Auditor has concerns about justice agency

The public spending watchdog has raised concerns about the running of an agency set up by the Scottish Government to promote alternatives to prison.

Audit Scotland highlighted governance issues at Community Justice Scotland including the lengthy absence of its chair and its limited financial capacity and committee structures.

CJS was established by the Community Justice (Scotland) Act 2016 as a non-departmental public body and is led by Karyn Mccluskey, who helped set up Police Scotland’s celebrated Violence Reduction Unit (VRU).

It seeks to promote and encourage improvements in community justice, shifting from short custodial to community-based sentences to reduce reoffending and reintegrate people into the community.

Auditor General Caroline Gardner said: “In terms of governance, Community Justice Scotland had a challenging first year.

“In 2018-19, its budget increased to £2.2 million. This will likely increase during 2019-20 as it starts to commission community justice services itself. All public bodies, irrespective of their size, must demonstrate clear and effective governance and financial management. I have asked the auditor to monitor CJS’S progress and report again next year.”