3rd May 2023
12th December 2018
SCCJR is set to join a new expert group which will today meet for the first time to improve support, advice and information for victims of crime.
Co-chaired by the Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf and Lord Advocate James Wolffe QC, the Victims Taskforce brings together senior decision-makers from justice agencies, the legal profession, academia and the voluntary sector, including direct representation of victims.
At the first meeting the taskforce will focus on confirming their remit and membership; how best to engage more broadly with victims and witnesses; and how best to fulfil their remit.
Dr Margaret Malloch, Associate Director for SCCJR and Associate Professor/Reader of Criminology at the University of Stirling will represent the Centre on the taskforce.
She said: “The Scottish Centre for Crime and Justice Research is pleased to have been invited to participate in the Scottish Government Victims Taskforce and we look forward to contributing to this important work.
“SCCJR has considerable expertise in conducting independent academic research, much of which involves prioritising the experiences of victims of crime and their encounters with the criminal justice system. Our work also highlights the wider impact of harm that affects individual and community experiences of victimisation and we welcome this opportunity to collaborate with other participating organisations to improve the circumstances of victims and witnesses in the criminal justice in Scotland.”
A full list of members is below:
| Name | Organisation |
| Humza Yousaf MSP | Scottish Government – Cabinet Secretary for Justice – (Co-chair) |
| James Wolffe QC | Scottish Government – Lord Advocate (Co-chair) |
| Neil Rennick | Scottish Government, Director of Justice |
| Michael Chalmers | Scottish Government, Director of Children and Families |
| Iain Livingstone | Police Scotland, Chief Constable |
| David Harvie | COPFS, Crown Agent |
| Eric McQueen | Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service, Chief Executive |
| Colin McConnell | Scottish Prisons Service, Chief Executive |
| John Watt | Parole Board, Chair |
| Pauline Proudfoot | Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration, Operational Development Manager |
| Karyn McCluskey | Chief Executive, Community Justice Scotland |
| Kathryn Lindsay | Scottish Social Work (Head of Children, Families & Justice at Angus Council) |
| Kate Wallace | Victim Support Scotland, Chief Executive |
| Marsha Scott | Women’s Aid, Chief Executive |
| Sandy Brindley | Rape Crisis Scotland, Chief Executive |
| Mhairi McGowan | Head of ASSIST and Domestic Abuse services |
| Mary Glasgow | Children 1st, Chief Executive |
| Victims Organisations Collaboration Forum Scotland | Rotating seat –
Ann Galbraith, Action against Stalking |
| Lorna Jack | Law Society of Scotland, Chief executive |
| Angela Grahame | Faculty of Advocates, Vice-Dean |
| Margaret Malloch | Scottish Centre for Crime and Justice Research |
| Lynn Burns | Victim’s Voice |
Media Contact:
Rachelle Cobain, Communications Officer, SCCJR
T: 0141 330 1834
E: rachelle.cobain@glasgow.ac.uk