COPFS has been awarded the Employers Network for Equality & Inclusion (enei) Team of the Year Award 2015 for its “outstanding contribution to delivering change within the field of equality and inclusion, and the positive impact this had on organisational success”.
The Lord Advocate, Frank Mulholland QC, today welcomed the publication of figures which show a continued reduction overall in Hate Crime in Scotland.
COPFS is the sole prosecuting authority in Scotland and, on behalf of the Lord Advocate, decides in every case whether there is sufficient evidence to prosecute. COPFS also has responsibility, on behalf of the Lord Advocate, to investigate all sudden and unexplained deaths in Scotland.
New standards of service have been published today to support and protect victims and witnesses in the Scottish criminal justice system; to make sure they have access to the information they need; and to ensure they are treated fairly.
The standards are the result of a partnership between COPFS, the Parole Board for Scotland, Police Scotland, the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service and the Scottish Prison Service, in consultation with victims organisations.
The new Standards of Service explains what a victim or witness can expect to happen at each stage of the criminal justice system process, the standards of service they can expect, and who they can contact for help or advice so they can participate effectively in criminal proceedings.
COPFS has today published a report of progress and achievements for its equality and diversity work during the last two years.
During the two year period the Scottish prosecution service fostered constructive working relations with a variety of community groups, worked in partnership with local authorities and other third sector organisations to deliver equality related messages and to develop new policies for prosecutors. COPFS received national recognition for its dedication and commitment to equality and diversity through awards from the Employers Network for Equality and Inclusion (ENEI) and Stonewall.
Catherine Dyer, COPFS Crown Agent and Chief Executive said:
"I am proud of our progress and achievements over the last two years but recognise that there is much still to do. I am sure you will find our report both interesting and thought provoking. I would like to thank all COPFS staff, community groups and organisations who have contributed to our success."
COPFS is to host the International Society for the Reform of Criminal Law conference in
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