Adult support and protection learning and development: national framework

Section 2: Purpose of the Framework

The purpose of this Framework is to provide a resource which clarifies where ASP learning and development is required, supporting those responsible for meeting those requirements. It also aims to:

• Promote collaborative multi-agency practice to identify and prioritise support and protection of those adults who meet the legislative criteria.
• Support the multi-agency task of assessing, managing and addressing identified need or risk to adults at risk of harm.
• Provide a multi-agency learning and development framework adaptable for local learning and development strategies and evaluation.
• Contribute to best practice through the development of a competent and confident workforce.
• Support the design, implementation and evaluation of multi-agency ASP learning - informed by research and evidence.
• Establish agreed competencies, identifying the relevant knowledge and skills required, according to the roles and responsibilities of the various groups that make up multiagency workforces, including those likely to encounter adults at risk of harm as part of their day-to-day work.
• Emphasise the importance of shared learning and collaborative practice to achieve better outcomes for adults at risk of harm.

The primary focus of this Framework is on workforce learning and development and the Framework strongly emphasises the need for conversation, collaboration and partnership working amongst professional groups at every level. To deliver high quality learning and development opportunities across workforces and to achieve a confident and competent professional workforce there is a need for clear endorsement and support within the leadership of all multi-agency partners. This is particularly relevant to supporting staff participation in multi-agency ASP learning events, which usually offer a richer understanding of professional roles, responsibilities and expertise.

While this Framework is written from a multi-agency perspective, directedat staff already in the workforce, it is worth noting the benefits of inclusion and participation of profession specific students e.g. student teachers, social workers, nurses, allied health professionals/other NHS students and probationary police officers, etc. The primary responsibility for student learning clearly lies with their education provider, but where students join organisations for the length of any practice placement, leaders within organisations should enable multi-agency learning and development events to be inclusive. This ensures not only additional learning and development around ASP, but also the opportunity to reflect on practice alongside experienced colleagues from their own and partner agencies. It also gives students (of whatever professional group) the opportunity to experience the learning and development provision across agencies, which may be supportive in the recruitment and retention of staff.

Alongside professional learning, it is entirely possible that the wider messaging to the general public happens through conversations with colleagues, family and friends, extending the key messages beyond workforces into the public mind.

For further general information on ASP - Iriss Publication - ASP Everyone's Business This publication raises awareness of Adult Support and Protection and its important role and contribution in keeping ‘adults at risk’ safe. It introduces readers to key ASP definitions, duties, processes and stakeholders. This begins with ASP’s origin story, providing the rationale for the introduction of the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act (2007) which gives ASP its name and legislative framework, and places it within a wider legislative context.