Community Justice Scotland

01/10/2026

Community Justice Scotland (CJS) is pleased to share its draft Corporate Plan for consultation. This document sets out the proposed strategic objectives that will guide CJS’s contribution to change from 2027 to 2032.

📣 At this stage, we invite our key stakeholders to share insights, expertise and perspectives.

Your views will help ensure that the final strategy reflects shared ambitions, addresses the issues that matter most, and supports impactful change for our organisation and the communities we serve.

The consultation closes on Friday 30th October.

Review the draft corporate plan and consultation: https://communityjustice.scot/news/corporate-plan-2027-2032-consultation/

30/09/2026

It's the last day of in Scotland. A month in which National Records of Scotland reported an 11% rise in the number of deaths from drug use, on the previous year.

In a new blog by Tracey McFall, CEO of Scottish Recovery Consortium, she explains how stories of recovery from drug and alcohol harm give vital hope to those in the justice system.

"Offending does not happen in isolation. It is often linked to experiences of trauma, poverty, inequality... Unless we address these underlying issues, we risk focusing on symptoms rather than causes."

Read the blog:

Tracey McFall, CEO of the Scottish Recovery Consortium, explains how seeing examples of desistance and recovery from drug and alcohol harm can reinforce the belief that positive change is achievable.

29/09/2026

Could you be our new Policy and Engagement Lead?

We're looking for somebody to develop and deliver Community Justice Scotland's strategic approach to policy, alongside our brilliant team.

Closing date for applications is 5pm on 9th October 2026.

Find out more and apply ⬇

Why work for Community Justice Scotland? At Community Justice Scotland (CJS) we understand that our colleagues are the most important asset we have.  We use a values based approach in everything we do and apply this throughout our recruitment which means we focus on the candidates values to ensure ...

24/09/2026

With two weeks to go we’re excited to say that all tickets for our national event on 8 October - Beyond Bars: Problem-solving courts and the future of justice - have now been allocated!

🎫 If you’re keen to attend but don’t have a ticket yet, please sign-up via Eventbrite and you will be added to a waiting list. If a ticket becomes available, you will be notified.

✅ If you have signed-up for a ticket but can no longer attend, please cancel via the link in your confirmation email. This may allow other people to attend.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Join us in Edinburgh to hear from experts in problem-solving courts and bold justice reform.

23/09/2026

"For individuals who may have spent years being defined by drug or alcohol use, convictions or other labels, recovery offers a different narrative."

As we near the end of in Scotland, we're sharing an important blog by Tracey McFall, CEO of Scottish Recovery Consortium. She talks powerfully about the impact of recovery in giving hope to people in the justice system.

New statistics published today by National Records of Scotland have revealed the number of deaths from drug use rose by 11% in 2025 compared to the previous year. We must join together to stop and reverse this rise.

"At its heart, recovery is about creating the conditions where people can live meaningful and fulfilling lives."

Read the blog, link below

Tracey McFall, CEO of the Scottish Recovery Consortium, explains how seeing examples of desistance and recovery from drug and alcohol harm can give hope to people in the justice system and reinforce the belief that positive change is achievable. NOTE: The views expressed are of the author and do not...

14/09/2026

Our colleagues were delighted to attend the Upside Voices Exhibition in Stirling on Friday, hosted by Upside Throughcare, the national throughcare service.

Through powerful artwork and lived-experience storytelling, the event highlighted the experiences of people leaving prison following a short sentence or period on remand, exploring their journeys through the justice system and creating a space for their voices to be heard and valued.

The partnership has also launched an Upside Voices report, featuring what the service users valued most about throughcare and the role it played in helping them access support, reconnect with their communities, and build positive futures.

Read the full report here: https://bit.ly/4cFuYsv

As Scotland develops National Throughcare Standards, this event and the report are powerful reminders that stronger communities are built when people with lived experience are involved in shaping the services designed to support them. Listening to these voices is essential if we are to create support that is responsive, effective and grounded in what people genuinely need.

Thank you Upside Throughcare for an inspiring day of reflection, connection and conversation.

14/09/2026

"When we look at someone involved in addiction or crime, we often judge the behaviour in front of us without asking what happened before it."

In a new blog, Billy McKay shares his experience of trauma and addiction and how he turned his life around. Read link below.

September is focusing on challenging stigma and shining a light on those in recovery. Learn more @ Scottish Recovery Consortium.

https://communityjustice.scot/blogs/from-an-inner-prison-to-a-life-of-purpose-recovery-from-addiction/?fbclid=IwY2xjawUUh9pwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6tKJEeY0POnrixisIBQjpE3Ax5m67_dtfJpXFnhAmAUoOy240e5W25gG70BA_aem_h78bs30TUGc3BP76c9EtQA

September is Recovery Month in Scotland – focusing on increasing awareness, challenging stigma and celebrating the success of those in recovery from all addictive behaviours. Billy McKay from Motherwell who is author of Who Turned the Light On, reflects on how a dysfunctional childhood, trauma and...

09/09/2026

📣 Announcing Community Justice Scotland's national event 2026 - Beyond Bars: Problem-solving Courts and the Future of Justice.

We would love you to join us to hear from experts in problem-solving courts and bold justice reform. What can we learn from the evidence-led best practice taking place in Scotland and elsewhere?

The event is taking place in-person on Thursday 8 October, at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, from 1pm.

A recording of the event will be available on our YouTube channel, afterwards.

Sign-up for your free ticket on Eventbrite!

Join us in Edinburgh to hear from experts in problem-solving courts and bold justice reform.

01/09/2026

September is Recovery Month in Scotland – focusing on increasing awareness, challenging stigma and celebrating the success of those in recovery from all addictive behaviours.

To kick-start the month, we're pleased to share a new blog by author Billy McKay. Billy writes powerfully about his experience of living with, and ultimately overcoming, addiction.

"Behind the behaviour that society condemns, there is often a wounded person whose story has never been understood."

Read Billy's blog ⬇

September is Recovery Month in Scotland – focusing on increasing awareness, challenging stigma and celebrating the success of those in recovery from all addictive behaviours. Billy McKay from Motherwell who is author of Who Turned the Light On, reflects on how a dysfunctional childhood, trauma and...

31/08/2026

Community Justice Scotland has welcomed the appointment of Katherine Graham and Stephen Wishart as new Board Members, bringing extensive expertise across technology, governance, justice, housing, homelessness, mental health and community services.

Read more:

Community Justice Scotland has welcomed the appointment of Katherine Graham and Stephen Wishart as new Board Members, bringing extensive expertise across technology, governance, justice, housing, homelessness, mental health and community services. Their three-year appointments, commencing on 15 Octo...