ORKNEY ISLANDS COMMUNITY JUSTICE PARTNERSHIP

RESPONDING TO CHANGE

Information compiled and collated by: Callan Curtis and Matt Webb on behalf of the Orkney Community Justice Partnership. From April 2022

IMAGE: Cover page displaying the title “ORKNEY ISLANDS COMMUNITY JUSTICE PARTNERSHIP” and “RESPONDING TO CHANGE”.

STRATEGIC NEEDS AND STRENGTHS ASSESSMENT (SNSA)2023

IMAGE: Photograph of an Orkney coastal landscape with sea, rocky foreshore, grassy foreground, hills and a small boat.

Content Accuracy

The SNSA has been produced following Partnership wide consultation, including organisations listed above. In addition to workshop events and one to one sessions to draw the data together on what is a living document.

Document Control

Community Justice is …

“principally about organisations working together to ensure that people who have offended address the underlying causes of their behaviour, and pay back to the community where appropriate. It aims to encourage rehabilitation, reduce reoffending, and protect the public, leading to fewer victims and safer communities..”

National Strategy for Community Justice, Scottish Government, June 2022.

What is community justice? - National Strategy for Community Justice - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

CONTENTS

PART 1

1. Foreword: Responding to Change — 6
2. Introduction — 7
3. Orkney Islands Community Justice Partnership — 8
4. The Scottish Government's Vision for Community Justice (New Strategy) — 9
5. Orkney Islands: Data presentation and analysis, and development — 11
   • 5.1 Justice process map
   • 5.2 Demographic Data Analysis
   • 5.3 Demographic profile of local area: The Headlines
   • 5.4 Profile of people within the justice system
   • 5.5 Needs Analysis
   • 5.6 Data Collection Plan
   • 5.7 Data Analysis
6. Identifying Services — 21
7. Limitations to the SNSA — 21
8. Moving Forward – Initial Recommendations — 22
9. References — 23

PART 2

Partner- provided activity profiles and accompanying statistical data — 24

PART 1

1. Foreword:

The following Strategic Needs and Strengths Assessment (SNSA) has been conducted by the Orkney Community Justice Partnership and is the second such formal collection, collation and analysis of local statistical data. This is undertaken to identify key priority areas to focus individual and collective partnership intervention in order to support those who are involved in offending and those who are affected by it.

The development of a SNSA is a crucial step in any analysis and reporting of local priorities and is the foundation upon which we can understand the needs of the Orkney Islands communities and the associated status of service. This new SNSA is intended to inform the review of previously identified priorities and, as we move forward, flag-up any new areas for development.

The pandemic has impacted upon our population at an individual, service and Partnership level. As a result, some of the planned actions contained within the 2018 – 2021 Community Justice Outcomes improvement plan remain outstanding. Mindful of the challenges confronting local partnerships, Community Justice Scotland has extended the reporting period by one year, to include year 2022.

It should be stated that any needs assessment exercise is also about acknowledging core strengths: we are a diverse and robust partnership; dedicated to adopting evidence-based good practice, designed to offer offenders an opportunity to contribute to society and to live purposeful lives.

The findings and recommendations of this SNSA will directly inform the strategic priorities of the new Community Justice Outcome Improvement Plan (CJOIP) for Orkney.

2. Introduction.

The Orkney Community Justice Partnership is committed to preventing and reducing offending within Orkney by identifying and addressing any underlying causes within Orkney’s communities. By working with the Scottish Government, local partners and community members, vital services are provided which aim to be easily accessible and effective to support, manage and supervise people with convictions or a history of offending.

The aim of this Strategic Needs and Strengths Assessment (SNSA) is to support informed decision-making pertaining to the future of commissioning, and potential decommissioning of local services with a focus upon community justice.

To meet this aim, the specific objectives of this SNSA are:

• To provide an assessment of local need for services.
• To identify gaps and areas of unmet need in current provision.
• To identify the currently provided provision within the community.

For the above objectives, the following requirements were agreed:

• Create a representation of current community including pressure areas within the community for each of the partner agencies.
• Identify the current specialist services in Orkney; what they are, how many people interact with them, and how they link to other services.
• Identify potential causes of represented risks.
• Identify potential risk areas, gaps in the provision of services, proportion of people accessing services and representation of populations in each area.
• Take cognizance of current strategies and plans already in place relating to Community Justice Partnership aims, such as the Alcohol Drugs Partnership Needs Assessment.
• Consultation with partner agencies would be undertaken with relevant supporting information and documentation provided.
• Upon completion partners to review and ensure there are no missed areas from their perspective which are relevant to achievement of shared aims and vision.

This SNSA will consist of two parts: Section 1 will study the demographic profile of the Orkney Islands to give a fuller understanding of the community itself, the make-up of the population, the economic, educational and housing status of the population and characteristics of the local area that might impact on people’s lives. (This being an understanding of the whole community and not just the community justice population.)

Furthermore, it will look at the Scottish Government’s Vision for Community Justice and consider the Justice Process Map: the ‘justice journey’ (assessing the process end-to-end; i.e. from point of arrest to the end of sentence, and the experience of the offenders within that timeline.) This will help build a picture of the local community justice landscape; allowing for needs and gaps in service delivery to be identified and prioritised as necessary. The process will align these to the existing organisational support networks as provided by the Community Justice partners.

Part 2 of the SNSA will contain core statistical data as provided by partner organisations. Partner data is presented in different formats and may in some circumstance involve non-concurrent time periods, however the inclusion of this data is an important marker in establishing local community justice related needs and the setting of the associated outcomes improvement plan.

Community Justice Scotland guidance has been referred to at each stage of the SNSA writing process.

This needs assessment was a joint approach between Orkney Health and Care, Police Scotland, NHS Orkney and Public Health Scotland. A steering group was set up to help agree the scope, direction, and recommendations for the needs assessment.

3. The Orkney Community Justice Partnership

The statutory Community Justice Partners for Orkney, as defined by the Community Justice (Scotland) Act 2016 are, as follows:

• Orkney Islands Council (OIC)
• NHS Orkney (NHSO)
• Police Scotland (PSoS)
• Scottish Fire & Rescue Service (SFRS)
• Skills Development Scotland (SDS)
• Orkney Integration Joint Board
• The Scottish Courts & Tribunals Services
• Scottish Ministers (in practice, the Scottish Prison Service and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Services)

Our non-statutory partners are:

• Orkney Housing Association Limited (OHAL)
• Women’s Aid Orkney (WAO)
• Orkney Rape and Sexual Assault Service (ORSAS)
• Voluntary Action Orkney (VAO)
• Social Security Scotland (SSS)
• Relationships Scotland Orkney (RSO)
• Voluntary Action Orkney (VAO)
• Victim Support Scotland (VSS)
• Right There
• Families Outside
• University of Highlands & Islands (UHI)

It is widely recognised that successful community engagement fundamentally requires close cooperation between all local statutory, community, voluntary and business sector partners. The Partnership actively endorses and promote this ethos.

4. The Scottish Government's Vision for Community Justice

Our Vision - Community Justice Scotland

4.1 Vision

Our aim is to ensure that Community Justice Scotland is a world leader. We’ll achieve that through constant innovation and by working closely with our partners to develop new ways of supporting people who have committed a crime, their families and the various agencies that help to break the cycle of reoffending, allowing people to make a positive contribution to society.

We also have a duty to influence and enable reform and that means working closely with the Scottish Government, the courts and law enforcement agencies.

4.2 Community Justice

Is where people who have broken the law are held to account and supported to reconnect and contribute to their communities. Where it is safe to do so, people who commit certain crimes receive community-based sentences. This can include treatment for underlying issues such as drug or alcohol addiction, unpaid work, fines and compensation or restrictions of liberty such as electronic tagging and curfews. The evidence shows community justice can help people stop breaking the law again leading to fewer victims and safer communities.

4.3 Partners

We take a collaborative approach to our work, providing constructive support to all our partners. Together, we work hard to create better outcomes for those who have offended, their families and victims of crime.

4.4 Aim

Our aim is to drive progress in the field of community justice. We’re open-minded and curious and we actively seek innovation. We follow the evidence, share our findings and convince our partners that change can deliver the results we all seek.

We also looking to be an inspiration in society, helping to build a safter Scotland where everyone can maximise their potential within a fair and equitable justice system.

Table of National Aims and Priority Actions

National Strategy for Community Justice - gov.scot

5. Orkney: Data presentation and analysis, and development

5.1 Justice Process Map

Community Justice Scotland has produced a Scottish Justice Process map that shows the various journeys that can be made from the point of the alleged crime being committed through to the various exit points from the process. The map breaks the justice process into the following broad stages:

IMAGE: Justice process map showing the stages “CRIME”, “INVESTIGATION AND CHARGED”, “CASE MARKING”, “FISCAL DIRECT MEASURE”, “COURT”, “SENTENCING”, “SERVING SENTENCE” and “END OF SENTENCE”, connected in sequence by arrows.

The map provides a foundation to inform the understanding of community justice in Scotland and is the basis of subsequent stages of SNSA development; overlaying demographic, needs-based and service-level data on to this map will develop a picture of community justice at a national level. The national justice process map is relevant to all areas as the same processes exist across the country.

Community Justice Scotland has also produced a comprehensive and highly detailed version of the process map which can be found here:

https://communityjustice.scot/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/SCOTTISH-JUSTICE-PROCESS.pdf

5.2 Demographic Data Analysis

The creation of an Orkney demographic data profile provides an overview of the baseline population and projections of how the population may change over time. To understand the needs of the community firstly there requires to be an understanding of the community itself, for example, the make-up of the population, the economy, and housing status of the population and characteristics of the local area that might impact on people’s lives.

The demographic profile should build on the process map and provides the foundation onto which needs and service data can be considered:

Questions to be addressed in the context of Community Justice:

• How safe is Orkney to live in?
• How many crimes are recorded?
• How many people have been a victim of crime?
• How many people are in prison?
• How many people are completing a community sentence?

5.3 Demographic Profile: The Headlines

Source: National Records of Scotland Orkney Islands Council Area Profile (nrscotland.gov.uk)

The Physical Environment

• Orkney is an archipelago in the North Isles of Scotland, situated off the coast of mainland UK. It is made up of 70 islands, of which 20 are inhabited. Physical connectivity is achieved through an inter-island ferry and air service to support a combined land mass of 990 square kilometers.

Population Estimates and Population Projections

• On 30 June 2021, the population of Orkney Islands was 22,540. This is an increase of 0.6% from 22,400 in 2020. Over the same period, the population of Scotland increased by 0.3%.
• Orkney Islands had the lowest population in 2021, out of all 32 council areas in Scotland. Between 2020 and 2021, 8 councils saw a population decrease and 24 councils saw a population increase.
• Between 2001 and 2021, the population of Orkney Islands has increased by 17.3%. This is the 2nd highest percentage change out of the 32 council areas in Scotland. Over the same period, Scotland’s population rose by 8.2%.
• In 2021, there were more females (50.3%) than males (49.7%) living in Orkney Islands. There were also more females (51.2%) than males (48.8%) living in Scotland overall.
• In terms of overall size, the 45 to 64 age group was the largest in 2021, with a population of 6,660. In contrast, the 16 to 24 age group was the smallest, with a population of 1,814. In 2021, more females than males lived in Orkney Islands in 4 out of 6 age groups.
• Between 2001 and 2021, the 0 to 15 age group saw the largest percentage decrease (-6.9%). The 75 and over age group saw the largest percentage increase (+72.7%).
• Between 2018 and 2028, the population of Orkney Islands is projected to increase from 22,190 to 22,311. This is an increase of 0.5%, which compares to a projected increase of 1.8% for Scotland as a whole.
• Orkney Islands is projected to have the lowest population out of the 32 council areas in Scotland in 2028. Between 2018 and 2028, 14 councils are projected to see a population decrease and 18 councils are projected to see a population increase.
• Orkney Islands is projected to have the 16th highest percentage change in population size out of the 32 council areas in Scotland.
• Over the next 10 years, the population of Orkney Islands is projected to decrease by 3.5% due to natural change (more deaths than births). Total net migration is projected to result in a population increase of 4.7% over the same period.
• The average age of the population of Orkney Islands is projected to increase as the baby boomer generation ages and more people are expected to live longer.
• Between 2018 and 2028, the 0 to 15 age group is projected to see the largest percentage decrease (-11.5%) and the 75 and over age group is projected to see the largest percentage increase (+37.4%). In terms of size, however, 45 to 64 is projected to remain the largest age group.

Births

• In 2021, there were 171 births in Orkney Islands. This is a decrease of 4.5% from 179 births in 2020. Of these 171 births, 73 (42.7%) were female and 98 (57.3%) were male.
• In Orkney Islands, the standardised birth rate decreased from 10.2 per 1,000 population in 2020 to 9.5 in 2021. In comparison, the rate in Scotland overall increased from 8.6 to 8.7.
• In 2021, Orkney Islands was the council area with the joint 21st highest standardised birth rate. Between 2020 and 2021, 10 councils saw a decrease in standardised birth rate and 20 councils saw an increase. There were 2 councils that saw no change.
• In 2021, the most common age group of mothers in Orkney Islands was 25 to 29 (58 births), a change from the 30 to 34 age group in 2001. The least common age group of mothers in Orkney Islands was 0 to 19 (2 births), which is a change from the 40 and over age group in 2001.
• Between 2001 and 2021, the 0 to 19 age group has seen the largest percentage decrease in births (-66.7%) and the 40 and over age group has seen the largest percentage increase in births (+140.0%).
• The total fertility rate in Orkney Islands decreased from 1.53 in 2020 to 1.42 in 2021. Out of the 32 council areas in Scotland, Orkney Islands had the 22nd highest rate in 2021 and this is higher than the rate of 1.31 for Scotland as a whole.

Deaths

• In 2021, there were 254 deaths in Orkney Islands. This is the same as the number of deaths in 2020. Of these 254 deaths, 121 (47.6%) were female and 133 (52.4%) were male.
• In Orkney Islands, the standardised death rate increased from 10.5 per 1,000 population in 2020 to 11.3 in 2021. In comparison, the rate in Scotland overall decreased from 12.0 to 11.6.
• In 2021, Orkney Islands was the council area with the 21st highest standardised death rate. Between 2020 and 2021, 12 councils saw a decrease in standardised death rate and 20 councils saw an increase.
• Between 2001 and 2021, both female and male deaths registered in Orkney Islands have increased in number. In 2021, a lower number of female (121) than male (133) deaths were registered.
• In comparison to 2001, the number of female deaths registered in Orkney Islands in 2021 was 5.2% higher and the number of male deaths was 16.7% higher. At Scotland level, the number of female deaths registered in 2021 was 5.8% higher and the number of male deaths was 16.4% higher.
• In 2021, the 80 to 84 age group saw the highest number of total deaths (50) and the 1 to 4, 5 to 9, 10 to 14, 15 to 19, 20 to 24, 25 to 29, 30 to 34 age groups saw the fewest (0). For females, the most common age group was 80 to 84 (24) and for males, the most common age group was 80 to 84 (26).
• The following leading cause of death analysis is based on a list of causes developed by the World Health Organisation (WHO). There are around 60 categories in total and cancers are grouped separately according to the type of cancer. If all cancers were grouped together, cancer would be the leading cause of death.
• In Orkney Islands, the leading cause of death for males in 2021 was Ischaemic heart diseases (12.8% of all male deaths), followed by Cerebrovascular disease (8.3%). In Scotland overall, the leading cause of death for males was also Ischaemic heart diseases (13.7%), followed by Dementia and Alzheimer’s (6.2%).
• In Orkney Islands, the leading cause of death for females in 2021 was Dementia and Alzheimer’s (27.3% of all female deaths), followed by Cerebrovascular disease (9.1%). In Scotland overall, the leading cause of death for females was also Dementia and Alzheimer’s (12.8%), followed by Ischaemic heart diseases (8.5%).

Life Expectancy

• In Orkney Islands, life expectancy at birth was higher for females (83.8 years) than for males (80.4 years) in 2019-21. Male life expectancy at birth has increased more rapidly than female life expectancy at birth between 2001-03 and 2019-21.
• In Orkney Islands, life expectancy at birth is higher than at Scotland level for both females and males.
• Over the period between 2001-03 and 2019-21, female life expectancy at birth in Orkney Islands has risen by 3.5%. This is the 4th highest percentage change out of all 32 council areas in Scotland and this is higher than the percentage change for Scotland overall (+2.4%).
• Over the period between 2001-03 and 2019-21, male life expectancy at birth in Orkney Islands has risen by 5.9%. This is the 3rd highest percentage change out of all 32 council areas in Scotland and this is higher than the percentage change for Scotland overall (+4.1%).
• In Orkney Islands, life expectancy at age 65-69 was higher for females (21.0 years) than for males (19.4 years) in 2019-21. Male life expectancy at age 65-69 has increased more rapidly than female life expectancy at age 65-69 between 2001-03 and 2019-21.
• In Orkney Islands, life expectancy at age 65-69 is higher than at Scotland level for both females and males.
• Over the period between 2001-03 and 2019-21, female life expectancy at age 65-69 in Orkney Islands has risen by 11.1%. This is the joint 8th highest percentage change out of all 32 council areas in Scotland and this is higher than the percentage change for Scotland overall (+8.7%).
• Over the period between 2001-03 and 2019-21, male life expectancy at age 65-69 in Orkney Islands has risen by 18.4%. This is the 5th highest percentage change out of all 32 council areas in Scotland and this is higher than the percentage change for Scotland overall (+15.3%).

