Promoting evidence-based responses to the causes and consequences of crime.
Howard League Scotland (HLS) is the country’s leading independent penal reform organisation.
We campaign for the Scottish criminal justice system to be just, progressive and humane.
All of our work is underpinned by the belief that no-one should be in prison who does not need to be there.
Our wish is to see a Scotland where there is less crime; where there is a sustained reduction in prisoner numbers; and where greater use is made of alternatives to custody.
As an advocacy organisation we do not provide services to individuals or offer legal advice, but instead gather evidence and highlight wider issues affecting those in within the criminal justice system - particularly those in custody.
What we do
Our policies
Our policy positions guide our interactions with, and statements to, the Scottish Parliament, the Scottish Government, SPS, HMIPS, the media, and other organisations and individuals involved in the criminal justice system.
What’s going on
Sara Snell (Chief Inspector of Prisons for Scotland) - ‘Towards Humane Prisons’.
Tuesday 25 November 2025.
Book here
We keep abreast of developments across all things criminal justice.
News
We guide the development of policy and legislation whilst maintaining an up to date evidence base on criminal justice matters. Our expert opinions inform and influence parliamentarians, the public and the media.
Meet the team
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David Mackie
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Dr. Katrina Morrison
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Prof. Antony Duff
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Jacqueline Fordyce
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James W. Smith
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Karyn McCluskey
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Prof. Fiona Dyer
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Gill Robinson
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Louise Kennefick
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Hugh Craig
Treasurer
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Emma Jardine
Membership
Non-Taxpayer/Student - Annual
£5
Your membership will help us to have a greater and more influential voice in reforming Scotland’s criminal justice system.
Corporate - Annual
£150
Advocate for better community justice provision and human rights for those in custody.
Individual - Annual
£30
Join us in speaking independently and authoritatively on penal reform.
Individual - Lifetime
£350
Encourage greater use of evidence-based interventions and practice.
Household - Annual
£45
Help us provoke public debate and engage with official bodies to improve and refine penal practice.
Individual - Post Event
£20
Keep supporting our work.
Support us
If you can, please make a donation to our work. In order to maintain our independence we do not accept any statutory funding. As an advocacy organisation which does not offer direct services we are ineligible for grants from many funding bodies and therefore rely on the kind donations from our members and supporters for which we are very grateful indeed.