Introducing Justice Digital & Strategy

Justice Digital & Strategy is a recently established team within the Justice Directorate of the Scottish Government. Our mission is to drive, support and enable transformation to create a Scottish justice system fit for the 21st century.

The impetus to harness digital to deliver better justice services in Scotland dates back much further though. In 2014, justice organisations articulated an ambitious vision for the justice system, kick-starting a new era of change which recognised the potential of technology as an enabler of a modern justice system.

The way we live and work is being changed more and more by digital technology, and the justice sector must seize the opportunities that digital provides to transform how the justice system works.

Justice investment has supported a range of reforms, including for example the development of a new on-line Civil Justice Case Management system which will enable, once fully implemented, the legal profession and the public to start a court case, submit documents, pay fees and track progress online.

Other justice reforms using digital technology include on-line systems for jurors and fines payments and the use of TV links for some court cases. For example video conferencing equipment has been installed across the country in remote sites allowing vulnerable witnesses to give evidence away from court where agreed in advance.

But there is still huge potential for further reform. In the same timeframe technology has developed at pace, while our understanding of digital transformation has matured. Digital has become integrated in all that we do and we recognise that technology plays only one part in a complex justice sector. The people, policies and business processes are at the core of our transformation – we need to engage, learn and understand before we can embrace the potential for service improvement that exists in our digital age.

Building on the 2014 vision, our digital ambitions are now an integral part of our overall vision for the justice system in Scotland, set out in Justice in Scotland: Vision and Priorities, a key outcome of which is: “We deliver person-centred, modern and affordable public services”. This means we take and promote a user-centred approach to transformation, ensuring in particular a focus on the experience of victims and witnesses.

Who we are

Our team is Fiona Cameron (Programme Director), Jim Wilson (Strategy and Policy), David Duncan–Fraser (Programme Manager) and Tor Bollingmo (Product Manager). We work in partnership with the Scottish Government’s Digital Directorate who provide us with support in business analysis, technical architecture and transformation.

Connecting us to the wider criminal justice sector we have Product Owners representing the Police Service of Scotland, Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service. We are recruiting from the defence community too to ensure that the defence perspective is as core to our work as that of our justice organisation partners.

Our partners

As a Scottish Government team we work in collaboration with our operational Justice System partners to plan and deliver transformation. We promote collaboration across the system too by bringing partners together in a Justice System Planning Group. That has resulted in a better understanding of how changes in one organisation can impact the rest of the system, allowing justice organisations to better plan and prepare for change.

Our Justice Digital forum brings together digital colleagues from across the system to identify and create opportunities for collaboration and transformation. We are currently working with justice partners to support service transformation through our Justice Digital Transformation workstream – keep an eye on future blog posts for updates and further information.

Digital backbone for the criminal justice system

Our current focus is on working with justice partners to deliver with and for them a solution for sharing digital evidence throughout the criminal justice process. Modern ways of working have the potential to save large amounts of both time and money allowing justice partners to focus on delivering the best possible justice system for victims, witnesses and other users of the justice system. It’s also an essential building block for enabling further digital transformation. Future blog posts will explain this part of our work in more detail.

 

International Digital Justice Community

We are also connecting with justice organisations around the world to learn about current and planned justice digital innovation and projects. Our aim is for this work to grow into a dynamic international justice digital community which offers opportunities for learning and collaboration across the globe.

 

Contact us

We love talking all things justice digital. If you’re interested to hear more about transformation in the justice sector in Scotland or would like to discuss with us any aspect of your work relevant to our please get in touch at justicedigital@gov.scot.

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Guest Blog on Human Trafficking

This week we welcome a guest blog from 17 year old college student Alice Somerville, who tells us about her time in the Scottish Government’s Human Trafficking team as part of a 4 week paid internship from Career Ready.

Career Ready is a UK wide charity linking employers with schools and colleges to open up the world of work to young people.

Alice talks us through what she learned about human trafficking and the impact her time with SG has had on her plans for the future.

 

I went to Deans Community High School in Livingston and left school at the end of 5th year because I wanted to go to college and study beauty therapy. I got into West Lothian College after a nerve-racking wait to study Level Six Beauty Care.

