RMA Publish 2021-22 business plan: olr research, internet offending, counter-terrorism, recall to prison and more
The Risk Management Authority (RMA) focus on protecting the public by ensuring that risk assessment and management meets the standard to reduce the risk of serious harm posed by violent and sexual offenders. Today, we are pleased to publish our 2021-22 Business Plan, which sets out our priorities in the coming year.
In March 2020, the World Health Organisation declared the COVID-19 outbreak a global pandemic and like many other organisations, we have felt the effects. Whilst we continue to work remotely and adapt to the challenges presented, we have also been planning how to support the transformation of justice in Scotland.
Our Development team undertake and publish research on risk assessment and management across criminal justice, and ensure our Standards and Guidelines remain evidence-based and in-line with current research. In 2021-22 a key Strategic Objective for the team is the production and publication of a series of OLR RESEARCH STUDIES TO INFORM ADVICE AND DISCUSSIONS around policy and practice.
A newly formed department within the RMA, our Effective Practice team monitor proposed changes to legislation, assess impact and make recommendations. The team also lead on aspects of training, learning and development, and a range of support to LS/CMI users. In 2021-22 the team will work with partners on the IMPACT OF THE COUNTER TERRORISM AND SENTENCING BILL 2021 for assessment and management in Scotland. Additionally, they will work with victims agencies to identify areas where our Standards and Guidelines and Risk Management Plans can be improved to BETTER SUPPORT VICTIM SAFETY PLANNING.
At the RMA we have a number of legislative duties with the Order for Lifelong Restriction (OLR). Our OLR team provide expert oversight and evaluation of all statutory requirements, plus advice and support to those bodies responsible for the management of offenders in both custody and the community. In 2021-22 the team are introducing a NEW SCHEME OF RISK ASSESSOR ACCREDITATION and, addressing a significant gap in current research, will undertake research to better understand the EXPERIENCE OF INDIVIDUALS WITH AN OLR WHO HAVE BEEN RELEASED INTO THE COMMUNITY THEN RECALLED TO CUSTODY.
Our people are undoubtedly our best asset at the RMA, and we’re proud to introduce you to the experts behind the hard work in this years’ Business Plan. With a busy year ahead we’ll be providing updates on the progress of our Strategic Objectives via our website, and we encourage you to join the discussion with us – follow us on Twitter, drop us an e-mail, or subscribe to our Enewsletter to stay in the know.