On 01 September 2023, SPS published its Corporate Plan 2023 – 28. Overall its tone is noticeably less optimistic than the previous one: only one mention of ‘Unlocking Potential and Transforming Lives’ for example. A corporate ‘vision’ has been replaced by a ‘strategic intent’ which aims to “deliver services in a way that is focused on being person-centred, inclusive, trauma-informed and rights based” and that “better promote(s) the health, safety and wellbeing of all people who live in Scotland’s prison system”.

On 30 August 2023, the Scottish Government published a report entitled, ‘Deaths in Prison Custody in Scotland 2012-2022’. It’s the data and evidence produced by the Deaths in Prison Custody Action Group (DiPCAG) which was set up to provide independent oversight and leadership to the implementation of the recommendations of the Independent Review of the Response to Deaths in Prison Custody. It found that 350 people died in prison in Scotland between 2012 and 2022, with the death rate having more than trebled over that period.

The Chairperson of DiPCAG, Gill Imery, gave evidence to the Criminal Justice Committee on the report on 20 September 2023. She was very critical of the lack of progress and of SPS’s attitude to her group’s work.