While I was in school I took part in the Career Ready Programme which is a UK wide charity that connects employers with young people who are in school or college. Career Ready offers employers to engage with students in their work place and give them another opportunity into the world of work through a four week paid Internship. It also helps young people gain an idea of what working life is about. However not only does it give you experience in the world of work , it works by helping students gain lifetime skills that are not only used in the work place but in day to day life.

Before I started working in the Government I knew human trafficking existed but I thought that it didn’t happen in Scotland, it only happened abroad. As my internship neared  I became more informed of how much Human Trafficking is a problem in Scotland. I found out that Human Trafficking happens a lot closer to home finding out that some local businesses I know have trafficked workers!

After attending a few stakeholder meetings I became even more aware, I now know what signs to look out for and what type of industries tend to be involved in Human Trafficking such as car washes, nail bars and take away’ s.

My internship links into my Beauty Therapy course as this is an environment where  Human Trafficking may happen and victims have been recovered. My internship has taught me the signs to look out for and who to contact if I have suspicions of Human Trafficking in nail bars.

In the Future I hope to complete my year at college and then come back to the Scottish Government as a Modern Apprentice as I have enjoyed my time here in the Government as an intern.

Alice Somerville.

 

In June earlier this year the then Cabinet Secretary for Justice Michael Matheson updated Parliament on progress in tackling human trafficking and exploitation in the past 12 months.

Read Mr Matheson’s full statement on the main Scottish Government website.

‘Trafficking and Exploitation: Strategy – First Annual Progress Report’ is available online.

The post Guest Blog on Human Trafficking appeared first on Justice and Safety.



Guest Blog on Human Trafficking

This week we welcome a guest blog from 17 year old college student Alice Somerville, who tells us about her time in the Scottish Government’s Human Trafficking team as part of a 4 week paid internship from Career Ready.

Career Ready is a UK wide charity linking employers with schools and colleges to open up the world of work to young people.

Alice talks us through what she learned about human trafficking and the impact her time with SG has had on her plans for the future.

 

I went to Deans Community High School in Livingston and left school at the end of 5th year because I wanted to go to college and study beauty therapy. I got into West Lothian College after a nerve-racking wait to study Level Six Beauty Care.

While I was in school I took part in the Career Ready Programme which is a UK wide charity that connects employers with young people who are in school or college. Career Ready offers employers to engage with students in their work place and give them another opportunity into the world of work through a four week paid Internship. It also helps young people gain an idea of what working life is about. However not only does it give you experience in the world of work , it works by helping students gain lifetime skills that are not only used in the work place but in day to day life.

Before I started working in the Government I knew human trafficking existed but I thought that it didn’t happen in Scotland, it only happened abroad. As my internship neared  I became more informed of how much Human Trafficking is a problem in Scotland. I found out that Human Trafficking happens a lot closer to home finding out that some local businesses I know have trafficked workers!

After attending a few stakeholder meetings I became even more aware, I now know what signs to look out for and what type of industries tend to be involved in Human Trafficking such as car washes, nail bars and take away’ s.

My internship links into my Beauty Therapy course as this is an environment where  Human Trafficking may happen and victims have been recovered. My internship has taught me the signs to look out for and who to contact if I have suspicions of Human Trafficking in nail bars.

In the Future I hope to complete my year at college and then come back to the Scottish Government as a Modern Apprentice as I have enjoyed my time here in the Government as an intern.

Alice Somerville.

 

In June earlier this year the then Cabinet Secretary for Justice Michael Matheson updated Parliament on progress in tackling human trafficking and exploitation in the past 12 months.

Read Mr Matheson’s full statement on the main Scottish Government website.

‘Trafficking and Exploitation: Strategy – First Annual Progress Report’ is available online.

The post Guest Blog on Human Trafficking appeared first on Justice and Safety.



Justice Secretary Briefed on Preparations for President Trump’s Visit to Scotland

Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf has today received a briefing by senior Police Scotland officers on how the service is preparing for the upcoming visit of the US President and the protests expected to take place in various locations.

Mr Yousaf has urged those attending any protests this weekend, when President Trump visits Scotland, to do so safely and peacefully.

Speaking after meeting with Assistant Chief Constable Mark Williams, Mr Yousaf said:

“We understand that many people feel very strongly about President Trump and his administration’s policies, and will want to express that this weekend when he is in the country.

