Community Justice Scotland

Closing soon! We're looking for a Policy and Public Affairs Officer to work within our restorative justice team on a fixed-term basis.

Apply by midday on Friday 19th June. To find out more and apply, follow the link below. ⬇️

Join the Team - Community Justice Scotland 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 ...

"There are many factors that can lead to a missed court date.

For some, a lack of safe, permanent housing means they do not receive written correspondence in time.

Others may face mental health issues or lack access to transport. These barriers are often complex and interconnected."

In our latest blog, CJS Head of Insights and Intelligence Gemma Fraser explains why we need to better understand why people fail to appear in court—and what we can do about it.

Read:

How we can help prevent people missing court dates - Community Justice Scotland Warrants for defendants missing court dates in Scotland are on the increase – costing up to an estimated £8.5m a year in police time and custody.

"These tools have the potential to enhance public safety and improve justice outcomes. But technology does not operate in a vacuum."

In a new article, our chief executive Karyn McCluskey discusses how AI tools can be useful – but could cause problems in the justice system if not properly managed.

Read more:
https://communityjustice.scot/news/the-challenge/

✒️ Subscribe to Karyn's newsletter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7467934951276093440

The challenge is not just to go faster, but to go together - Karyn McCluskey - Community Justice Scotland Community Justice Scotland’s chief executive Karyn McCluskey discusses how AI tools can be useful – but could cause problems in the justice system if not properly managed. The world feels as if it is accelerating beyond our collective stride. What were once described as technological ‘leaps’...

"One of the most powerful and emotional events I have attended and I thoroughly enjoyed it" Attendee at The Power of Dialogue: Human Stories of Restorative Justice.

Earlier this year we hosted an event at National Galleries of Scotland where Jacob Dunne and Lynn Burns' shared their personal journeys through restorative justice. Their unshakeable voices help to demonstrate what becomes possible when justice prioritises accountability, understanding and meaningful repair.

You can now catch-up with the full event on YouTube - link in comments below.

Nestled in the heart of Glasgow's Southside Kinning Park Complex is celebrating 30 years of community spirit 🎉

We were warmly welcomed at Kinning Park Complex last year, when we filmed a short film about Community Justice Scotland. It provided a colourful setting to explain who we are and what we do, whilst also acknowledging shared community values. Watch the film here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfjYatH_M0Q

Long may the centre continue thriving a the heart of its community. Explore the events on offer: https://www.kinningparkcomplex.org/anniversary-events


The Union Advertising Agency

"Scotland now faces a clear choice. Emergency measures alone cannot deliver lasting change." Karyn McCluskey, chief executive Community Justice Scotland

We are calling for a sustained shift toward community-based approaches to offending, as Scotland’s prison population reached a record 8,538 last week despite repeated emergency releases.

Read our statement - link in comments below.

What do all of these community projects have in common?

- They were completed by people undertaking community payback as part of their sentence.
- They have improved the lives of local people.
- They’ve taught people important skills and improved self-worth, reducing the likelihood re-offending.

We’re looking for more photographed examples like these to include in our upcoming digital campaign.

Do you know about a recent project in your local area, school, community hub or workplace that was completed by a community payback team?

Please share, or get in touch via message or email 🙌 💻[email protected]

Are you a match for one of our three job vacancies?

Get your applications in soon, closing tomorrow (29th April)!

Join the Team - Community Justice Scotland 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 […]

We are looking for three new team members!

💻 Learning Support Officer (fixed term)
📝 Project Officer (fixed term)
🤝 Head of National Engagement

The closing date for all three roles is 29th April 2026.

Find out more and apply:

Join the Team - Community Justice Scotland 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 […]