Adult Support and Protection: Large Scale Investigation guidance

1. Ministerial Foreword

I welcome the publication of the Large Scale Investigation Guidance and extend my sincere thanks to everyone involved in its development. Building on the 2023 Large Scale Investigation (LSI) Framework, which provided helpful processes and principles for those conducting or participating in LSIs, this guidance has been shaped by a dedicated short-life working group, led and supported by Iriss (The Institute for Research and Social Services).

This guidance brings together a range of current local procedures, promoting national best practice consistency while allowing flexibility to reflect local ways of working. It aims to build on the good practice already evident across many local authorities in supporting adults at risk of harm.

I am confident that this guidance will strengthen local and multi-agency adult protection procedures, enhance learning, and support practitioners during what can be a particularly challenging time. A consistent approach will make a meaningful difference to individuals who may be at risk and unable to safeguard themselves.

I’m pleased that the guidance has been developed collaboratively, with input from stakeholder groups, practitioners, and a wider engagement exercise. This collective effort has helped refine the guidance and ensure it is genuinely useful to those conducting LSIs.

I encourage all local authorities to implement the guidance and support their teams in making full use of this valuable resource; and for multi-agency partners in ASP to similarly draw on the guidance to promote best practice in their LSI-related work. My sincere thanks go to Iriss and everyone who contributed to its development.

Tom Arthur, MSP

Minister for Social Care and Mental Wellbeing