courage in speaking out, often at great personal cost, has helped us better understand the impact of the current system.

I also wish to extend my appreciation to those who have experienced custody and the parole process. Your willingness to share your journeys of rehabilitation and reintegration is important. Many of you have shown that change is possible, and that with the right support, people can rebuild their lives and contribute positively to their communities.

I invite everyone to take part in this consultation and help shape the future of parole in Scotland.

Angela Constance Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs