Become an Accredited Assessor
The Accredited Assessor plays a vital role in contributing to defensible decision making in Scotland’s justice system. This is a rare opportunity to join a cohort of professionals working to protect public safety.
What does the assessor do?
Accredited Assessors complete complex risk assessments. They provide the court with a high-quality report, including a structured professional opinion on risk, when an Order for Lifelong Restriction is being considered. Accredited Assessors are not employed by the RMA; they are independent practitioners who are engaged and remunerated by the court. When completing a Risk Assessment Report (RAR), the assessment requires a collateral file review, alongside interviews with the subject of the report, professionals and relevant others – find out more about the RAR process here.
“Being an independent practitioner provides many opportunities for a diverse range of work and being an assessor is one of the most fulfilling of them all. Assessors rarely get cases that are not complex in nature and this leads to many opportunities to work with a variety of professionals as well as enhancing my own development. The duty of care towards the public and to the individual being assessed is pivotal and it is rewarding to know that the assessment helps the offender and a variety of professionals to understand the complexities of the case.”
– Rachel Roper (Accredited Assessor)
Who’s eligible?
The role of an Accredited Assessor is highly specialised. Only experienced, qualified and confident assessors may be accredited. Our Information for Applicants booklet contains all the criteria and competency information relevant to the role.
For example, all applications should be able to evidence extensive, broad and current experience of the assessment and management of serious sexual and violent offenders. Individuals seeking accreditation must also have a knowledge of relevant legislation, be UK based, and be committed to continuous improvement and engagement with the RMA and peers.
“I work in a busy NHS job and thought it would be difficult to find the time to be an accredited risk assessor. However, the application process highlighted to me the value my knowledge and skills as a consultant Forensic Psychiatrist could bring to the role. Finding time for assessments can be a challenge but this is outweighed by the benefits I get from being an assessor. The variety and complexity of cases improves my clinical practice and supports my professional development.”
– Stuart Doig (Accredited Assessor)
Why become an Accredited Assessor?
Accredited Assessors play an important role in protecting public safety in Scotland. This is an opportunity to proactively lead in the ethical treatment of individuals convicted of offending, while protecting victim safety and the safety of our communities:
“Being an Accredited Assessor is a role that has a unique influence on the decision making of the high court. If the court applies the Order for Lifelong Restriction, our reports galvanise resources to manage and reduce risk. I never could have imagined, as a trainee, working as an Accredited Assessor, but with the support of the RMA team, who are extremely approachable and friendly, my learning continues to increase with every new assessment.”
– Dr John Marshall (Accredited Assessor)
What does the Accreditation application process involve?
The process follows four stages: pre-application eligibility, application, interview and maintenance of accreditation for successful applicants. Only those who meet the eligibility criteria will be invited to complete an application form. You can access the pre-application eligibility questionnaire here and we’ll be in touch.
We’ve developed a comprehensive Information for Applicants page and booklet to provide you with lots of information to help you decide if this is the right opportunity for you. Take some time to read a bit more about the role of an Accredited Assessor here. If you have any questions about the role, the benefits of being accredited, or the accreditation process, you can e-mail us.