Migration

• In the period 2020-21, the level of in-migration in Orkney Islands was 940, a 34.3% increase from 700 in the period 2019-20. The level of out-migration in Orkney Islands was 720, which is a 35.8% increase from 530 in 2019-20.
• In 2020-21, Orkney Islands had the 25th highest level of net migration out of the 32 council areas in Scotland, with a net total of 220 people. This is an increase of 50 from 170 people in 2019-20.
• Net migration is the difference between in-migration and out-migration. Positive net migration means in-migration is higher than out-migration. Negative net migration means out-migration is higher than in-migration.
• In Orkney Islands, the net migration rate increased from 7.5 people per 1,000 population in 2019-20 to 9.7 in 2020-21. In comparison, the rate in Scotland overall increased from 3.1 to 5.1 people per 1,000 population.
• In 2020-21, Orkney Islands was the council area with the 11th highest net migration rate, out of all 32 council areas in Scotland.
• In the period 2020-21, net migration in Orkney Islands was higher for females (135) than for males (83). The age group with the highest level of total net migration was 50 to 54 (40). The age group with the lowest level of net migration was 15 to 19 (-19).

Marriages and Civil Partnerships

• In 2021, 115 marriages were registered in Orkney Islands. This is a 117.0% increase from 53 in 2020. In comparison, the number of marriages registered in Scotland overall increased by 102.6%.
• Orkney Islands had the 2nd lowest number of marriage registrations in 2021, out of the 32 council areas in Scotland.
• In Scotland overall, there were 499 civil partnerships in 2021, an increase of 593.1% from 2020.
• Since June 2021 mixed-sex couples have been able to form a civil partnership. In 2021, 2 civil partnerships were registered in Orkney Islands, of which 2 were mixed-sex and 0 were same-sex.
• Orkney Islands had the joint 28th highest number of civil partnership registrations in 2021.

Household Estimates

• In 2021, the number of households in Orkney Islands was 10,758. This is a 1.2% increase from 10,635 households in 2020. In comparison, the number of households in Scotland overall increased by 0.8%.
• Orkney Islands had the 2nd lowest number of households in 2021, out of all 32 council areas in Scotland.
• In comparison to 2001, the number of households in Orkney Islands has increased by 29.0%. This is the highest percentage change out of the 32 council areas in Scotland and a more rapid change than at Scotland level (+15.2%).

Household Projections

• Between 2018 and 2028, the number of households in Orkney Islands is projected to increase from 10,506 to 11,010. This is a 4.8% increase, compared with a projected increase of 4.9% for Scotland as a whole.
• Orkney Islands is projected to have the 2nd lowest number of households in 2028.
• In 2028, the household type “One adult” is projected to remain the most common (38.1%) and “One adult, one or more children” the least common (4.5%).
• Between 2018 and 2028, “Two or more adults, one or more children” is projected to see the largest percentage decrease (-6.2%) and “One adult” the largest percentage increase (+10.2%).
• Between 2018 and 2028, the 50 to 54 age group is projected to see the largest percentage decrease (-29.9%) and the 90 and over age group the largest percentage increase (+73.6%).

Dwellings

• In 2021, the number of dwellings in Orkney Islands was 11,475. This is a 0.7% increase from 11,391 in 2020. In comparison, the number of dwellings in Scotland overall increased by 0.8%.
• Orkney Islands had the 2nd lowest number of dwellings in 2021.
• Compared with 2001, the number of dwellings in Orkney Islands has increased by 24.2%. This is the 5th highest percentage change out of the 32 council areas in Scotland.
• Council Tax band B was most common (25.2%) in 2021, followed by band C (21.3%). Band H was least common (0.1%).

Homelessness

Homeless Figures for 2020/2021:

• Total Number of homeless applicants = 132.
• Number of homeless applicants for whom release from prison was given as the main reason for homelessness = 1.
• Number of homeless applicants for whom criminal activity/antisocial behaviour was given as an underlying cause of homelessness = 4.

Deprivation Levels

The most recent SIMD ranking was carried out in 2020. Within the 2019 population in Orkney, nobody resided in either the most or least deprived SIMD quintile in Scotland. The SIMD weighs up highly populated urban areas against remote and rural contexts. Nearly two-thirds (65%) of the Orkney Population live in areas classed as Quintile 4, the second least deprived quintile.

Exploring the individual domains that make up the overall SIMD score highlights two key trends. Firstly, the access domain captures the remote and rural nature of the population, highlighting 63% of Orkney residents live in the most Access deprived quintile in Scotland. The geographic access indicator weighs the drive time and public transport time to certain services. These services include: GP Surgeries, Post Offices, retail centres, primary schools, secondary schools and petrol stations. These drive times include ferry journeys however and may distort access to local services such as local shops not considered a retail centre or access to an Advanced Nurse Practitioner. Additionally, the Access indicator includes a measure of whether people have access to superfast broadband. 75% of the Orkney population lived in the two least deprived quintiles for the crime domain.

Source: Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation

https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-index-of-multiple-deprivation-2020v2-revision-notice/

See also:

https://www.webarchive.org.uk/wayback/archive/3000/https://www.gov.scot/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Social-Welfare/IncomePoverty/income-data-sources

Employment Rates

Please refer directly to:

https://www.gov.scot/publications/regional-employment-patterns-aps-2017/

Employment plays an important role in people’s lives in many ways. It provides a sense of purpose, financial stability, and continuity for children, as well as future security for retirement. However, it may act as a double-edged sword as it can be a key source of stress due to underemployment, insecure temporary contracts leading to uncertainty and anxiety, as well as physical impacts of low paid repetitive unskilled work. Figures are not available for local authority level however, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) estimated that in quarter one of 2021/22 (April – June 2021) 2.3% of the Scottish workforce worked in zero hours contracts. Latest estimates indicate 87% of the working age population on Orkney were economically active.

The unemployment rate in 2019/20 was at its lowest level in the 16-year period since 2004/05. 1.5% of residents were unemployed according to the ONS.

Differences in Gender pay reflect the economic parity between genders within a community. The latest estimate reveals, among local authorities in Scotland, Orkney is in the bottom five areas for female gender pay parity. On average, women in Orkney were estimated to receive 21.5% less in pay than males.

Education

Please see:

Education & Young People in Part 2 Page: 26

https://www.gov.scot/publications/summary-statistics-schools-scotland-2020/pages/9/

Health

Please refer to Health & Wellbeing profile in Part 2: Page 29.

Recorded Crime

See Police update in Section 2.

5.4 Profile of people within the justice system

As of November 2022 there were a total of 7 Islanders within the prison establishment, all male adults. 4 were serving serving custodial sentences, with 3 persons on remand.

• Three months less than six months - 1
• Over four years (Including Life) - 3
• Remand prisoners - 3
• All are Male.

Source: Scottish Prison Service

5.5 Needs Analysis

IMAGE: Diagram titled “Complex Needs to Address”. It places a central group of people at the centre and connects it to the categories Mental health; Availability of suitable housing; Health; Education & Training; Relationships with friends & family; Substance misuse; Financial difficulties; Attitudes to offending; and Employment.

The National Strategy for Community Justice edtifies the complex needs to be aligned:

https://www.gov.scot/publications/national-strategy-community-justice/

5.6. Data Collection Plan

As with demographic data collection, the creation of a data collection plan is deemed helpful in the tracking of questions, possible sources of data and information received. It can include details on Housing needs, Welfare benefits, GP registration, health services, etc. *

5.7. Data Analysis

Now that data has been collected from all partners we are now in a position to explore issues by analysing that data. From this we can identify trends and possible causes. Data Analysis can be broken down into four steps., with this SNSA being the first step.

The collation of data will help develop an overview of needs. Collating information around for example housing availability may indicate that the main issue in Orkney is the lack of single bedroom accommodation (for example ask them to consider this). This will also help develop our understanding of local need and highlight identified need where data is not readily available and will require further development work.

Once a general list of need has been compiled and community justice partners have considered each of the identified issues, we can map these against the complex needs categories. This will provide an overview of local needs. For Example:

Initial observations above from Local Intelligence Support Team (PHS) to inform dicussions.

6. Identifying Services

Within our wider partnership there are a number of services that are critical in meeting community justice outcomes. Again, as an inexhaustive example only, of local services that would feature in a Orkney Justice Service Map:

7. Limitations of the SNSA

• The collation of meaningful data sets can present a number of challengs. Not least, datasets can be recorded in such a way that extracting information is not possible, meaning that we can only gather data that relates to the wider population as a whole. This means that we cannot understand the true picture of needs of those people with experience of the Jusice System.
• The lack of current data is also an issue. (The last National Census was carried out on 2021) so ‘most recent figures available’ can range anywhere between 2011 and, over the past month.
• Unless specific measures are put in place we can only infer the impacts of people with experience of the justice from proxy data which relates to the wider community.
• The long-term impacts of the pandemic have yet to be determined.

8. Moving Forward: Initial recommendations updated post the Workshops.

Initial Recommendations

• It is recommennded that the Community Justice partnership convene a special priority-setting meeting to consider scan, analyse and identify need and incorporate our discussions/findings into this SNSA.
• Consider the wider-implications of the collated data (For example, what does reported crime confirm?)
• The Community Justice Partnership Conduct a Community Justice Partnership Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis to establish key findings and priorities areas for collective intervention. Further consideration could be given to Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental and Legal (PESTEL) anlysis to broaden understanding and provide informed choice in future developments.
• The creation of a ‘Map of Services’ to consider how as individual organisations we interact; our information sharing protocols, evaluation, our joint capacity for intervention work and to consider how we move forward from the pandemic.
• Discussion point: As Individual partners what can you bring to the table to further progress this SNSA process and inform the priorities of the Community Justice Outcomes Improvement Plan.
• Data analysis: process and compare the collated datasets with those recorded nationally to see where offending patterns are similar or where they differ.
• Develop wider opportunities for 3rd sector involvement in early Intervention programmes to offset/reduce the incidences of recorded crime involving young people.
• Identify areas were joined-up service delivery input could be improved.
• Any recommendations taken forward should be underpinned by a suitable action plan with agreed objectives and outcomes with clearly defined measures to ensure progress is effectively monitored and reported upon.

https://www.keepsolid.com/goals/blog/what-is-swot-analysis-definition-benefits

PESTEL - Overview, Factors, Examples, Financial Analysis (corporatefinanceinstitute.com)

9. References

• National Records of Scotland — Orkney Islands Council Area Profile (nrscotland.gov.uk)
• Orkney Socio-economic updates
• https://www.orkney.gov.uk/Files/Business-and-Trade/Economic_Review/Orkney Economic Review 2020.pdf
• Scottish Government School Education Statistics — https://www.gov.scot/collections/school-education-statistics/
• Scottish Government Scottish House Condition Survey: Local Authority Analysis 2017-2019 — https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-house-condition-survey-local-authority-analysis-2017-2019/
• Community Justice Social Work Statistics in Scotland 2019 - 20 — Criminal Justice Social Work statistics - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
• Community Payback Orders — https://www.scottishsentencingcouncil.org.uk/about-sentencing/community-payback-orders/
• Community Justice Scotland: Strategic Needs and Strengths Assessment Guidance Document
• Orkney Alcohol & Drugs Partnership. Extract from Needs Assessment see page 38

PART 2

Partner-provided activity profiles and accompanying statistical data

Orkney Islands Partners

Criminal Justice Social Work

Criminal Justice Social Work services are responsible in the main for the assessment and supervision of people post-conviction that are under some form of statutory order from the Courts. There are national standards and outcomes for criminal justice social work that indicate minimum contact levels relative to risk and need which social work staff work with. The main focus of all work is to examine the reasons and circumstances behind why individuals have committed offences and to challenge and assist in addressing those so that desistance (stopping offending) can occur.

The service is also responsible for assessing the risk of harm to others from future offending and work closely in partnership with Police Scotland and Health in particular in sharing of relevant and proportionate information in order to manage and mitigate that risk. This occurs formally under the auspices of Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) when dealing with individuals who have committed sexual offences or offences that have caused serious harm.

There is one Sheriff Court within Orkney, situated in Kirkwall, where criminal justice social work staff provide Criminal Justice Social Work Reports that assists the Court in decision making about relevant sentencing options. Each report contains assessment of the context of the offence that has occurred; assessment of the level of responsibility taken by the individual as well as their insight into why this occurred; analysis of the pattern, nature, seriousness and likelihood of future offending; as well as relevant background information of the person who has committed the offence as means of highlighting the needs of the individual also.

Prevention work is also undertaken in servicing diversion from prosecution referrals from the Procurator Fiscal service or in supervising Fiscal Work Orders where people undertake unpaid work as an alternative to prosecution.

Education & Young People

Education Data – 17th November 2022

Participation

IMAGE: Skills Development Scotland dashboard showing Orkney and national participation statistics from 2016 to 2022. Orkney participation is shown as 94.1%, 93.8%, 95.3%, 95.4%, 94.7%, 93.4% and 93.9%; not participating is shown as 2.4%, 2.3%, 2.0%, 1.6%, 2.3%, 3.0% and 3.5%; unconfirmed status is shown as 3.6%, 3.9%, 2.7%, 3.0%, 3.0%, 3.6% and 2.6%. Orkney cohort sizes are 929, 874, 845, 835, 831, 829 and 859. National participation is shown as 90.4%, 91.1%, 91.8%, 91.6%, 92.1%, 92.2% and 92.4%.

Education statistics show that Orkney follows a similar trend to that of Scotland in relation to Cohort Size and % of children not participating in educational provisions. Orkney on the whole does perform slightly better than nationally although this may be due to smaller class sizes where teachers are more able to meet the individual needs of pupils compared to larger population dense areas.

Destinations

The percentage of pupils who enter a positive destination after leaving school remains consistently high in Orkney. It can be seen that the impact of covid-19 did cause a reduction in 2019-20 where for the first time Orkney dipped considerably below the rest of Scotland, however the local education teams have shown adaption to the circumstances and improved this score to 96% in 2020-21.

IMAGE: Line graph comparing Scotland and Orkney Islands for the percentage of pupils entering a positive destination after leaving school. Scotland values are approximately 94.0%, 94.7%, 95.1%, 95.1% and 95.6% for 2016-17 to 2020-21. Orkney values are approximately 96.1%, 98.6%, 94.9%, 91.9% and 96.6%.

Attendance

Attendance rates of children in Orkney remains higher than that of Scotland. Given only 3 years of data was available it is difficult to draw any sort of trend analysis, however it should be considered positive that Orkney’s attendance rates are higher.

IMAGE: Line graph comparing attendance rates. Scotland values are approximately 93.3%, 93.0% and 92.0% for 2016-17, 2018-19 and 2020-21. Orkney Islands values are approximately 94.6%, 93.8% and 94.9%.

Attainment

Attainment levels in Orkney when compared to a virtual comparator show Orkney is close to but slightly behind. Similar schools in other areas with similar pupil numbers and community demographics.

IMAGE: Bar chart titled “Improving attainment in literacy and numeracy”. It compares Orkney Islands and a virtual comparator at SCQF 4 and SCQF 5 for 2019, 2020 and 2021. The chart shows Orkney close to but generally below the virtual comparator.

Similarly, to the positive destination data, Orkney saw a dip in the percentage of pupils awarded SCQF5 or higher in 2019-20 which increased the following year. The data shows Orkney has consistently remained higher than Scotland with the exception of the first year of covid-19. Higher attainment levels are closely linked to more positive outcomes as the higher a grade a child attains there are more options for future choices which come available to them. Orkney shows a strong performance in most years showing 5% higher than the Scottish average when compared.

IMAGE: Line graph comparing the percentage of secondary school pupils achieving five or more awards at SCQF level 5 or higher. Scotland values are approximately 60%, 62%, 63%, 65% and 67% for 2016-17 to 2020-21. Orkney Islands values are approximately 65%, 68%, 74%, 55% and 73%.

Teenage pregnancies are measured across Scotland in 3 categories under 16, under 18 and under 20. Figures in island groups have become so small in recent years that Orkney, Shetland and the Western Islands have been categorised as one group by Scottish Government as “Islands”. Even when combined, data has been supressed for these regions in the under 16 and under 18 categories due to a high risk of the identification of persons in each category.

NHS Orkney

NHS Orkney’s vision is to be the best remote and rural care provider in the UK and aims to optimise health, optimise care and optimise cost.

Health & Wellbeing

Please note: Orkney’s small population can cause fluctuations in data making interpretation difficult.

Alcohol and Drugs

Health Based Data

Within the current Public Health Scotland and Scottish Public Health Observatory (ScotPHO) alcohol related data, alcohol related hospital admissions and alcohol specific deaths are not statistically different to the national comparator. However, alcohol-related admissions for those aged 11-25 years old were worse than the national comparator. Over time in Orkney, this measure seems to be consistently above the national average; although it is not always statistically significant.

Figure 2: Alcohol-related hospital admissions, aged 11-25. Orkney Health board compared to Scotland.

IMAGE: Line graph comparing alcohol-related hospital admissions for people aged 11–25. The Orkney series is consistently above Scotland, with values broadly ranging from about 340 to 830 per 100,000; the Scottish series ranges from about 255 to 475 per 100,000.

This could be suggestive of potential health harms amongst young people in Orkney relating to alcohol consumption.

Alcohol binge drinking in females between 2014-2017, whilst not statistically different, was lower than the Scottish average. The level of binge drinking in males within Orkney from 2014-2017, whilst not statistically worse than the Scottish average for health board areas, ranks Orkney the fourth highest levels of alcohol binge drinking in Scotland. Comparison to the national average over time suggests that Orkney’s binge drinking behaviours in males have been higher than the national average from 2012-2017.

Figure 1: Alcohol Binge Drinking, Males. Orkney Health board compared to Scotland.

IMAGE: Line graph showing male alcohol binge drinking. Orkney values are approximately 24%, 25.5%, 26% and 26% for 2008–2011, 2012–2015, 2013–2016 and 2014–2017. Scotland values are approximately 26%, 24.5%, 24.5% and 23.5%.

Increased levels of binge drinking could cause health harms through alcohol consumption.

Drug related indicators such as Drug-related admissions and drug-related deaths seem to remain below the national average within Orkney.

Alcohol and drug service data should be requested from the Orkney Alcohol and Drugs partnership (ADP).

Mental Health

Data

The levels of common mental health problems are measured using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ12), defining a score of four or more as a person with a common mental health problem. Graphs 1 and 2 show how this measure has changed since 2008. Graph 1 presents data relating to males which, whilst statistically significantly less that the Scottish average, seem to mirror the national trend. Graph 2 presents data relating to females which seems to demonstrate a rise towards the national average which is in keeping with the school-based data relating to percentage of emotional and behavioural problems. As the data for death from suicide remains proportionately skewed towards male deaths, the reduced rate of male mental health problems could be masked through potential under-reporting in males.

Graph 1: Common Mental Health Problems, Males. Comparison of Orkney Health Board to Scotland.

IMAGE: Line graph comparing male common mental health problems in Orkney and Scotland from 2008–2011 to 2016–2019. Orkney values range from approximately 7% to 12%; Scotland values range from approximately 12.5% to 15%.

Graph 2: Common Mental Health Problems, Females. Comparison of Orkney Health Board to Scotland.

IMAGE: Line graph comparing female common mental health problems in Orkney and Scotland. Orkney rises from approximately 11% to 20%; Scotland remains broadly between 17% and 19%.

However, the percentage of population prescribed drugs for anxiety/ depression/ psychosis has remained below the national average and followed a similar trend.

Graph 3: Population Prescribed drugs for anxiety/depression/psychosis. Comparison of Orkney Health Board to Scotland.

IMAGE: Line graph showing prescribed drugs for anxiety, depression or psychosis. Orkney rises from approximately 12% to 18%; Scotland rises from approximately 15% to 19.5%.

Whilst Orkney seems to have less mental health and wellbeing concerns reported compared to the national average there remains an upward trend over the past ten years. The additional pressures from the Covid-19 pandemic and the Cost-of-Living Crisis are likely to bring further risk to the mental health and wellbeing of the community of Orkney.

Statistical data based on small communities can be difficult to interpret. Deaths by suicide in Orkney are low in numbers therefore, even within the five-year data released by ScotPHO annually, the trend statistics can be considerably altered based on a small variation at a local level. The deaths by suicide registered in Orkney, whilst fluctuating, demonstrates a fairly static trend. Nationally, there are more deaths by suicide in males than females throughout the timeframe between 1987 and 2021.

Graph 4: Suicide Deaths Registered in Orkney over time.

IMAGE: Line graph showing suicide deaths registered in Orkney: approximately 15 in 1987–91, 22 in 1992–96, 19 in 1997–01, 17 in 2002–06, 15 in 2007–11, 16 in 2012–16 and 20 in 2017–21.

The age standardised trend for deaths from suicide in Orkney from 2002-2020 has been consistently higher than the national average. The age standardised rate per 100,00 for deaths from suicide in females during 2016-2020 is 6.6 (compared to 7.3 in Scotland) and 32 compared to 20.9 in Scotland for males over the same time period.

Graph 5: Deaths from Suicide in Orkney 2002 - 2020.

IMAGE: Line graph comparing age-sex standardised suicide death rates per 100,000 in Orkney and Scotland from 2002–06 to 2016–20. Orkney fluctuates between approximately 13 and 22 and ends at approximately 19; Scotland remains between approximately 13 and 16 and ends at approximately 14.

Each death from suicide is a life lost which has an impact on the community of Orkney.

Community Mental Health Services

information from NHS Orkney website

The Community Mental Health Team (CMHT) is a multidisciplinary team based at The Balfour in Kirkwall, offering a community-based service to the whole of Orkney.

The full staff compliment is made up of a consultant psychiatrist, psychologist, community mental health nurses, an occupational therapist, who is also a CBT therapist, social workers (with additional Mental Health Officer status), a Clinical Associate in Applied Psychology (CAAP), support workers and admin support staff.

There is also an Operational Manager and a Service Manager. The team provides a community mental health service to people aged 18 years and above.

The Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service consists of two CAMHS practitioners and a Clinical Associate in Applied Psychology (CAAP).

The team also hosts NHS Orkney’s substance misuse service which is staffed by community mental health nurses and support workers.

The team accepts referrals from GP practices, and referrals are considered by team members at a weekly referral meeting.

Members of the CMHT work in partnership with the service user, their family and any carers, where appropriate, to look at the difficulties that they are experiencing, and to assess the effects that the Service User’s mental health needs are having on their life.

It is important to enable the person using the service to identify their strengths and the sources of support that are available to them and CMHT work closely with other statutory and voluntary agencies.

The highly specialist team, in accordance with national ‘best practice’, has clear referral criteria and follows a ‘recovery’ based ethos.

The team works primarily with people with who have complex, acute and/or enduring mental health needs. The CAAP practitioner works proactively with people who have a lower intensity of need, and is tasked with developing local capacity within Primary Care services and other sectors to grow and consolidate evidence based support for this Service User group.

Confidentiality is central to the Team’s working relationships with service users.

The Community Mental Health Team can be contacted during office hours (9 am to 5 pm), on 01856 888280.

Out of hours contact for the Mental Health Team should be made through NHS 24 –which is 111.

Smoking

Data

Between 2016-2019, the smoking prevalence in Orkney among adults aged 16 years and over was 12% (ScotPHO, 2019). In addition to the adult population, young people are still starting to smoke in Orkney. In the 2018 Scottish Schools Adolescent Lifestyle and Substance Use Survey (SALSUS) completed with young people in Orkney, 6% of 15-year olds identified themselves as regular smokers. The burden of disease due to smoking is unequally spread across society and there are a number of groups of people at higher risk of smoking. These include people with a mental health condition; those who are on lower incomes; and those who have contact with the criminal justice system in addition to many more.

Quit Your Way Service

‘Quit Your Way Orkney’ is NHS Orkney’s smoking cessation service. It is a free, specialist stop smoking service offering one to one support including support to stop smoking during pregnancy. The service aims to support those who want to stop smoking to quit in a way that suits them. The service offered remote appointments via telephone or ‘Near Me’ video call. Clients can be supported through a 12-week programme which consists of planning for and setting a future quit date, free access to a range of smoking cessation medication and regular contact with a smoking cessation officer for advice and support around medication and behavioural change. Referrals, including self-referrals, can be made through the free phone number (0800 0356 344) or via email at ORK.quityourway@nhs.scot.

Forensics

Orkney now has 4 trained Forensic Medical Examiners, and 3 trained Forensic Nurses able to provide a local service for victims of sexual assault over the age of 16. This includes the self-referral service through NHS Inform, launched in April 2022, which provides access for anyone suffering a sexual assault to seek help and forensic examination without the need to go through the police as a first step.

Forensic examination of potential perpetrators of sexual violence is also a service that is now provided locally.

Because there is no paediatrician in Orkney, children under 16 requiring forensic examination have to be transferred to Grampian.

Custody care is provided separately and GP-level medical care of patients in police custody is provided in normal working hours (8am till 6pm Monday to Friday) by the medical staff in the Emergency Department at the unit in the Balfour Hospital, Kirkwall. Out with these times the service is provided by the GP out of hours service.

References

NHS Orkney Website pages accessed 08/11/22:

• Community Mental Health Services - Community Mental Health Services | NHS Orkney (scot.nhs.uk)
• About us - About us | NHS Orkney (scot.nhs.uk)
• PHS (2021) Drug-related hospital statistics: Scotland 2020 to 2021.
• PHS (2022) Alcohol related hospital statistics: Scotland financial year 2020 to 2021.
• ScotPHO (2018) Scottish Public Health observatory Dashboard V2 2018.
• Salsus (2018) Scottish Schools Adolescent Lifestyle and Substance Use Survey (SALSUS) 2018.

Alcohol and Drugs Partnership - ADP

The Alcohol and Drugs Partnership have recently undertaken a refresh of their strategic plans and needs assessment. These documents contain a variety of management data which is unsuitable for publication. Due to an inability to publish and display some of the visuals within the assessment, summaries have been provided below for the key areas relevant to the SNSA:

Alcohol

Data has presented a complex and changing landscape in relation to alcohol consumption within Orkney. There are both improvements and worsening trends in a number of key areas. The impact of the covid 19 pandemic from 2019 onwards should be considered as having an impact on these figures, further clarity upon the impact of covid 19 will only be available following a few years where services have been fully remobilised, and communities return to pre-pandemic styles of living.

