Another busy week in Adult Support and Protection land – lots going on, as always. This week, amongst other things, I have met with the Care Inspectorate to agree how we will better share appropriate information and data about ASP Learning Reviews, a journalist from the BBC in relation to an article involving Financial Harm which she is currently researching, attended an Iriss Team meeting in Glasgow, met with colleagues from Child Protection in relation to finalising the programme for our forthcoming joint meeting of Child Protection Convenors and Lead Officers and Adult Support and Protection Convenors and Lead Officers, and this afternoon attended a meeting with other ASP Colleagues and the Home Office. Although this is a busy and diverse role, I really do feel privileged to be working in this national strategic role, just as it feels like things are coming together across Public Protection in a way I have not previously seen.
One of the other meetings I organised was between ASP Colleagues and representatives of a Financial Institution operating in Scotland. At times, when financial harm is suspected, ASP Council Officers may have cause to use Section 10 of the ASP legislation to request financial information for Adults suspected to be at risk of harm. I have been trying to engage with the Financial Sector over the last 12 months or so to try to improve the process around this, as sometimes Financial Institutions are unsure of their responsibilities under the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 and this can lead to lengthy delays in providing the information being requested, which often leads to the Adult being further financially harmed. The representatives this week, could not have been more interested and keen to ensure that they took every action possible to ensure the safety and protection of their customers – it was really commendable. They impressed everyone in the meeting with their openness and willingness to get their processes right and training in place for their staff. I am now thinking, if I remortgage – they would definitely be worth considering!
Lastly, exciting news – two of the Key Note speeches from our recent (22.02.24) ASPire (Adult Support and Protection innovation and reflection event) in Stirling are now available – these focus on an input from the Care Inspectorate in relation to ASP Learning Reviews and also inputs from the Mental Welfare Commission and a Solicitor concerning a specific recent case and how it relates to Undue Pressure under ASP – have a look at them here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLn6fY8RW8BkbJY1rKHt_ntYHAWje-dTXT&si=VgVD89pahsRKWxxP