Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) in Scotland: National Overview Report 2024-2025

4. Local MAPPA Developments

Alongside the MAPPA national developments that have taken place during the reporting period, local areas have been engaged in a number of activities and initiatives including: staff development and training; and implementation of new processes and procedures - demonstrating a commitment to continuous development of staff and services. A synopsis of some of these activities from a sample of regions is provided below.

Staff Training and Development

During the relevant 12 month period, local areas delivered staff training, providing opportunities for learning and development which led to the identification of areas of good practice and also areas for improvement.

For example, in January 2025, Edinburgh, Lothian and Borders MAPPA region facilitated a multi-agency workshop for Midlothian Level 2 Panel Members. The workshop focussed on the role of panel members, the pre-read information shared in advance of the meeting, and the various categories of cases that may be considered by the Level 2 Panel.

Additionally, during the reporting year, each of the local authority areas in Edinburgh, Lothian and Borders MAPPA region undertook one Level 2 and three Level 1 case files audits to identify learning and improve practice. This resulted in 16 Level 2 cases, and 32 Level 1 cases being subject to review. In the main, these audits identified several areas of strength around inter-agency working, information sharing, risk assessment and risk management planning. These reviews also identified recurring themes in terms of good practice and areas for improvement which were highlighted to frontline staff and team leaders. On the conclusion of each audit a report was presented to senior managers to consider the actions raised as a result of any identified learning.

In Forth Valley a training gap was identified in respect of the examination of internet enabled devices. An officer from Forth Valley SOPU (Sexual Offences Policing Unit), with expertise in this area, created a bespoke package and delivered training to Local Authority staff, which has enhanced JSW’s capability in respect of device examination. This has provided JSW staff with the knowledge and confidence to undertake more thorough checks of internet enabled devices and identify any potential breaches or criminality.

In Highland a number of training events were held during the reporting period, including: training for police officers and justice social work managers chairing MAPPA meetings - delivered by Professor Kemshall in November 2024 and by the Risk Management Authority in February 2025. Training on Understanding Online Child Sexual Abuse & Child Sexual Abuse Material was delivered by Professor Kieran McCartan in February 2025.

Improvements to local processes and procedures

A number of local areas have overseen improvements to ways of working, resulting in improved efficiencies, targeting of resources where needed, and improved risk management processes.

For example, in Grampian – noting learning from national SCRs, local ICR/INR, and Case Audits - a review was instigated of MAPPA Level 1 Minimum Standards and processes across the three Local Authority areas spanning the MAPPA region.

Managers across all the Responsible Authorities were involved in the development of the process which saw the introduction of new paperwork ensuring the recording of relevant, multi-agency, risk-based information. It also ensures that relevant risk factors and early warning signs are identified and recorded at an early stage. The focus on relevant risk-based information being shared, alongside proportionate multi-agency involvement, has led to appropriate assessments being in place to better inform defensible strategies, mitigations, and risk and management levels.

Awareness raising sessions were held to ensure operational staff were aware of the need and detail of the change, and a pilot commenced in January 2025, in the Moray Local Authority area, with a view to rolling out across Grampian later in 2025.

The pilot has been well received, with the new processes being tested within an operational environment. Initial findings from attendees suggest that this new process has significantly improved partner engagement, risk relevant discussion, and defensible decision making.

In Forth Valley a MAPPA Business Plan and Risk Register 2024-2027 was agreed at the MAPPA SOG in August 2024. This represents a change to the previous Business Plan format as it now incorporates a Risk Register directly linked to the Forth Valley MAPPA objectives. It is a dynamic document, with the risk ratings reviewed at each SOG meeting, with input from all SOG members, and, if relevant, updated. This provides a “live” overview of the delivery of all of the Forth Valley MAPPA objectives. It also enables identification of any areas which require action, particularly if a Risk Rating increases. Any actions required will be included in the Good Practice and Areas for Improvement document, thus ensuring that progress is monitored by the SOG, with the aim of reducing the Risk Rating in a timely manner, allowing the SOG to continually challenge and improve working practices and procedures in the MAPPA arena.

Finally, during the reporting period, the RMA have commenced quality assurance work with MAPPA regions in respect of its legislative functions surrounding risk management plans. This work extends into supporting responsible authority teams, particularly Justice Social Work and Police Scotland and will be reflected in the RMA’s business planning for 2025-26.