Shown below is an overview of some key areas of the ADP in relation to Alcohol:

• Alcohol related Emergency Department attendances by sex 2015-2021 – Actual figures are low with the highest number being in 2018 where a total of 62 alcohol related attendances. Males continue to be more prominent in Emergency department attendances although this saw a significant reduction in 2021 where males only had 4 more attendances than females, in previous years male figures were almost double that of women.
• Percentage of Alcohol related emergency department attendances resulting in hospital admission 2015-2021 – Consideration should be given to lower figures however there has been a significant increase from 2016 were 38.6% of attendances resulted in admission, in 2021 this increased to 65.4%.
  • Consideration should be given to a percentage increase due to reduced numbers of alcohol related attendances. (2018 there were 62 attendances whereas in 2021 there were 36.)
  • Additionally search criteria was based upon a “wildcard” keyword search of presentation complaint of (Alcohol, Intoxicated, Drunk).
• Number of dispensed medication items for alcohol related dependence, Orkney 2009/10-2019/20 – this has reduced significantly over time with a rate of defined daily doses per 1,000, per day from the highest point of 0.86 to a lower level of 0.39.
• Number of Alcohol Distress Brief Interventions delivered (DBI’s), Orkney 2011/12-2019/20 – available data in this area is dated with the most recent available data 2019/20. Numbers increased significantly in 2018/19 around the time of a national focus on DBI development.
  • This data has shown that primarily DBI’s are provided almost entirely through Primary Care or the wider setting including community justice and community services.
• Five year rolling average number of alcohol-specific deaths in period, Orkney 2008/12-2017/21 – figures in this measure have remained fairly static, with the average dropping from 25 to 23.
  • When split by gender and converted to a rate of deaths per 1000, men have a reduced rate when compared to 2003/2007 dropping from 0.39 to 0.29; women have continually been lower, reducing from 0.10 to 0.08.
• Alcohol mortality rates by relative Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation quintile, Orkney 2016/2020 – this measure indicates that poverty is not a major influencing factor in Orkney with deaths split relatively equal between the least and most deprived areas.
• Rate of drunkenness offences per 1,000 population, Orkney 2017/18 – 2021/22 – Rates significantly reduced over the covid period dropping from 0.27 offences per 1,000 population to 0.09.

Substance Misuse

Figures on substance misuse paint a clearer image, presenting a worsening picture in Orkney indicating that the availability and variety of substances is increasing. Problem drug use when mentioned is defined as routine and prolonged use rather than occasional or recreational use.

• Number of patient admissions, new patients and hospital stays for all drug related diagnoses, Orkney 2011/12 – 2020/21 – Figures although initially small have tripled since the first year of recording.
• Drug related hospital admissions by relative Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) quintile, Orkney 2017/18 – 2019/20 – has shown that poverty may be an influencing factor in use.
  • In stark comparison to this when considered in a mortality context, the association between deprivation quintile and the rate of deaths is unclear.
• Number of needles/syringes distributed per estimated number of people who use drugs problematically in Orkney, 2017/18 – 2020/21 – Orkney’s rate was higher than Scotland for half of the period before dropping below in 2020/21.
• Number of Take-Home Naloxone kits issued, Orkney 2013/14-2020/21 – figures vary but generally show an increasing trend, with the highest numbers issued in 2019/20 and 2020/21.
• Number of substance misuse referrals to the Adult Support and Protection team, Orkney 2016/17 – 2020/21 – figures were stable until a sharp increase in 2019/20 and 2020/21.
• Five-year aggregated number of deaths as a consequence of drug misuse, Orkney 2004/08 – 2017/21 – from 2011/15 this figure rose sharply, doubling in the last 10 years.
• Drug misuse death rate per 1,000 population by age group, Orkney 2017/21 – the 25-34 age group is identified.
• Drug related crimes, Orkney 2007/08 – 2020/21 – crimes under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 show a sharp increase from 2016/17 onwards, peaking at 97.

The rate of drug related crime per 1,000 population remains lower than Scotland although the gap between the Scottish and Orkney rate has significantly closed since 2016/17.

The rates of drug possession per 1,000 population reduced from 2019/20 whereas the same rate in relation to drug supply has increased. This gives an indication that the availability of supply within the community has increased.

From the closure of OACAS in December 2019, there has been a transfer of addiction support services into the community with Right There and Relationships Scotland – Orkney along with Mental Health Services working to meet the needs of those battling with addiction.

Police Scotland

Police Scotland’s purpose is to improve the safety and wellbeing of people, places and communities in Scotland, focusing on Keeping People Safe in line with their core values of Integrity, Fairness and Respect.

Current Priorities for Policing (as per Annual Policing Plan 2022/23) are:

• Protecting Vulnerable People
• Tackling Crime in the Digital Age
• Working with Communities
• Support for Operational Policing.

At a local level, the current policing plan for Orkney runs to 2023. Local priorities are as follows:

• Antisocial Behaviour, Violence and Disorder
• Acquisitive Crime
• Road Safety and Road Crime
• Protecting Vulnerable People
• Serious Organised Crime
• Terrorism and Public Order.

Within Police Scotland Data sources the information is split into two primary categories of “Crimes” and “Offences”.

“The word crime is often used in cases where the illegal act is more serious; such as homicide. Likewise, using this term, more emphasis is placed on the voluntary aspect of the criminal act; that is to say, it is suggested that whoever has acted against the law has done so of his own volition and with the intention of doing harm, not simply by carelessness or accident.”

Whereas an offence we interoperate as:

“Any intentional or negligent act that is contrary to what is established by law is defined as an offense. It is a voluntary or involuntary offense against another party, who comes to be the “affected”. An offense is not simply limited to the moral plane; but also legal. When an offense is committed the rights of someone else are violated, hence the offenses are penalised. Depending on the magnitude of the same, a punishment is established by law.”

Crime

The data source for the following information is the Official publication – Recorded Crime in Scotland 2019-2020, unless otherwise stated.

Data is sourced from the Police data cube in Scotland. This information is provided by quarterly data returns electronically submitted by Police Scotland, containing a simple count of the numbers of crimes and offences, for each local authority, which the police have recorded and cleared up.

The introduction of the Scottish Crime Recording Standard (SCRS) in 2004-05 has helped maintain a consistent approach to recording crime figures. A crime or offence is regarded as cleared up where there exists a sufficiency of evidence under Scots law to justify consideration of criminal proceedings.

Trend Analysis

Comparison of National Crime and Offence figures for the period year ending June 2018 to year ending June 2022 as a rate per 10,000 of the population show an overall slight downward trend locally with some variation Nationally. Of the recorded crimes and offences rates have mostly maintained with a slight drop in June 2022 over the last 3 years in Orkney. Although maintained figures there is significant variance in the types of crimes and offences committed during the last three years.

IMAGE: Line charts compare total crimes and offences per 10,000 population and clear-up rates for Orkney and Scotland. The first chart shows Orkney below Scotland throughout 2018–2022. The second shows Orkney consistently having higher clear-up rates for both crimes and offences.

The chart below shows the Clear up rate between 2014/15 and 2021/22 for Orkney and Scotland. Orkney has consistently higher clear up rates across both Crimes and Offences in comparison to National performance. There is a small reduction in reported crimes and offences since 2014/15, from 422 instances to 370 in 2021/22, representing a 12.3% reduction.

The following information is taken from the Recorded Crime in Scotland – year ending June 2022 Report. Orkney remains one of the lowest of both Crime and Offence Recording.

IMAGE: Bar chart ranking recorded crimes per 10,000 population by local authority for the year ending June 2022. Orkney Islands is near the lowest, at approximately 190 per 10,000.

IMAGE: Bar chart ranking recorded offences per 10,000 population by local authority for the year ending June 2022. Orkney Islands is among the lower-ranked areas, at approximately 250 per 10,000.

Over the period in question, there has been a reduction in Crimes against Society, Crimes of Dishonesty and Damage and Reckless Behaviour Crimes, however there is an increase in Non-Sexual Crimes of Violence and a significant increase in Sexual Crimes.

IMAGE: Bar chart comparing percentage changes in crime groupings for Orkney and Scotland from 2021–2022 and 2018–2022. Orkney’s 2018–2022 changes are approximately -1% for crimes against society, -8% for crimes of dishonesty, -23% for damage and reckless behaviour, -14% for non-sexual crimes of violence and +108% for sexual crimes.

Changes in offences recorded shows Orkney following the same trends as seen nationally, with regard to Miscellaneous and Antisocial Offences with an increase in Road Traffic offences.

IMAGE: Bar chart comparing percentage changes in offences. Orkney changes from 2018–2022 are approximately +50% for miscellaneous offences, -39% for antisocial offences and +22% for road traffic offences.

Analysis of Groupings by Crime/Offence

Non-Sexual Crimes of Violence

Non-sexual acts of violence in Orkney have continual variance. There is a gradual and ongoing reduction in serious assault and attempted murder although figures are low. Common assault has maintained an increase for 2 years following a major reduction in June 2020. Other areas of increase are in domestic abuse and other non-sexual violence.

IMAGE: Bar chart showing non-sexual crimes of violence from 2018–2022, including murder and culpable homicide, death by dangerous driving, serious assault and attempted murder, common assault, robbery, domestic abuse and other non-sexual violence. The most prominent category is common assault, with 97 recorded in 2022; domestic abuse and other non-sexual violence also increase.

Sexual Crimes

Sexual crimes are showing an increase in most measures with the only reductions in the most recent year being in rape and attempted rape and threatening to disclose intimate images. The greatest and most substantial increase in recent years has been within Sexual Assaults in Orkney.

IMAGE: Bar chart showing sexual crimes from 2018–2022, including rape and attempted rape, sexual assault, causing someone to view sexual activity or images, communicating indecently, threatening to or disclosing intimate images, indecent photos of children, crimes associated with prostitution and other sexual crimes. Sexual assault reaches 25 in 2022.

Crimes of Dishonesty

Fraud shows the highest rate of growth in Orkney over the last 5 years. Figures are reducing in most other measures although shoplifting, theft from a motor vehicle and housebreaking have seen an increase since Lockdown restrictions have eased.

IMAGE: Bar chart showing crimes of dishonesty from 2018–2022. Fraud increases to approximately 26 in 2022; other theft is approximately 35 and shoplifting approximately 20 in 2022.

Damaging and Reckless Behaviour

Generally, figures have been maintained in Damaging and Reckless behaviour crimes, vandalism has reduced slightly in the most recent year.

IMAGE: Bar chart showing fire-raising, vandalism and reckless conduct from 2018–2022. Vandalism is the largest category, with approximately 61 incidents in 2022.

Crimes Against Society

Crimes against society have reduced in most cases with the only growth seen in Weapons possession (not use). Drug possession has significantly reduced since 2020 although Drugs-supply has maintained within records.

IMAGE: Bar chart showing crimes against public justice, weapons possession, drugs supply, drugs possession and other crimes against society from 2018–2022. Drug possession is approximately 40 in 2022; drugs supply is approximately 10.

Offences

Generally offences have reduced slightly over time. The highest number of offences in Orkney are in regards to Road Traffic Offences which increased in 2022.

IMAGE: Bar chart showing miscellaneous offences, antisocial offences and road traffic offences from 2018–2022. In 2022 the totals are approximately 30 miscellaneous offences, 63 antisocial offences and 481 road traffic offences.

Antisocial Behaviours

Antisocial behaviours have reduced over the last 5 years with the exception of 14 counts of urinating in 2022.

IMAGE: Bar chart showing threatening and abusive behaviour, racially aggravated conduct, drunkenness and other disorderly conduct, and urinating. Urinating reaches 14 in 2022; threatening and abusive behaviour is approximately 44.

Miscellaneous Offences

Reductions have been seen in Licensing and Wildlife Offences, while not conclusive, it is worth considering the impact of Lockdown and closure of licensed premises in relation to the observed reduction. Other offences such as Environmental, Community and Public Order offences have sustained although overall have increased from the levels seen in 2018.

IMAGE: Bar chart showing community and public order, environmental, licensing, wildlife and other miscellaneous offences from 2018–2022. Community and public order offences reach approximately 15 in 2022; environmental offences reach 5.

Road Traffic Offences

As mentioned previously in the document, a reduction in the overall number of motoring offences over Lockdown periods can be seen. Initiatives implemented locally by the Force such as road safety initiatives may influence the increased number of offences being recorded despite lower numbers and frequency of traffic. If the Lockdown years were excluded road traffic offences would maintain similar levels throughout the period except for vehicle defects which has sustained a reduction.

IMAGE: Bar chart showing road traffic offences from 2018–2022. In 2022 the categories are approximately 45 dangerous and careless driving, 31 driving under the influence, 91 speeding, 145 unlawful use of vehicle, 60 vehicle defect offences, 31 seat belt offences, 8 mobile phone offences and 70 other road traffic offences.

Incidents of domestic abuse recorded by the police:

Source Police Scotland: https://www.gov.scot/publications/domestic-abuse-recorded-police-scotland-2020-21/documents/

Scottish Fire & Rescue Service

The three Scottish island groups form one Local Senior Officer Area, LSO within the North Service Delivery Area. Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland called WIOS for short. Our partnership and community messages are the same.

The vision “for a safe, just and resilient Scotland” is supported by four outcomes which SFRS must also contribute to:

1. We live in safe, cohesive and resilient communities.
2. Prevention and early intervention improve wellbeing and life chances.
3. Our systems and interventions are proportionate, fair and effective.
4. We deliver person-centred, modern and affordable public services.

The SFRS purpose is: “To work in partnership with communities and with others in the public, private and third sectors on prevention, protection and response to improve the safety and well-being of people throughout Scotland.”

We have successfully delivered the Fireskills Program Youth Intervention Program during 2022 with more courses schedule throughout 2023.

We now focus home fire safety advice on those who require it most by prioritising high risk addresses and partnership referrals. We also continue to provide and fit free smoke and heat detectors where required and have access to a variety of resources such as flame-retardant bedding.

Due to the ongoing high number of Road Traffic Collisions attended by the SFRS in Orkney we have facilitated community education events in Stromness and Kirkwall during 2022.

Water Safety has been a focus across Scotland following a high number of incidents during 2021–22. The SFRS is currently gathering information on inland water bodies across Orkney and contributing to the Partnership Approach to Water Safety group, PAWS.

Orkney Islands Council – Housing Services

• Overall homelessness applications – see table below.
• Those with a main reason for homelessness as release from prison – see table below.
• The number for whom criminal activity/antisocial behaviour was the main reason was not recorded within data.

Housing Service, Orkney Islands Council has the statutory duty in respect of homelessness.

Impact of covid and any ongoing impacts to service

As with all other organisations the impact of COVID-19 and working from home meant that we had to adapt and change all of our working practices. Staff contacted every tenant by telephone or e-mail to undertake welfare checks and provide support involving financial situation, Foodbank, THAW, CAB referrals and other services.

Homeless applicants were not seen in person and the service adapted so that applications could be taken over the telephone or via Teams. This worked well and has continued, although service users can now be seen in person if they prefer.

This work is ongoing and issues in relation to tenants’ financial position has continued with the cost-of-living crisis.

Where contact with tenants have required support

Count of Assessed from HL1 23b:

Tenants work status changes – data not collected.

Those accessing food parcels – see Foodbank update.

Concerns raised by tenants – data not collected centrally.

Tenancy sources – sustained for more than one year by source of let

Skills Development Scotland

Skills Development Scotland works across Scotland, we support individuals to build their career management, work-based and employability skills, throughout their career journey, from school, into further learning opportunities and employment.

We are able to use skills intelligence to help inform the decisions of people across Scotland, at all stages of their careers, so that they are well-placed to take up the opportunities arising within the economy.

We target delivery of this support to those who need it most, ensuring all individuals are enabled to achieve their full potential. We work with employers and employer groups on a national, sectoral, regional, local and individual basis.

For more information please click on the following link: What We Do - Scotland’s Career Service

IMAGE: Infographic titled “Key data from Orkney”. It states that from 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2022 SDS supported employers and 22 individuals dealing with redundancy; there were 202 Modern Apprentices in training; 83 Modern Apprenticeship starts, 63.9% aged 16–24; the Modern Apprenticeship achievement rate was 81.0%; 1,848 Career Information, Advice and Guidance engagements were delivered for 920 school pupils; 84% of 1,248 school pupils were registered on myworldofwork.co.uk; 6 Employability Fund starts were funded; 419 engagements were delivered for 128 post-school customers; 93.4% of 829 16–19-year-olds were in education, employment or training and personal development; 12 Graduate Apprentices had a local authority home address; 19 pupils started Foundation Apprenticeships at SCQF Level 4–6; and over £1m was invested in the local area in 2020–21.

Orkney Integrated Joint Board

Please refer to the following:

OHSCP Strategic Plan 2022-2025 (orkney.gov.uk)

Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS)

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service has an office in the Sheriff Court House, Kirkwall, open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm. The Procurator Fiscal is based locally in Orkney.

Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS)

The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service operate Kirkwall Sheriff Court, staffed by a full-time Sheriff Clerk and a part time Administrative Assistant and Court Officer.

Scottish Prison Service (SPS)

The Scottish Prison Service has 13 publicly managed prisons and 2 by private sector operators under contract to SPS across Scotland. Individuals are located to establishments based on individual categories or via the receiving establishment for a particular court.

