Scottish Government

Section 2
WORKING TOGETHER IN NEW WAYS

WORKING TOGETHER IN NEW WAYS

2.1 Organisations which contribute to the management of offenders should work together effectively and consistently. We need to be clear about where further joint working will add the most value and build on the good examples of joint working which already exist. We want to move from a position where services are designed around what agencies can provide, to an approach which builds services around the offender. We need to challenge offending behaviour and provide seamless support to those who want help to change their behaviour. We need to make it even more difficult for those who do not want to change to find gaps in the system. The new area plans for reducing reoffending will help set the agenda for a more integrated, more consistent system for managing offenders.

Key themes here are:

• Sharing resources, expertise and information
• Supporting transitions, particularly from prison to the community
• Ensuring a strong partnership with the voluntary sector
• Developing the contribution of other partners

In the period to April 2008

The NAB will

• Test area plans for evidence of developments in service integration and joint problem-solving.
• Support national-level discussion about partnership working.
• Review and promote good practice.

The Executive will

• Work with the NHS, Jobcentre plus, Communities Scotland, ACPOS and others to raise the profile of offender management at the most senior level.

CJAs will

• Draw up area plans in consultation with the SPS and other partners which identify where closer joint working would best add value and explore ways of reducing duplication.
• Use the development of area plans to promote a problem-solving approach between agencies, with an early focus on basic practical issues.
• Examine the audits which have been undertaken by local authorities of joint working and work with partners and use these as an input to area plans.
• Consult statutory and other partners on the area plan.
• Ensure area plans support the development of integrated case management and consistency between agencies.
• Promote information sharing processes and systems between local agencies.
• Look for opportunities to reduce the number of separate contracts voluntary organisations are required to enter into in their area.
• Use existing partnership forums, such as Community Planning, Community Safety Partnerships and Community Health Partnerships to engage with community partners such as Employability, Learning and Housing.
• Support their Chief Officers in sharing progress on integration and service delivery with each other through a Chief Officer network.

Local authorities will

• Promote integration through delivering the enhanced throughcare strategy, including the Throughcare Addiction Service.
• Support the implementation of integrated case management.
• Support the introduction of the new joint arrangements with SPS and the police for assessing and managing sex offenders (with Health in relation to those who are mentally disordered offenders), involving the voluntary sector as appropriate. In particular, Housing services will work jointly with these agencies in order that offenders are suitably housed.
• Contribute to a joint accreditation agenda.
• Contribute to the production of the area plan.
• Agree priorities and align services to deliver the area plan.
• Ensure all the relevant services they provide, including employability, learning and housing services, support reducing reoffending.
• Develop their national-level relationship with the SPS.

SPS will

• Promote the enhanced throughcare strategy, including the Throughcare Addiction Service.
• Support the implementation of integrated case management.
• Support the introduction of the new joint arrangements with local authorities and the police for assessing and managing sex offenders (with Health in relation to those who are mentally disordered offenders).
• Contribute to a joint accreditation agenda.
• Contribute to the production of each area plan.
• Work with CJAs and local authorities to identify practical barriers to joint working which could be given early attention in area plans.
• Agree priorities and align services to deliver the area plan.
• Develop its national-level relationship with Criminal Justice Social Work.
• Scope what the issues would be for a longer-term strategy to house more prisoners closer to their home area.

Partner Bodies will

• Assess their contribution to the better management of offenders, including how they may be able to offer innovative approaches.
• Contribute to the production of the area plan.
• Support the delivery of the area plan.

Inspectorates and other independent and advisory bodies will support these changes:

• Relevant inspectorates will co-operate to provide information and advice on service integration.
• Relevant inspectorates will carry out "themed" inspections across services.
• The Risk Management Authority will advise on risk assessment and management planning.