Minutes of the Operational Performance Committee – November 2024

Minutes of meeting held on 28 November 2024 by Microsoft Teams

Present:

• Stephen McGowan, Deputy Crown Agent – Litigation (Chair) (DCA)
• Andrew Richardson, Procurator Fiscal, High Court (AR)
• Laura Buchan, Procurator Fiscal, Policy and Engagement (LB)
• Fiona Roberts, Head of Management Information Unit (FR)
• Lana Thomas, PA DCA – Serious Casework (Secretariat) (LT)

Absent:

• Gavin Anderson, Head of Business Management Local Court (GA)
• Andrew Laing, Deputy Head of Local Court (AL)
• Andy Shanks, Deputy Procurator Fiscal, Specialist Casework (AS

The DCA welcomed everyone to the meeting, apologies noted for the above.

The minutes of last meeting were agreed and can be published. Fiona noted that an issue regarding a previous minute for group consideration- in relation to the Incorrect Application of section 5 DASA Aggravations, not completely corrected yet. Update from Policy sent to Fiona who will discuss further with the unit to highlight and rectify.

No outstanding actions open.

High Court

Paper noted, AR updated that they have been working on a paper for the Crown Agent regarding time bar legislation.

Local Court

AL and GA absent- paper noted.

Specialist Casework

AS absent, paper noted.

Policy & Engagement

Paper noted, LB highlighted a couple of points-

Recent discussions with SG regarding SSI Saving provisions ongoing. LB will keep group up to date on progress.

SG continue to focus on Prison population and putting provisions. Discussions around increased indicting and projections and ensuring all stakeholders clear on those projections.

• Amended Minute- Non-fatal strangulation and Annexes -Update from LM & LB Emma – further info sent out to group – group content- Policy can now submit this to the LO’s before the SG round table next week. LT to update author.
• SCAI - Draft Chapters of COPFS Core Report - Request that draft chapters are placed before OPC- Group discussed, Stephen to review then clear.

UNRC Compliance- further update circulated to group this morning prior to this meeting, requires Andy and Andrews comment, unable to clear this until whole group has had time to consider.  

LB – Policy prepared guidance on the Covid provisions- updated minute to remind staff that they end tomorrow, 29 November.  This was shared with LB who was content.

LB - recently met with SCRA, reflective of how busy everyone is as joint cases at the highest mark they’ve been in a while.

Action:

LB AR & AL to meet and discuss the SCRA outstanding cases. 

SMcG noted that the future of the OPC is unclear due to potential wider structure changes, OPC to be scheduled for Jan, Feb and March and can be cancelled if required when structure confirmed.  

Date of Next Meeting:

14 January 2025