On 16^th November 2023, the Scottish Association for the Study of Offending (SASO) hosted its annual conference on ‘Exploring Alternative Options in the Justice System’ chaired by Lord John Scott KC.

The conference shared views and inputs from a variety of organisations including from the Scottish Police Authority, with the Head of Strategy and Performance, Amanda Coulthard contributing to the afternoon panel session.

Neil Rennick, the Director-General of Education and Justice at the Scottish Government, started the day by emphasising the intersection of justice and education. In this presentation, it was highlighted that Scotland has one of the highest prison populations in Europe and that the prison service is currently operating above capacity (over 8,000) for the first time since Covid-19, all whilst managing a population who often have complex and intersecting needs.

HMP YOI Stirling, the newest prison in Scotland, was highlighted as good practice with its person-centred and trauma-informed approach as well as the alternative approach taken for youth justice. 

Andrew Neil from the Howard League, gave an overview of the final report of the Commission on Crime and Gambling Related Harms published in April 2023, which found crime types related to gambling include traditionally “white collar crime”, as well as domestic abuse. The traditionally hidden nature of gambling requires a different response and an intersectional approach depending on the individual’s circumstances.

David Parks, Director of The Skill Mill, gave delegates some ideas of how social enterprise and third sector organisations provide a different perspective and innovative approaches to service delivery. The Skill Mill is a social enterprise which works with ex-offenders aged between 16 and 18 to provide employment opportunities. Small groups of young people are given Skill Mill support for a six-month period to undertake accredited training in various skills alongside paid work experience. They then move on to further employment opportunities. Over nine and a half years they have employed 432 young people, with only 29 reconvicted (6.7%).

Chief Inspector Judy Hill from Police Scotland and Mhairi Wyle from the Highlands Third Sector Interface then spoke about the Custody Link Project. Started in 2018, the project targets those aged 18-24 who come into custody in Inverness and aims to support custody staff to provide referrals, to key services that could support these individuals. The presentation noted how important strong relationships between the third sector and Police Scotland were to the project’s success.

Lord Advocate, the Rt Hon Dorothy Bain, KC gave an overview of Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) policy in relation to diversion from prosecution and explained the different options (e.g. Recorded Police Warnings, Fiscal Fines and Fixed Penalty Notices). She noted that COPFS continue to raise awareness of diversion from prosecution available to case markers, whilst emphasising that preventing reoffending requires a long-term intervention. The Lord Advocate explained that successful diversion arises through strong partnership working and information sharing, consistent inputs and adequate resourcing. 

The Lord Advocate stressed a core focus on victims throughout her presentation, noting that victims are consulted when the decision to divert from prosecution is being considered. This has led to the Lord Advocate ordering a review of diversion for sexual offences.

The day closed with a panel discussion with:

• Sheriff David Mackie
• Laura Paton (Chief Inspector of Prosecution)
• Amanda Coulthard (Scottish Policy Authority)
• Lynne Thornhill (Director of Justice Services, SACRO)
• Claire Borden (Children and Justice Services, South Lanarkshire Council)

Speakers were given two questions to answer with a focus on areas of good practice and areas where there are opportunities for improvement.

The key themes that emerged included better availability and sharing of data to support diversion, awareness of diversion from prosecution, increased funding, early engagement and seizing opportunities to engage with individuals, localised areas of good practice being recognised and changing perceptions of diversion of prosecution to reassure victims. 

The conference was positive and thought-provoking day which considered the impact on offending on Scottish society as whole, whilst also considering a holistic viewpoint of what leads individuals to offend. The event provided opportunity to showcase best practice and to learn from partners. Overall, it was a really insightful and informative day covering many topics of interest to the Authority and providing food for thought.