The disclosure regime in Scotland is complex and affected by a range of legislation including the recent Management of Offenders and Age of Criminal Responsibility Acts – that complexity creates confusion for many. Simplification of this landscape is critical to ensure that people with convictions are afforded opportunities to move on with their lives. It is particularly important that people also understand when a conviction becomes spent and is no longer required to be disclosed . The provision of accessible guidance will be important in ensuring the effective implementation of the new system.
CJS’s submission to the Education and Skills Committee on the Disclosure (Scotland) Bill can be found here: