Strategic plan 2022-25

I am pleased to introduce HM Inspectorate of Prosecution in Scotland's Strategic Plan for 2022-25. The plan sets out who we are and what we do, and how we will continue to support continuous improvement in the service provided by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) and help strengthen public confidence in the justice system.

The development of our first published three-year strategic plan reflects the inspectorate's commitment to our own continuous improvement. We have reflected on what the inspectorate does well and where we can develop and improve our approach. We have considered how we are fulfilling our statutory purpose and how we can build on our achievements and continue to add value through our scrutiny activity. As a small team of five, we must carefully prioritise our development work as well as the issues we inspect to ensure that we deliver an independent and credible inspection programme that meets the needs of the Lord Advocate, COPFS, stakeholders and the wider public.

In developing this strategic plan, we have revisited and refreshed our vision and values and have identified five strategic objectives as well as underpinning actions which will guide us over the next three years. Strategic planning is a useful exercise for any organisation, but particularly one at this moment in time when we, the justice system and the wider public sector are still responding to and recovering from the significant impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. We are mindful of the unprecedented challenges those we inspect have faced in recent years, but also of the need to remain focused on delivering a quality service that meets the needs of users who have experienced uncertainty and delay in accessing justice.

We will deliver our strategic objectives and our inspection programme in accordance with our values and, in particular, will continue to seek and be informed by the experiences and views of those who are drawn into the justice system whether as victims, witnesses, next of kin or as an accused. We will also look for opportunities to work with our scrutiny partners to gain a better understanding of the experience of individuals as they move through the justice system.

This strategic plan provides a framework for our activity over the next three years. It will be kept under review and updated as necessary to take account of emerging issues and feedback we receive. I am grateful as always to the inspectorate staff and all those who participate in our scrutiny activity, whose contribution helps us promote excellence and confidence in Scotland's prosecution service through independent, evidence-based inspection.

Laura Paton

HM Chief Inspector of Prosecution in Scotland