Montgomery to chair Community Justice Scotland

Lindsay Montgomery CBE, former chief executive of the Scottish Legal Aid Board, has been appointed chair of Community Justice Scotland, the body which co-ordinates action to prevent reoffending in Scotland.

saying his substantial experience of Scotland’s justice sector and strong connections to the third sector will be invaluable.

Mr Montgomery will take on the role from 13 May 2019. He was recently also appointed chair of the Scottish charity regulator OSCR (click here for report).

Chief executive of the Scottish Legal Aid Board from 1999 until 2015, during which time he was a member of the Scottish Government’s Justice Board, Mr Montgomery is a visiting professor at the University of Strathclyde School of Law, and chair of a number of charities and third sector organisations. 

Community Justice Scotland was launched in April 2017 to provide expert advice to ministers and local government leaders to strengthen how public services, third sector and other partners work together to prevent and reduce further offending.

Community Safety Minister Ash Denham commented: "Community Justice Scotland has played a key role in promoting crime prevention, early intervention, supporting rehabilitation and reducing reoffending, contributing to a 19-year low in reconviction rates. Lindsay Montgomery brings a wealth of experience in leadership and governance from a career working with the Scottish Legal Aid Board and other organisations in the justice system.

"Working with the chief executive, Mr Montgomery will lead the change in the use of short-term custodial sentences and move towards an increased use of more effective community-based alternatives and services within the criminal justice system. His insight and enthusiasm will be invaluable when identifying expertise and working in partnership with organisations across the sector – including partners in the third sector whose work is crucial – to deliver a safer Scotland for all."