Commentary on Sections Section 31: Ability of Community Justice Scotland to develop and arrange services
49.This section provides that, in exercise of its general powers, Community Justice Scotland is able to carry out a number of activities related to the provision of community justice services (either alone or in partnership with others), while making clear that Community Justice Scotland itself is not a provider of such services.
50.Community Justice Scotland may identify the need for a service; design a suitable model for delivering the service; and make arrangements for the provision of the service (for example, identifying suitable suppliers or undertaking procurement). It may take these actions on its own or encourage or assist or collaborate with community justice partners to take such action. The services referred to may be developed or arranged for delivery at national or local level. Before carrying out these activities, Community Justice Scotland must consider the suitability of those services for the local area and whether it would be appropriate to collaborate with others. Community Justice Scotland must also consult the community justice partners; such third sector bodies involved in community justice as it considers appropriate; and anyone else it considers appropriate.
51.The section also requires Community Justice Scotland to comply with any request from the Scottish Ministers in relation to the arrangement or development of community justice services. Before making such a request, the Scottish Ministers must consult the community justice partners; such third sector bodies involved in community justice as it considers appropriate; and anyone else they consider appropriate.