The Pains of Progression

This report, written by David Cross and produced for the Building Futures programme, reviews the progression system for long-term prisoners in Scottish prisons, focusing on HMP Glenochil. ​ Drawing on surveys and focus groups with prisoners, the report reveals systemic delays, poor communication, and a lack of transparency in the sentence progression process—leaving many feeling forgotten and hopeless. It calls for a fairer, more accountable system that fosters personal development, sustains hope, and ensures timely progression through the prison system towards release.