The Partnerships and Commissioning Directorate is responsible for setting SPS policy for offender outcomes and services and for maintaining and assuring the corporate performance framework for reporting outcomes and delivery across SPS establishments. It is also responsible for the management and monitoring of contracts with privately run prisons (HMP Kilmarnock and HMP Addiewell) and for managing the court custody and prisoner escorting contract.

Reflecting the SPS's corporate aims, the Directorate's work is designed to directly contribute to the Scottish Government's strategic National Outcomes, and the Reducing Reoffending agenda.

The Directorate's strategic arm is responsible for developing the evidenced framework that provides the basis for the SPS's policy to manage and support offenders by delivering appropriate and proportionate interventions during their time in custody and to support multi agency public protection arrangements. This work and its outcomes are also intended to help offenders successfully make the transition from custody to the community focussing particularly on women and young offenders; addressing domestic abuse issues; enhancing family contact and developing learning, skills and employment.

The key responsibility of Planning Branch is to work with a wide range of both internal and external stakeholders in developing plans to action SPS Board policy and strategy decisions. The branch also has responsibility for developing the SPS Performance and Service Frameworks including reporting on Key Performance Indicators across both the public and private prison sectors.

The Branch also represents SPS interests on wider Scottish Government and partnership led initiatives and contributes to managing the interface between strategic development and operational delivery.

In addition the Branch provides the main SPS link to the eight Community Justice Authorities and provides the SPS contribution to all CJA Area Plans and Local Action Plans.

Prison Services and Contracts Branch is responsible for the proper administration, governance, contract management and monitoring of HMP Kilmarnock , HMP Addiewell and the contract for Court Custody and Prisoner Escort Services. The Branch also ensures that offender management policy and service specifications are applied as appropriate within these private sector prison services delivery contracts.

The Branch also manages on a day to day basis relationships and communications with senior internal stakeholders, criminal justice partners and contractor representatives in seeking to maximise value for money and contribution to wider justice outcomes in the delivery of these services.

The Directorate is also responsible for the coordination of a number of the major projects including the development of plans for the operational delivery of new prisons and services such as the Court Custody and Escorts retender.