Unpaid work

The following information relates to offenders over the age of 16.  For Youth offending, please see Youth offending - general information

Prior to 1st February 2011, Unpaid Work was referred to as Community Service Orders. 

What is Unpaid work?

Unpaid work is a disposal available to Courts from 1st February 2011 which involves the supervision and support of offenders within the community.  These disposals are an alternative to custody.

Unpaid work operates seven days a week. Both men and women from age sixteen and above complete between eighty and three-hundred hours of unpaid work in the community.

Do you have an idea of a community clean-up project that will improve your local area? 

Please click on the image below to suggest an idea!

Community payback poster

Benefitting our local community

These projects take place within the local communities for the benefit of the community and vary according to an individual offenders skills or ability. Projects can involve:

  • Ground clearance work
  • Recycling projects
  • Building maintenance and landscaping
  • Improvements to park and community facilities
  • Gardening and landscaping projects
  • Painting and decorating in community centres and empty homes
  • Leaflet delivery

How can we benefit?

Community groups or charities can apply for the assistance of offenders undergoing unpaid work for projects. Our unpaid work service will provide labour and tools with the community group or charity organisation providing the materials e.g. paint, plants or building materials.

In Stirling last year the Service supervised more than 100 offenders doing unpaid work. They worked approximately 14,000 hours helping communities through-out the year. Below is a selection of community projects which have benefitted from the assistance of unpaid workers:

Scottish Community Payback Awards

Our Community Payback team has won the Scottish Community Payback Award 2012 for "best partnership project" for our involvement in the Valley Project.  Find out further information about the award and the Valley Project in our news article

Further information…