Unpaid Work Scheme in Moray

What is it?

There are two types of unpaid work orders that can be imposed by Court on those found guilty of an offence:

• Level One – 20 to 100 hours to be completed within 3 months
• Level Two – 101 to 300 hours to be completed within 6 months.

The offender is expected to attend a placement and undertake unpaid work for the specific number of hours and to the benefit of the community.           

What Kind of Placements?

• Work Group – offenders under supervision work on a specific practical project, e.g. environmental projects or community projects such as, beach cleaning, clearing pathways, putting up  fences, gardening or home improvements for someone unfit to carry out the work themselves.
  
• Workshop – projects which build on the skills of offenders to allow them to gain skills which may lead to employment opportunities.  These might be projects which would be impractical to carry out in situ eg making plant boxes, garden picnic tables, benches etc for the benefit of the community or charitable groups.
  
• Individual Placements – Offenders who are considered capable of working individually can often be a great benefit to an agency and they frequently gain much from the experience.  The offenders chosen are always carefully selected and considered to have the necessary ability and maturity to work in a satisfactory and trustworthy manner under the agency supervision, eg work in charity shops, museums and recycling centres etc

Advantages to the Community

Whilst someone undertaking unpaid work must never take away the place of the employment of paid staff, there are numerous benefits to the community by getting work done which would not have otherwise been completed.

Advantages for the Offender

It places a degree of responsibility on the offender and this in turn promotes a sense of commitment in him/her to complete the order.  It also ensures the offender gives direct reparation to the community in which they live.

Does it Work?

Unpaid work  makes a valid contribution to the community – it is used as an alternative to custody and as such has a more rehabilitative value than a prison sentence.  It is not a “soft option”.  Research has shown that offenders who experience unpaid work as constructive and useful are less likely to offend again in the future. 

How can you Help?

Think of work that could be done in your area for the benefit of your community any project large or small will be considered just contact us to discuss.

For Further Information

The Criminal Justice Team, 11 North Guildry Street, Elgin. Tel: 01343 557200     

Email: criminal.justice@moray.gov.uk

You can also follow our Moray Unpaid Work Twitter for updates.