Upcoming research with recipients of criminal legal assistance

The Scottish Legal Aid Board (SLAB) have commissioned the independent research company, IBP Strategy and Research, to undertake research with a sample of people who received criminal legal assistance in the past 16 months. This includes both those who used a private practice solicitor, as well as clients of SLAB’s Public Defence Solicitors’ Office (PDSO).

The research will take place from 4 October until 19 November. It will mainly be a postal survey, although respondents will also be able to complete the survey online if they want to.

We have commissioned the research in order to learn more about the experience of people who receive criminal legal assistance. This includes:

• How they found and chose their solicitor
• How they communicated with their solicitor
• How they felt they were treated by their solicitor
• How satisfied they were with any contact they had with SLAB/PDSO.

Once the research report is complete we will share the findings on our website.

Taking part in the research is voluntary and responses are confidential. It will not be possible to identify any individual respondents, private practice solicitors, firms or our staff in the reporting.

For more information on how we process your personal data, including the rights you have, please see our privacy notice at pdso.org.uk/site-pages/privacy-policies/. The privacy information notice for IBP Strategy and Research is available at ibp.eu.com/research-participant-privacy-policy/.

If you would like to know more about the research, please contact the research team on research@slab.org.uk.