Scottish Crime and Justice Survey

Closed 9 Dec 2021

Opened 23 Sep 2021

Contact

Jocelyn Hickey

(Senior Research Officer)

SCJS

jocelyn.hickey@gov.scot

Feedback updated 8 Apr 2022

We asked

A formal consultation on the Scottish Crime and Justice Survey (SCJS) ran on Citizen Space for 11 weeks from the 23rd September 2021 to the 9th December 2021. We invited views on the SCJS, with a specific focus on how the survey might be adapted throughout the upcoming re-procurement exercise. Themes for feedback included: survey aims; function as a crime survey; sample & frequency; new question topics; definition of ‘SCJS Crime’; comparisons with Crime Survey for England & Wales; SCJS & further research, and future proofing. The original consultation paper is available here.

You said

Respondents were largely satisfied with the current SCJS aims and the ability to analyse trends using SCJS data. However, users would like to see further disaggregation of survey data, new questions on specific topics, and some improvements to the presentation and promotion of the SCJS resources.

  • Users were most keen to see data disaggregated by local authority, ethnicity, and gender. Additional breakdowns such as data on those aged 16-18, those with disabilities, and other protected characteristics were also requested.
  • Respondents asked for specific topics to be addressed in greater detail, modified, or entered as new additions to the survey. The questionnaire topics most commonly requested were partner abuse, gender-based violence, and cyber crime.
  • Additionally, it was highlighted that the availability of the survey data and other resources could be better promoted.

We did

We would like to thank all who participated in the consultation process. All suggestions are being considered by the Scottish Crime and Justice Survey team. The feedback gathered has significantly influenced and assisted various re-procurement work streams. In particular, the consultation has, and will continue to inform, the survey design, improvements to user engagement and changes to the questionnaire. A 12 month period of questionnaire development will begin in Spring, with a primary focus on partner abuse, gender-based violence and cyber crime. The SCJS team will re-engage with users during this process.

Published responses

View submitted responses where consent has been given to publish the response.

Overview

The Scottish Government would like to consult users on the Scottish Crime and Justice Survey (SCJS) in the context of the forthcoming re-procurement. Details of the Consultation can be found in the Consultation Paper. 

The SCJS is a large-scale social survey which asks people about their experiences and perceptions of crime in Scotland. The Scottish Government commissions this research and the current SCJS contract is coming to an end. This means that a re-procurement process must occur. Thus, it is a pivotal moment for the SCJS.

The re-procurement of the SCJS presents the perfect opportunity to take stock of the survey, what it does well, what it could do better and ultimately, what the future of the survey should look like. It is for this reason that we are reaching out to users of the SCJS and asking you to take part in our formal consultation. We would also like to draw your attention to the user events that will be held in October 2021 as part of this consultation. These events will provide an opportunity to ask questions, raise concerns and engage in informal discussion centred on the survey. 

This consultation is the first in a two-stage engagement process. On the basis of findings from the consultation we will organise a number of live workshops. These events will be centred on key themes, concerns or issues arising from this consultation and are due to take place in January 2022. The goal will be to seek further, detailed and specific insight into areas of concern to ensure that feedback is specific enough to be operationalised within the re-procurement process. We ask that if you are happy to take part in these workshops that you indicate this when asked at the end of the consultation.

Prior to beginning the Consultation please read the associated Consultation paper. The paper provides a brief overview of the survey, a summary of past changes and an outline of the aspects of the survey we would most like to receive feedback on. 

Why your views matter

Our goal is for the re-procurement process of the SCJS to be transparent and publicised; informed by evidence, including expert opinion and advice; to respond to the needs of users and to align with the priorities of the Scottish Government.

By taking part in this consultation and in any ongoing engagement activity you will be playing a key role in helping us reach this goal. Thank you.

Events

  • Consultation Discussion Event 1

    From 21 Oct 2021 at 11:00 to 21 Oct 2021 at 12:00

    This event will be hosted by the SCJS team and will provide an opportunity to ask questions, raise any suggestions or ideas you may have and engage in informal discussion about the survey.

    Please note, each event will follow the same agenda and therefore there is no requirement to attend both.

    Please see our Eventbrite page for registration information: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/scottish-crime-and-justice-survey-scjs-consultation-discussion-event-1-tickets-171744852477

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  • Consultation Discussion Event 2

    From 26 Oct 2021 at 14:00 to 26 Oct 2021 at 15:00

    This event will be hosted by the SCJS team and will provide an opportunity to ask questions, raise any suggestions or ideas you may have and engage in informal discussion about the survey.

    Please note, each event will follow the same agenda and therefore there is no requirement to attend both.

    Please see our Eventbrite page for registration information: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/scottish-crime-and-justice-survey-scjs-consultation-discussion-event-2-tickets-171750068077

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Interests

  • Law and Order