On the Importance of Lunch: The Assessors' Day

Our OLR Lead, Ross Pollock, tells us about the most recent Accredited Assessor Day at the RMA.

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2021-22 Annual Report Published

Over the last year, we’ve completed some significant projects that contribute to protecting the public and making Scotland safer.

'The Offending Behaviour of Those Sentenced to the Order for Lifelong Restriction’ is our very first report exploring, in-depth, the behaviour of individuals sentenced to the OLR through quantitative analysis.

Our Development Lead, Rachel Webb, recently attended two international conferences that offered the perfect opportunity to learn from both researchers and practitioners. Here, she tells us some of the key points from her visit.

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FRAMEWORK FOR RISK ASSESSMENT, MANAGEMENT AND EVALUATION

The Framework for Risk Assessment, Management and Evaluation (FRAME) outlines the policy approach to risk assessment and management in Scotland.

RATED is our directory intended to assist practitioners in selecting and applying risk assessment tools.

We set the standards for risk assessment and risk management to reduce the risk of serious harm and make Scotland safer

2021-22 Annual Report and Accounts Published

Over the last year, we’ve completed some significant projects that contribute to protecting the public and making Scotland safer. Take a look at our latest Annual Report and Accounts for more information.

Framework for Risk Assessment Management and Evaluation (FRAME)

The Framework for Risk Assessment, Management and Evaluation (FRAME) outlines the policy approach to risk assessment and management in Scotland. It outlines the agreed values, guiding principles, and standards that should underpin the work of justice agencies who are involved in the assessment and management of risk posed by those who are involved in offending behaviour.

ORDER FOR LIFELONG RESTRICTION RESEARCH

We have published our first research report exploring the offending behaviour of individuals who are subject to the Order for Lifelong Restriction sentence. ‘The Offending Behaviour of Those Sentenced to the Order for Lifelong Restriction’ focusses on individuals sentenced between December 2006 and March 2021 – over 200 individuals – and provides a comprehensive overview.

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RMA ACCREDITED ASSESSORS

Accredited Assessors play a vital role in the Scottish justice system. They complete complex reports for the high court when an Order for Lifelong Restriction (OLR) is being considered. We’re pleased to have accredited five new experienced risk assessors in 2022-23.

Find out more

BAIL AND RELEASE CONSULTATION

We have published our response to the Scottish Government’s Bail and Release from Custody Consultation. The consultation was seeking views on bail/remand and release from custody to inform the development of legislation in this area. Our response lays out in detail the importance of an evidence-based and proportionate approach to risk assessment and risk management in Scotland.

Read our response

Risk Assessment Tools Evaluation Directory (RATED)

The Risk Assessment Tools Evaluation Directory (RATED) contains evaluation of the evidence for seventy-four risk assessment tools. The tools are designed to assess various types of offending from intimate partner violence, stalking, internet offending and other sexual offences, in addition to those intended to measure violence and general risk of offending. Three categories of tools are intended to assess the risk of youth offending; and there is also a category dedicated to ‘responsivity issues,’ encompassing tools intended for personality, neurodevelopmental and other mental disorders.

Our Team

The RMA works closely with partner agencies to develop and promote risk assessment and management practices that are proportionate, meaningful and legitimate. And by supporting those who work within the field of justice, helping them to carry out their work effectively and consistently, we contribute to our wider purpose of reducing reoffending and the harm that it causes.

Meet the Team