Annual Report 2012-13

The Act continues to impact on the work of the Inspectorate as has the Crerar Review (published in September 2007).

In accordance with the principles of the Act and related guidance the Inspectorate continues to take a 'user perspective' when producing reports. In the reports published this year use was made of, eg questionnaires sent to users of Enquiry Point, and contact was made in relation to the Health and Safety report and Summary Case Preparation report with many different types of users including defence solicitors, Sheriffs, Sheriff Clerks, police, forensic scientists and others.

On the evidence base for reports extensive use is made of examining real cases including significant sampling in the production of the Health and Safety report and in the Summary Case Preparation report.

On the efficiency, effectiveness and economy front the work continues to be risk based and proportionate. As with last year the move away from Area reports to more targeted thematic reports has accelerated. Joint working with the police inspectorate will resume once the single police force has settled into operation. Opportunities will be taken wherever possible to co-operate with other inspectorates.

The Chief Inspector continues to be a member of the UK-wide Heads of Inspectorates Forum with the opportunity to compare methodology, risk etc with other mainstream UK inspectors and regulatory agencies.

All legal staff are members of the International Association of Prosecutors with the benefit of networking with prosecutors from around the world.

As mentioned in the foreword close attention will need to be paid to the new system of self assessment once introduced by COPFS.

IT, HR and other services continue to be supplied by the Scottish Government.