“That is why there are a number of organised protest locations across the country this weekend and I would urge people who want to exercise their right to demonstrate in those locations, to do so in a safe and peaceful manner.

“It is clear that President Trump’s visit will have significant operational implications for Police Scotland and planning has been taking place with partners for some time. I am confident that Police Scotland  will provide a professional and effective policing response, keeping communities safe and facilitating peaceful protest.

“Further clarity around President Trump’s plans whilst visiting Scotland would greatly aid the planning that is being taken forward by our police and wider partners.”

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Williams, Police Scotland, said:

“The President’s visit to Scotland will require a significant policing operation, involving thousands of officers and specialist resources. As with the visit of any high profile head of state, detailed planning is already well underway.

“Whilst the exact details of his programme are still being finalised, our objectives will be to ensure the safety of the President and of those travelling with him and to maintain public safety. In addition, we will work closely with ‎any groups to facilitate lawful protest.

“As with ‎any visit of this nature we do not disclose the specific details of the operational deployment.”

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The week in review

The week’s round-up includes praise for the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service response to the Glasgow School of Art fire, the announcement of an independent review of Police Conduct and complaints handling processes, and the Cabinet Secretary’s welcome for the introduction of Offensive Weapons legislation at Westminster.

Glasgow School of Art fire – Services response

On Tuesday Minister for Community Safety Annabelle Ewing met with Scottish Fire & Rescue Service officers DCO Iain Bushell and DACO Peter Heath to view the aftermath of the weekend’s devastating fire at the Glasgow School of Art and surrounding buildings.  Both officers were part of efforts to tackle the blaze.

Read the First Minister’s response to the fire at the Glasgow School of Art online.

Offensive Weapons Bill

Under-18s will face tough new curbs on buying knives online following the introduction of the Offensive Weapons Bill.

If passed, the bill will mean online retailers will not be allowed to sell knives online without rigorous age-verification, and no longer able to deliver knives to residential addresses or drop-off points.

Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said:

“We are resolute in our determination to tackle violent crime, and this bill, on which we have engaged closely with the UK Government, ensures we are going further to prevent incidents with offensive weapons from happening in the first place, as well as future-proofing the law.

“Possession of offensive weapons was down 69% from 2006 to 2016, and we are continuing to work with schools and local authorities on anti-violence campaigns to reduce incidents further.”

Read more on the main Scottish Government website.

Serious Organised Crime conference

On Thursday Michael Matheson addressed the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce’s conference at Murrayfield, Edinburgh, which was also attended by people whose communities are affected by organised crime. You can read more about the key issues on the Taskforce Twitter feed.

Police Conduct Review

Former Lord Advocate Rt Hon Dame Elish Angiolini QC is to review the processes for handling complaints against the police and investigating serious incidents and alleged misconduct.

The independent review, jointly commissioned by Justice Secretary Michael Matheson and Lord Advocate James Wolffe QC, will assess the current framework and report on the effectiveness of structures, operational responsibilities and processes.

Mr Matheson said:

“The review will seek to ensure that roles and responsibilities are clear, agreed protocols will balance transparency with appropriate levels of confidentiality, and that the processes are fair, transparent, accountable and proportionate, upholding fundamental human rights.”

Read more on the main Scottish Government website.

Cashback for Communities

This week BBC Scotland broadcast the first in a series of features marking the ten year anniversary of our CashBack for Communities scheme.  CashBack projects use ill-gotten gains of criminals to help create safer communities by supporting young people to enjoy a range of positive activities, including diverting some away from engaging in potentially antisocial or potentially even criminal behaviour.

Since 2008 the Scottish Government has committed over £92 million to Cashback for Communities. More information can be found on the CashBack for Communities website.

The video below focuses on Joe Mearns, who has achieved a life goal by becoming a football coach, aided by CashBack.

You can also watch the BBC Scotland Timeline feature on Cashback – 19 minutes in – for a limited time on BBC  iPlayer.

Youth Justice Conference

On Thursday Michael Matheson addressed more than 200 youth justice practitioners on the second day of the annual Youth Justice conference in Stirling. The Deputy First Minister John Swinney had joined delegates the previous day.

Water Safety roundtable

On Wednesday Annabelle Ewing hosted a Water Safety ministerial round-table event at Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park Headquarters, where key representatives from community safety and from sporting organisations discussed ways to increase awareness of, and improve water safety.

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