Community Payback Orders - Unpaid Work

An Unpaid Work Requirement can be made alongside other requirements or as a stand alone requirement in a Community Payback Order.

The work completed during such an Order is unpaid and can be completed in a variety of different ways such as; doing woodwork tasks in the workshop, in personal placements such as charity shops, in the wider community cutting grass, transforming and improving public spaces and working directly with community and charity groups.

Each placement is designed to make a positive contribution to the community that has been harmed, while giving the individual the opportunity to "payback" through meaningful work. The overall aim is to provide a constructive and rehabilitative experience that benefits both the person involved and the wider community.

The term 'other activity' relates to rehabilitative activities that would focus on reducing re-offending. This could include educational programs, skills training, addiction supports or personal development workshops, which are designed to complement the unpaid work and support the individual's long-term rehabilitation. Up to 30% an unpaid work requirement (or 30 hours, whichever is the lower) can consist of 'other activity' other than unpaid work.

The term "other activity" refers to rehabilitative activities that would focus on reducing re‑offending. This could include educational programs, skills training, addiction supports or personal development workshops. These activities are designed to complement the unpaid work and support the individual's long-term rehabilitation. Up to 30% of an unpaid work requirement - or 30 hours, whichever is lower - can consist of other activity instead of unpaid work.

Who can access the service

People who complete unpaid work are those sentenced to a Community Payback Order with an Unpaid Work Requirement by the Court.

As unpaid work is expected to benefit the local community and provide opportunities for people to pay back, referrals about potential areas of work/development are welcomed from community groups, local charities, education establishments and some non-profit organisations.

How to access the service/referral process

Submit a Community Payback Work Request

Please email [email protected] to contact the team if you have identified a possible area/project for the Unpaid Work service and we can explore this further.

The team can also be contacted on the telephone number: 01292 612395

What happens next once referred or accessing service

A member of the team will contact you to confirm suitability of the work being requested, arrange for a meeting to undertake risk assessments and plan what will be involved. Timescales will also be discussed too at this point.

People completing unpaid work can expect to be treated with dignity and respect. During their time with us, they will have opportunities to gain new skills and build confidence. The health and safety of service users, staff, and the wider public is a priority, and appropriate risk assessments are carried out.

Examples of Unpaid Work in Our Community

Our unpaid work teams continue to contribute to a wide range of meaningful community projects across South Ayrshire.

Each year, service users handcraft festive wooden reindeer, snowmen, and sleighs for the Ayrshire Hospice Winter Fair. These much‑loved creations are always warmly received and consistently sell out, helping to support the Hospice's fundraising efforts.

Unpaid work teams also supported the development of the new tranquil garden at the Kyle Chemotherapy Unit, creating a calm and welcoming outdoor space for patients, families, and staff. More details about the project can be found here.

In addition, service users have contributed to improvement and maintenance work around the Alloway Tunnel, enhancing this well‑used and much‑loved local landmark.

These are just some of the projects carried out in South Ayrshire which showcase the valuable skills, dedication and positive impact our service users bring to our communities.