The UK Sex Offender Register (SOR) was introduced in the 1990s to support public protection. In Scotland, this is known as Notification Requirements. In this epsiode we're talking about what the system is and how it came about, we consider the benefits and drawbacks to how it works, and discuss existing research on the systems in the UK and internationally, including reducing reoffending and the impact on people and communities.

Find out more about the work of the RMA: Home - RMA - Risk Management Authority

References & Useful Links

Sex offenders register explained | Scottish Sentencing Council

2025 - Ansbro & Fitzgibbon - UK Sex Offender Register - Has Net Been Cast Too Wide. The UK sex offender register: Has the net been cast too wide? - Maria Ansbro, Wendy Fitzgibbon, 2025

2014 - Carr - The Effect of Sex Offender Registries on Recidivism. (99+) The Effect of Sex Offender Registries on Recidivism: Evidence from a Natural Experiment

2025 - Hanson et al - How Public Registries Obscure Sexual Recidivism Risk Evidence from State Administrative Data. How public registries obscure sexual recidivism risk: Evidence from state administrative data.

2006 - Wakefield - The Vilification of Sex Offenders. Do Laws Targeting Sex Offenders Increase Recidivism and Sexual Violence. The Vilification of Sex Offenders: Do Laws Targeting Sex Offenders Increase Recidivism and Sexual Violence? | IPCE