Scottish Government

VWEA/14/05

This document is also available in pdf format (56k)

1. The attached table (Annex A) provides the sub-group with a note of SE field visits as of 1 ^st June 05. The table also indicates the status of potential remote sites and complements any report by SCS. The SCS Project Manager and the VWU Field Officer have been working closely to pursue all possibilities for remote sites to meet the SCS target of one site per Sheriffdom. This target has been increased to take account of the physical size of some Sheriffdoms; for example, there is provision to establish a dedicated site in both Inverness and Aberdeen. SCS are also considering whether a site can be located in Dundee, over and above the one already identified in Falkirk. Beyond the target for dedicated sites, work is continuing to identify existing facilities to be used on an 'ad-hoc' basis as required.
2. The sub-group may now want to consider how and when we should be addressing the need for additional sites and whether there is scope for entering into discussions with local authorities as to their longer term plans for dedicated local accommodation.
3. Since the last meeting, the Association of Universities and the Association of Colleges agreed to distribute information about the Act and the use of remote sites, with an invitation to each establishment to contact the Unit if they might be willing to consider allowing SCS access to any video-conferencing facilities within their accommodation. We have heard from Perth College and this is being followed up.
4. SCS made enquiries with Learning and Teaching Scotland regarding funding they received to install video conferencing equipment in each local authority education department and this will now be pursued through the LA lead officers
5. Each Scottish local authority has now nominated at least one lead officer to act as that authority's lead contact in relation to the VW Act and to help co-ordinate the search for remote sites locally. Their role will be further explored and established at a national seminar, which is being jointly organised with CoSLA and is scheduled to take place on 29 ^th June. In the meantime, contact has been made with some of these lead officers in order to make some progress in key areas.

• In Midlothian, we have asked the lead officer to help us identify a dedicated site which could provide a facility for Edinburgh and Lothians.
• The same approach has been made in Kilmarnock to cover the Sheriffdom of Argyll and Clyde.
• In some rural areas, the lead officers have been asked to work with SCS to identify existing video conferencing facilities to be used on an ad-hoc basis.

1. In addition, 'awareness raising' field visits have been continuing, as shown on the table. Recent field visits have, in the main, been at the invitation of SWDs and LA Lead Officers. A more proactive approach may again be needed to service some areas.

SEJD
Victims and Witnesses Unit

June 2005

ANNEX A
[Attached Excel Document]