Research exploring the implementation of the OLR sentence now published
This project involved evaluation of the implementation of the Order for Lifelong Restriction (OLR) sentence for 50 individuals

Research exploring the implementation of the OLR sentence now published

The findings of the study have informed a suite of recommendations designed to increase our understanding of the individuals subject to the unique sentence and contribute towards our discussions relating to improvements in risk assessment and management.
Learn more about the Research
Responding to Scottish Government Consultations
Supporting the Vision for Justice in Scotland

Responding to Scottish Government Consultations

Responding to consultations is an important area of our policy work, and we welcome this opportunity to support ongoing improvements to the justice system in Scotland. Recently, we’ve responded to The Prison Population and Penal Reform Consultation and The National Strategy For Community Justice Review Consultation.
RMA Responds to Scottish Government Consultations
Selecting Approaches for Effectively Responding to Risk
Supporting risk management in the Scottish Justice System

Selecting Approaches for Effectively Responding to Risk

Selecting Approaches for Effectively Responding to Risk (SAFERR) is our new online directory that provides a summary and evaluation of the effectiveness of different risk management approaches used in forensic practice across the world.
Visit SAFERR
New Board Members
Two new Members appointed to the Board of the Risk Management Authority

New Board Members

We are delighted to welcome Dr Stuart Doig and Sharon Stirrat to the RMA Board.
NEW BOARD MEMBERS APPOINTED
RMA PODcast: A Wee Chat About Justice
Listen to the RMA Team

RMA PODcast: A Wee Chat About Justice

Each episode, we look at what’s happening in justice in Scotland and across the world, look at new research and evidence of what works, and consider what changes we might like to see for the Scottish system.
Listen Now
Become an Accredited Risk Assessor
A VITAL ROLE IN THE SCOTTISH JUSTICE SYSTEM

Become an Accredited Risk Assessor

We’re currently seeking experienced, qualified risk assessors from psychology and psychiatry to become Accredited Assessors. If you’re interested in this role or would like to know more about the accreditation process, get in touch with us.
Find Out More

Selecting Approaches for Effectively Responding to Risk


Selecting Approaches for Effectively Responding to Risk (SAFERR) is our new online directory that provides a summary and evaluation of the effectiveness of different risk management approaches used in forensic practice across the world.

SAFERR is specifically focused on the implementation and evaluation of a variety of risk management approaches in the context of their application to forensic populations.

Visit SAFERR

Psychopathy & The OLR

Access the Research

Applications are now open

Become an Accredited Assessor

Understanding the Risk Assessment Order

Protecting the Public: Scotland’s Risk Assessment Order

OLR Data Visualisation

Explore a series of interactive data visualisations to help you understand the Order for Lifelong Restriction. We look at statistics including Risk Assessment Order outcomes, age of individuals at the time when they receive the sentence, and length of punishment part.

About the OLR

Training

We develop and deliver specialised training to support effective practice in risk assessment and risk management in Scotland, this includes our Fundamentals of Risk Training course which as been delivered to justice social workers and police since 2015.

See Our Training

Learn about our updated Standards and Guidelines for Risk Management

Update to Standards and Guidelines for Risk Management

FRAMEWORK FOR RISK ASSESSMENT, MANAGEMENT AND EVALUATION

Our FRAME policy is the approach to risk assessment and management in Scotland. It outlines guiding principles that should underpin the work of justice agencies who assess and manage risk.

Access FRAME
NEVER MISS A THING

Newsletter

Sign up to receive email news, events and information about RMA.scot.

News View All

Article image: RMA publish research exploring the implementation of the Order for Lifelong Restriction (OLR) sentence  
04 Sep, 2026

RMA publish research exploring the implementation of the Order for Lifelong Restriction (OLR) sentence  

This project involved evaluation of the implementation of the Order for Lifelong Restriction (OLR) sentence for 50 individuals
Read More
Article image: RMA Responds to Domestic Abuse Sentencing Consultation
03 Sep, 2026

RMA Responds to Domestic Abuse Sentencing Consultation

Responding to consultations and calls for views issued by justice partners is one of the ways we contribute to the development of policy and effective risk practice in Scotland
Read More
Article image: RMA Responds to Scottish Government Consultations
21 Aug, 2026

RMA Responds to Scottish Government Consultations

Responding to consultations is an important area of our policy work, and we welcome this opportunity to support ongoing improvements to the justice system in Scotland.
Read More
Article image: Turning Standards into System Improvements
07 Aug, 2026

Turning Standards into System Improvements

Read to learn about the RMA Changes in LS/CMI IT Application Version 5
Read More
Article image: Two New Board Members Appointed in 2026
16 Jun, 2026

Two New Board Members Appointed in 2026

We are delighted to welcome Dr Stuart Doing and Sharon Stirrat to the RMA Board
Read More
Article image: 2026-27 Business Plan Published
31 Mar, 2026

2026-27 Business Plan Published

The Risk Management Authority has published the 2026-27 Business Plan outlining the planned work to continue to make Scotland safer
Read More
Article image: RMA Blog: What is the Psychopathy Checklist?  
17 Mar, 2026

RMA Blog: What is the Psychopathy Checklist?  

Understanding psychopathy may help better understand an individual’s offending behaviour and how to work with them more effectively. Learn more about our recent research.
Read More
Article image: Supporting Social Work in Scotland
17 Mar, 2026

Supporting Social Work in Scotland

Today, World Social Work Day, highlights the vital role of social work internationally, and in Scotland, welcomes the launch of the National Social Work Agency (NSWA). The RMA…
Read More
Article image: RMA Responds to Change to short-term prisoner release point
25 Feb, 2026

RMA Responds to Change to short-term prisoner release point

Following the Cabinet Secretary’s statements in parliament in recent weeks regarding the high prison population in Scotland, and the Scottish Governments decision to lay regulations before parliament which…
Read More
Article image: RMA welcomes publication of the Sentencing and Penal Policy Commission Report
24 Feb, 2026

RMA welcomes publication of the Sentencing and Penal Policy Commission Report

The Risk Management Authority welcomes the publication of Justice That Works: Report of the Sentencing and Penal Policy Commission. The report makes wide-ranging recommendations for whole-system reform with…
Read More

Cookie settings

Welcome to the RMA website. We've recently made some changes to the content you'll see and how you navigate our website. We're committed to continually improving how we communicate and we'd love to hear your feedback - please take a minute to click 'Give Feedback' below to rate your experience of our website.

Website Feedback

    Rate your experience using the website out of 5

    Input this code: captcha