Inspectorate of Prosecution in Scotland
Status:
The Inspectorate of Prosecution in Scotland (the Inspectorate) was initially created on an administrative basis in December 2003 and is part of the Scottish Government but separate from COPFS. The Inspectorate is headed by HM Chief Inspector who reports directly to the Lord Advocate.
The Inspectorate was placed on a statutory footing in April 2007 by the Criminal Proceedings etc (Reform) (Scotland) Act 2007, Part 5 (sections 78 and 79).
Authority:
The Inspector in terms of the Criminal Proceedings etc (Reform) (Scotland) Act 2007 may require any person directly involved in the operation of the Service to provide the Inspector with information, which may be of a general or specific character, including information in electronic or documentary form.
Confidentiality of documents and information is maintained at all times.
Independence :
The Chief Inspector reports directly to the Lord Advocate. Inspectorate staff are not involved in any activity relating to the operation of the COPFS.
All reports are published.
The Inspectorate budget is administered by the Economy Directorate of the Scottish Government.
Aim:
The aim of the Inspectorate is:
To secure the inspection of the operation of the COPFS and make, where appropriate, recommendations that will contribute to improvements in COPFS service delivery, making COPFS more accountable and enhancing public confidence.
Scope of Work:
The principal functions of the Inspector as required by the legislation are:
- To inspect or arrange for the inspection of the operation of COPFS;
- To report to the Lord Advocate on any matter connected with the operation of COPFS which the Lord Advocate refers to us;
- To submit an annual report to the Lord Advocate on the operation of the Inspectorate, which the Lord Advocate shall lay before the Scottish Parliament.
The Inspectorate is concerned with outcomes and results and the principle of improvement. Therefore while we have expectations of good practice (based on COPFS's own aims, objectives and standards) we will adopt an open-minded approach to the way business is conducted. We will examine how outcomes and results have been achieved and seek to identify and promote good practice and minimise risk.
The Inspectorate, in its work, will carry out office inspections and thematic reviews usually in conjunction with Criminal Justice Partners and will observe the Government's policy on principles of inspection including taking a customer focus and being evidence based.
Principles of Conduct:
We will:
- observe the government's policy on principles of inspection during our work.
- during the inspection process, carry out our work with due regard to the operational needs of the areas we review.
- use our own judgement and only take into account factors that are relevant to the area being reviewed.
- focus is on outcomes and service improvement from a user perspective.
- give recognition for good performance as well as highlight areas of concern and promote good practice.
- adopt an open-minded and supportive approach to innovation.
- be honest and consistent and our judgements will be based on accurate and credible evidence.
- not discriminate against any person on the grounds of that person's ethnic or national origin, sex, disability, age, religious beliefs, political views or sexual preference. We will treat people politely and fairly in accordance with the principles of equal opportunities.
- be open and honest about our practices and procedures.
- monitor and evaluate our own performance in order to improve our own service delivery.
Inspectorate Reports:
All reports are published and can be found on the Inspectorate's website at:
www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Justice/ipis
Further Contact:
We welcome input from COPFS staff and any contributions will, if required, be treated on a confidential basis.
Enquiries can be directed to members of Inspectorate staff at the following phone numbers:
Joe O'Donnell, HM Chief Inspector - 0844 561 2432
Carolyn Sharp, PA to HM Chief Inspector - 0844 561 2433
Maura Lynch, Principal Inspector - 0844 561 2306
Kate Neill, Management Inspector - 0844 561 2435
Fiona Carnan, Legal Inspector - 0844 561 3181
or by e-mail to:
inspectorate@copfs.gsi.gov.uk