At 9 November 2022, there were 7 prisoners from Orkney current in custody, all male and all adults, located across 6 establishments. Of the 7, 1 is serving a life sentence, 2 a long-term sentence, 1 a short-term sentence and 3 are on remand. Within this group 3 have a history of sex offences.

A senior staff member from SPS Headquarters, the Head of Social Justice, has been allocated a specific liaison role for island Community Justice Partnerships.

Women’s Aid Orkney

Our Mission

To provide an immediate response to domestic abuse with emergency and support services to women, young people, and children, while promoting long-term cultural and societal change throughout Orkney to reduce violence against women and children.

We provide

• Safe, temporary accommodation to women, with or without children, through self-contained flats in the refuge.
• Women’s, Family and Children’s specialist local support.
• Telephone and online support throughout Orkney.
• Support to access legal advice.
• Assistance and support engaging with social work, police, education, health, benefits agencies and voluntary groups.
• Assistance and support with state benefits and housing benefit claims.
• Advice on legal rights, housing, court proceedings and change of identity.
• Support in court for civil and criminal cases.
• Peer group and family sessions to build resilience and a sense of community.
• Advice and support with personal and home safety planning.
• Advice and support in dealing with abusive relationships.
• Advice and support around safe contact for children.
• Support accessing mainland Women’s Aid groups.
• Empowerment to participate in community events, employment and further education.
• Awareness-raising sessions across all sectors of the community in Orkney.
• The Own My Life course.

Orkney Rape & Sexual Assault Service (ORSAS) SCIO

ORSAS is part of a network of 17 Rape Crisis Centres across Scotland and uses Rape Crisis Scotland’s Emotional Support Resourcing Model.

During 21-22 ORSAS’ funding of £162,235 came from Scottish Government Funds, Tampax Fund, local fundraising and donations. ORSAS has a full-time equivalent of 3 staff.

ORSAS provides practical and emotional support to anyone aged 13+ of any gender who has experienced rape or any other forms of sexual violence at any time in their life. During 21-22 ORSAS supported 71 people: 54 survivors, 8 friends/family members and 9 professionals. People receiving support ranged in age from 8-68.

ORSAS offers Specialist Sexual Violence Advocacy for people in the court and legal process. 50% of ORSAS survivors have reported to police.

During 21-22, 627 young people attended prevention sessions in schools and youth settings.

ORSAS believes there is unmet need for therapeutic specialist support for young children who have experienced sexual abuse. There is no automatic assessment for children who have experienced sexual abuse and no follow up with the family after the investigation has finished.

Relationships Scotland (Orkney)

Client age profile

Risk factors

Equal opportunities data:

• Sex: female 77, male 46, non-binary 1.
• Trans/trans history 0.
• Sexual orientation: 105 straight/heterosexual, 1 gay/lesbian, 11 bisexual, 1 pansexual.

Brief description of services

• Counselling – for individuals, couples, children/young people and Play Therapy for younger children.
• Family mediation – for separated/separating parents.
• Support for parents, adults and young people experiencing relationship difficulties, mental health and wellbeing issues.
• Child Contact Centre.
• Parenting Apart.
• Substance misuse support and specialist drug/alcohol counselling.

Voluntary Action Orkney

VAO-Annual-Report-2021-22-final.pdf

Right There (formerly Y- People)

Supported accommodation supports up to 15 young people, any gender, between 16-25 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, across 2 locations.

The core aims are to provide emotional and practical support for young people to develop independent living skills and prepare for independent living.

Over the past 2 plus years there has been an increase in substance misuse with the people supported and an increase of incidents, some resulting in criminal charges or police involvement.

Youth Counselling provides counselling for people from primary school age to age 25 experiencing anxiety, depression, loneliness, isolation and substance misuse.

Wellbeing services provide emotional and practical support to people in the community, in their own homes, and additional day support for people in supported accommodation.

Victim Support Orkney – info for CJOIP

Info and stats from 01.04.21 – 31.03.22

Victim Support Scotland has four strategic priorities:

1. To empower people affected by crime by providing high-quality, outcome focused support and care to all who need it.
2. To sustain our impact by focusing all we do on making a lasting difference for people affected by crime.
3. To transform victims’ and witnesses’ experiences of the criminal justice system.
4. To build productive partnerships aimed at improving the experiences of those affected by crime.

Victim Support Orkney provides two distinct services: the Victim/Community Service and the Witness/Court Service.

Victim Service

Our Victim Service provides free, confidential support to anyone aged 12+ who has been the victim of, or affected by crime, irrespective of whether they have reported, or intend to report it to the Police.

Total Victim Service referrals – 17.

Source of referral:

• Self: 5
• Police: 9
• Social Work: 2
• WAO: 1

Witness Service

If someone is cited to give evidence at Court then we can support them through our Witness Service. This can include arranging a court visit, explaining special measures, or sitting with them while they wait to give evidence.

Total Witness Service referrals – 28.

Source of referral:

• Self: 1
• Victim Information and Advice, part of COPFS: 26
• Women’s Aid Orkney: 1

At present support is delivered by one part time staff member (16 hours per week) and one volunteer.

Impact of Covid 19

Covid 19 has impacted the service in various ways, although it has made the service more flexible in the long run. Video-call support is now more fully embedded and face-to-face support has resumed.

Virtual tours of all Court buildings in Scotland were also developed as an alternative to in-person court familiarisation visits.

Families Outside

Families Outside is the only national charity in Scotland that works solely to support children and families affected by imprisonment. Its purpose is to improve outcomes for children and adults affected by imprisonment so they can live lives free from stigma and disadvantage.

On any given day, about 8,000 people are in prison in Scotland. This means that 8,000 families are affected by imprisonment each day.

The Families Outside Helpline provides impartial information and support. Regional Family Support Coordinators provide local, face-to-face support.

Our Family Support Team provides

• Emotional support.
• Detailed knowledge of the justice system.
• Information on prisons and prison procedures, including visiting.
• Information on housing, finance and benefits.
• Access to community services and specialised support including health, domestic abuse and substance misuse.

Additional Support

Families Outside provides Training & Development opportunities to professionals, undertakes research, and hosts peer support groups throughout Scotland.

Covid

Service was able to continue without face-to-face 1-2-1 meetings. Families were supported via phone, email and videolink. The SPS introduction of Video Visits and in-cell mobile phones improved communication, particularly for families living remotely.

Orkney Report

Families Outside is the only national charity in Scotland working exclusively on behalf of families affected by imprisonment. Families of prisoners are innocent victims of crime. Children who suffer a member of their family being imprisoned are recognised by the Scottish Government as experiencing an adverse childhood experience.

Prisoners who maintain positive relationships with families are 6 times less likely to reoffend.

The following information covers support in Orkney over the period March 2021 – July 2022.

Total 2 cases supported by Families Outside consisting of:

• 1 Adults
• 1 Professional

Main issues requiring support:

• Information on Prison / Community Justice System.
• Visiting / Maintaining Contact – including Virtual Visits.
• Concerns for person in prison.
• Own emotional / mental wellbeing.

Developments for 2021/22

One constant theme for families living on Scotland’s islands is the cost of prison visits. Families Outside has been working to enable families to access available funding for these costs and has been supporting research into the Financial Impact of Imprisonment.

Training

In February 2022 Families Outside delivered an Awareness Raising Session for Statutory and Third Sector Organisations. Eight people attended.

The training consists of three modules:

• Understanding the issues for families affected by imprisonment.
• Supporting children and young people who have a family member in prison.
• Prison and prison visiting.

For more information, visit:

https://www.familiesoutside.org.uk/professionals/training/

Poverty in Orkney – Orkney Foodbank update for Community Justice

Orkney Foodbank was set up in 2013 by volunteers from a group of churches in Orkney. It falls under the banner of the nationwide charity The Trussell Trust, but is a charity in its own right.

Orkney Foodbank is based in Kirkwall but covers the whole of Orkney: mainland, North isles and South isles.

Clients must be referred by a referral agency. There are over 50 referral agencies including GP and nurse practitioners, Social Work, schools, Criminal Justice, Community Mental Health, Women’s Aid, churches, Citizen’s Advice and THAW Orkney.

The client receives a parcel containing non-perishable food, toiletries and household essentials, providing 3-4 days’ worth of meals. Additional items may include baby formula, nappies and pet food.

The foodbank has been offering clients an electricity top-up but is suspending this from 1st September 2023 while additional funding is sourced.

Clients from the isles who cannot collect their parcels can have them couriered to their island.

Foodbank use by financial year

As you can see from the figures, foodbank use is generally growing each year, with a spike during Covid. The Trussell Trust calculates that foodbank use in Scotland increased by 30% last year; Orkney Foodbank increased by 35%.

We will continue to refer clients to THAW Orkney for help with electricity and fuel as this is one of the biggest sources of concern for many of our clients.