Aberdeenshire Adult Support and Protection Network praised in inspection report
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The Aberdeenshire Adult Support and Protection Network has been recognised for “sector leading work” by the Care Inspectorate, following a joint inspection.
Much of the dedicated work normally goes unsung due to its sensitive nature, but staff have been praised for the positive difference they have made in supporting adults who may be at risk of harm.
Excellent collaboration was also highlighted, as Adult Support and Protection is made up of multiple organisations working across Aberdeenshire.
Teams from Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership, Aberdeenshire Council, NHS Grampian and Police Scotland work alongside each other to achieve the best possible outcome, in what can be incredibly complex and highly emotive cases.
They ultimately support and protect adults who are unable to safeguard themselves.
This could be for numerous reasons, from disability to illness.
The inspection focused on key processes and leadership, with staff asked to provide numerous case studies and evidence of their work.
Aberdeenshire Council chief executive and chairman of the Executive Group for Public Protection, Jim Savege believes findings from the report are a ringing endorsement for all involved.
He said: “We are delighted to see the hard work of staff across all partner organisations acknowledged in such a positive report.
“To have the work of our partnership identified as sector leading is an endorsement of the daily commitment shown by all.”
Adam Coldwells, interim chief executive at NHS Grampian, has also praised the findings.
He said: “It is only by working together that we can ensure some of the most vulnerable adults in our communities continue to be safeguarded, and our multi-agency teams demonstrate their expertise and dedication on a daily basis.
“This report shows a very encouraging snapshot of the work on the ground, and we look forward to continuing in our collaborative efforts.”
Chief Superintendent Graeme Mackie, who is also Divisional Commander for North East Division at Police Scotland, is looking forward to further joined up working.
He said: “Keeping people safe is at the heart of what we do, and collaborative working plays a key role in what can be highly complex cases within Adult Support and Protection.
“We will continue to work with our colleagues in order to safeguard adults across Aberdeenshire, and the findings from the joint inspection demonstrate the considerable progress made thus far.”
Findings from the report showed that 94 per cent of adults at risk of harm had some improvement for safety and protection, and 96 per cent of adults at risk of harm had support throughout their adult protection journey.
The report outlined: “The quality of adult support and protection interagency referral discussions, inquiries using investigatory powers, chronologies, risk assessments, case conferences and protection planning was high.
“Interagency referral discussion practice was sector leading.”
Staff will now attend a workshop focusing on areas for improvement as highlighted by the report, which includes the way in which screening of Adult Support and Protection reports are recorded.
Teams will also discuss how they can increase participation of those with lived experience such as adults, families, carers and front-line staff - to inform practice development of ASP services.
