The Care Inspectorate sent a team to the area between November 2018 and January 2019 to look at how local services are delivering for individuals who are, or have been, subject to community payback orders.

In their final report, published today, inspectors found that individuals subject to community payback orders experienced strong, respectful and consistent relationships with staff.

However, they also noted that the service was not able to demonstrate the difference these relationships were making to improved outcomes.

Peter Macleod, chief executive of the Care Inspectorate, said: “There has been significant change in criminal justice social work over the last decade including the introduction of community payback orders in 2011.

“Effective community-based sentencing options are essential to the successful implementation of the Scottish Government’s community justice strategy and the extension of the presumption against short sentences. In this context, the Care Inspectorate has decided to focus inspections of justice social work services, at the present time, on how well community payback orders are implemented and managed as well as how effectively services are achieving positive outcomes.

“Today’s report identifies key strengths and areas which need to improve so that Scottish Borders Council can establish effective governance for justice social work and achieve positive outcomes for those subject to community payback orders.”

Councillor Tom Weatherston, executive member for adult social care and children and families social work, said: “Inspections are always an opportunity to reflect on how a service is being delivered and to inform our commitment to continuous improvement.

“The Care Inspectorate’s feedback is welcomed, particularly their comments in relation to the good practice of our staff who are to be commended for their hard work and dedication to individuals accessing the service.

“Their recommendations are also important, as they give us the chance look deeply at what can be done to improve the service even further.

“Work is already underway on all the key areas highlighted, including the introduction of a multi-agency Public Protection Service for the Borders. This will have benefits not only for the strategic direction and leadership of the Justice Service, but for all the services that will come within its remit. We are currently working to progress this as quickly and effectively as possible.”