Scottish Prisoner Advocacy & Research Collective

Advocating for a Fairer, More Humane Justice System in Scotland

SPARC provides free advocacy, evidence-based research, and expert guidance for justice reform.

Our Work Toward Justice

Our Services

Independent Advocacy

We offer free, confidential support for prisoners and families navigating complex prison systems.

Evidence-Based Research

Our PhD-level researchers bring lived experience and academic rigor to inform justice policy.

Why SPARC?

About Us

Born out of a reading group in HMP Shotts and grown into a Community Interest Company, SPARC combines on-the-ground experience with scholarly expertise. Our team includes ex-prisoners, academics, and advocates dedicated to making Scotland’s justice system more transparent, equitable, and supportive.

Behind every number is a human story

8,000+

In 2024, over 8,000 people were imprisoned in Scotland – that’s 8,000 individuals and their families struggling to navigate a complex justice system, often without adequate support or guidance.

Imprisonment Rates

0 per 100k

Reconviction Rate Within 1 Year

0 %

Prisoners Awaiting Trial

0 %

Sentences Of 12 Months Or Less

0 %

Male Population

0 %

Under 21 Years Old

0 %

Avg. Age of Prisoner

0 Years

Report Having A Disability

0 %

Professional Resources

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Judicial Reviews

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Academic Articles

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Media Coverage

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Policy Documents

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SPARC NEWS

News & Updates from SPARC

Stay informed on our latest research, campaigns, and reflections on justice and imprisonment in Scotland and beyond.

Home Detention Curfew (HDC): A SPARC Fact Sheet

June 15, 2026

What is the Home Detention Curfew (HDC)? Under specific licensing conditions, some individuals sentenced to prison may serve part of

Arrest referral service in North Lanarkshire – peer support that lets people know they’re not alone.

March 15, 2026

Guest Blog – Ian Hi, my name is Ian, and I’m an Arrest Referral Worker in North Lanarkshire. I come

Guest blog – Jim Watson

February 15, 2026

Newspapers and the criminal justice system… How do you fancy writing a blog for the SPARC website? Aye, no problem

Testimonials

What People Say

Pesrson 1

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Person 2

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Person 3

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Get in Touch

Contact SPARC

If you have an issue, concern, or idea related to imprisonment and justice reform in Scotland, contact us. We’re here to listen, collaborate, and push for change.