Briefing paper: Second Reading of the Victims and Prisoners Bill

This briefing paper sets out areas of the Victims and Prisoners Bill that require change, to improve the collection, sharing and management of data and information across the criminal justice system and enhance the voice and experience of victims. 

The legislation as drafted will fail in its aim to “put victims at the heart of the criminal justice system” unless it:

• Imposes a duty on the Secretary of State to consult with victims groups and the Victims Commissioner on the data to be collected
• Improves the scrutiny of decisions by the Secretary of State relating the type of data to be collected
• Takes greater account of the concerns raised by victims groups about the governance and sharing of victim-related data
• Includes additional investment in the enabling infrastructure to support data linking the experience of individuals across criminal justice agencies