Minutes of the Strategic Board: 10 December 2025

Present

• Alison Saunders, Non-executive Director (Chair) 
• David Watt, Non-executive Director
• John Burns, Non-executive Director
• Annie Gunner Logan, Non-executive Director
• Helena Kiely, Non-executive Director (MS Teams)
• John Logue, Crown Agent and Chief Executive
• Lindsey Miller, Legal Director Local Court & Deputy Crown Agent
• Jim Brisbane, Director of Strategy
• Keith Dargie, Chief Digital Officer
• Katrina Parkes, Legal Director National Casework

In attendance:

• Frances Ross, Head of Corporate Governance
• Rahul Singh, Chief of Staff
• James Wall, Assistant Private Secretary
• Christopher Hastings, Corporate Governance and Briefing Coordinator (Secretariat)

Apologies:

None

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and no apologies were issued. The Crown Agent and Chief Executive also confirmed there would be 4 new Non-Executive Directors (NXD) joining along with John Burns staying and David Watt remaining in post for another year.

Thanks were given to Helena Keily and Annie-Gunner Logan for their contributions as NXDs over the years as they are leaving as NXDs.

The Chair introduced Paper SB1225 (2.1) (Strategic Board 020925 Minutes) and asked if there were any issues. The Board had no issues and were happy for them to be published.

The Chair then introduced Paper SB1225 (2.2) (Strategic Board Action Tracker) asking if any of the Actions could be closed off. The Board noted the Terms of Reference from the last meeting had not been added to the tracker. Risk Management was to be carried over as this is to be dealt with at the February ARC meeting and the Joint Meeting could be signed off as a proposed date had been put forward.

John Logue introduced SB1225 (3.1)(CACE Update December 2025). The new structure for COPFS has had significant progress made with new staff in post. Still awaiting approval from Scottish Government regarding financing but feels a strong case has been presented that should lead to its approval.

The Designed for Success roadshow is nearing the end. Overall has been successful allowing for the staff to see what is going on as well as giving them an opportunity to raise what issues they have been facing and mention what needs to be fixed which has been taken on board. They have been inclusive as possible by adjusting times so those with other commitments could attend a show.

Acknowledged there are on going issues but there are papers being put forth to help resolve these to continue the progress that the organisation has been making as a whole.

The Board held general discussion on the points made asking for clarity in some areas which was provided and were happy with the update provided.

Katrina Parkes was then introduced to discuss the end of the amended pandemic Solemn Time limits. They have a brief overview to the Board, more so for the Non-Executive Director’s benefit, as to what is being discussed today and why it is important. There has been overall improvement in the service provided but the backlog of cases that exist could cause potential issues in the future along with cases being moved between teams leaving less time for completion.

The need for change which the paper looked to address is that under the current structure and systems the casework volume and complexity cannot be met and additional resources will not assist with this. While some changes have already been made to help improve the situation more are being planned to further the progress that has been made to ensure that any possible risks can be mitigated.

The Board held general discussion on the paper and were happy with what has been set out.

ACTION: Update on Paper to be provided at next Strategic Board meeting.

Jim Brisbane introduced paper SB1225 (5.1) (Strategic Plan 2030). The document gives a neutral overview of how COPFS is approaching the future and the direction it plans to follow. They noted this is not a delivery plan and the board will be contacted regarding any future steps. Finally a copy will be sent out to the staff with a clear summary once it is completed to let them see the direction that COPFS is moving towards.

The Board discussed the plan and were happy with the level of detail provided but there was a concern of how this plan ties in with the entirety of the criminal justice system. Jim acknowledged there could be challenges but was confident in overcoming them to ensure the goals would be achieved. Beyond this the Board was happy with what was presented.

Keith Dargie introduced SB1225 (6.1)( Strategic Board_COPFS Digital Strategy 2026 - 2030_Dec 2025). The paper is an initial draft looking to improve the digital systems within COPFS building upon the existing structures. It also acknowledges the current challenges and what the strategic priorities need to be.

The strategy within the paper is setting out what a modern prosecution service will look like in the digital age with what resources will be available to those within it. The priority is creating a casework system for all types of cases improving upon what has been built underpinned by a digital first approach. Another part of this approach is integrating AI into the processes to help assist in the work being completed than taking over entirely. This would be end to end across the entire organisation. With this they were looking for feedback on the initial draft.

The Board held discussion requesting the next version of the document include:

• Current state of COPFS and how the plan benefits the organisation.
• Impact of system changes on interactions with other areas of the criminal justice sector.

They expressed concern that achieving the goals in four years may be ambitious and might need revision. They recommended discussing AI in a separate paper due to potential future legislation. Yvette Greener noted that while the final draft is being prepared, some areas could be readied for implementation so work can begin immediately after approval.

The Board was satisfied with the feedback discussed on this draft.

The Chair passed over to David Watt who introduced SB1225 (7.1) (ARC Papers November 2025). They explained the ARC meeting was routine. Risk management was discussed and will be followed up upon as discussed earlier in today’s meeting.

The Chair passed over to Yvette Greener who introduced SB1225 (8.1) (Leadership Board Papers). There was nothing to raise from the meeting but noted the data within the papers is being used to help in decision making and planning going forward.

Yvette Greener introduced SB1225 (9.1)(Strategic Board HR Paper). There was nothing to raise. The Board were happy to proceed.

The Chair asked if there was any other business. They themselves mentioned the dates of future meetings. They are unable to attend the 10th of June meeting due to other commitments.

Also Helena and Annie were asked if they had any feedback for the board due to them leaving their positions. Both were positive in the progress made during their time here.

With this the meeting came to an end.