Public protection national leadership group minutes - January 2026

Attendees and apologies

• Angela Scott, Chair of NPPLG, Chief Executive of Aberdeen City Council 
• Elaine Torrance, group member, Adult Support and Protection and Convener of Dundee Adult Protection Committee
• Tam Baillie, group member, Child Protection Committees Scotland
• Alison White, group member, Chair of West Lothian ADP
• Carron McDiarmid, group member Independent Chair of Highland ADP
• Tracey McFall, group member, Independent Chair of Argyll and Bute ADP
• Sophie Gwyther, group member, Violence Against Women and Girls Partnership 
• Alan Small, group member, Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) Tayside
• Lynsey Smith, group member, Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) Glasgow
• Julie White, group member, Chief Executive of NHS Dumfries and Galloway
• Eddie Docherty, Vice Chair of NPPPLG, Executive Nurse Director NHS Lanarkshire
• Fiona Duncan, group member, Chief Social Work Officer for Highlands
• DCS Sarah Taylor, group member, Head of Public Protection Police Scotland
• Jon Henderson, group member, Assistant Chief Office and Director of Prevention, Protection and Preparedness Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
• Nicola Dickie, group member, Director of People Policy CoSLA
• Donna Bell, group member, Director of Social Care and National Care Service Development Scottish Government
• Andrew Watson, group member, Director for Children and Families Scottish Government
• Iona Colvin, group member, Chief Social Work Adviser Scottish Government
• Sinead Power, group member, Unit Head Public Protection Scottish Government
• Jackie Irvine, group member, Chief Executive of the Care Inepectorate

Items and actions

Welcome to the sixth e-update of the National Public Protection Leadership Group (the “NPPLG”). This update covers the ninth meeting of the NPPLG that was held on 27th of January 2026. We, the NPPLG, will write out to you after each future meeting to share with you a summary of what we’ve discussed, decisions that we’ve taken, and updates on pieces of work that we are supporting or leading. We hope you find these updates helpful and welcome any feedback and suggestions regarding the content.

 

Update on Workstreams

Priority 1: enhancing our culture of learning through reviews:

This workstream is strengthening national consistency in how Scotland learns from public protection reviews. Recent activity has centred on developing a single summary of all review types and governance and exploring a national escalation process for issues arising from local reviews. The workstream is also clarifying terminology around learning reviews and supporting partners to prepare for the Domestic Homicide and Suicide Review implementation. The immediate focus is on reducing duplication, improving national learning loops, and ensuring review findings lead to system level improvement.

Our ask of Chief Officers Group (COGs): Support is welcomed, particularly around identifying a new Chair for the Joint CP/AP Learning Review Group.

 

Priority 2: enhancing our culture of learning through independent scrutiny and inspection:

The Scrutiny and Inspection workstream is evolving in light of national developments, in particular the multiagency national Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation (CSAE) review. Recent updates from the Care Inspectorate have helped clarify the scope and sequencing of national scrutiny activity, with staff temporarily redirected to meet statutory review requirements. The group will continue to explore long-term-term opportunities for a more 
proportionate, strategic approach to public protection assurance once capacity allows.

 

Priority 3: enhancing our culture of learning through supporting the public protection workforce:

This workstream is progressing a national understanding of public protection learning and development through Iriss’ Scotland wide mapping. The project is drawing together training calendars and local insights with a view to identifying gaps in training , while also linking with the work being undertaken by the National CSAE Workforce Subgroup. National reforms, including the refreshed Social Work Education Framework and ASP Learning & Development Framework, are shaping the wider context. The focus remains on building a shared view of core skills, strengthening trauma-informed approaches, and clarifying what should be delivered “Once for Scotland”.

Our ask of COGs: The workstream welcomes examples of innovative local practice and insights into workforce needs.
 

Priority 4: tackling the difficult issues of information sharing to enhance multi agency oversight of chronologies:

This workstream is examining the complex and variable landscape of information sharingarrangements across Scotland. Discussions have highlighted longstanding barriers, including inconsistent protocols and challenges in engaging with health systems, particularly primary care. The subgroup is reviewing historic national work, gathering examples of effective practice, and connecting with inspection bodies to understand systemwide opportunities. The focus is on clarifying the ambition, scope and feasibility of national work in this area, with attention to alignment with the national CSAE work. Further detail on the progress being made with the National Chronologies Group is provided  on page 5 of this newsletter, along with an invite to join the National Chronologies Implementation Subgroup. 

Our ask of COGs: Partnerships with strong local approaches are encouraged to share learning as the information sharing part of the workstream refines its direction.

 

Priority 5: tackling the difficult issues of having the right data for improvement and assurance and risk escalation at a local and national level:

Building on the January public protection data workshop, the subgroup is exploring approaches being taken in local areas including Aberdeen’s emerging whole system risk framework and Dumfries & Galloway’s integrated dataset, and how they may inform a national approach to understanding risk and protective factors across public protection. A short life working group is now in place to map datasets, identify gaps and consider the data needed at individual, locality and strategic levels. The focus remains on improving early identification of harm, aligning national and local datasets, and supporting prevention. 

Our ask of COGs: Contributions from areas with active data or analytical projects are welcomed.

 

Priority 6: tackling the difficult issues of transitions and pathways between services:

This workstream is broadening its scope to reflect the importance of contextual safeguarding and the complex transitions experienced by children, young people and adults. Engagement to date has highlighted examples of effective pathways, including single appointment models and integrated family support. The focus remains on sharing good practice, identifying barriers, and ensuring alignment with related NPPLG priorities. Following the submission of a 3MB from the Child Proection Committess (CPC) Scotland Contextual Safeguarding Subgroup, further consideration will be given to this within this workstream, ensuring that connections are made to CSAE work as appropriate. 

Our ask of COGs: Offers of local examples, research and partnership insights are encouraged as the workstream continues to develop.
 

Scottish Government Policy Developments

Domestic Homicide & Suicide Review (DHSR) – Consultation and Next Steps

Members shared strong views about the recently‑launched consultation on the Domestic homicide and suidide review (DHSR) statutory guidance. NPPLG has prepared a coordinated response that reflects the need for:

• clearer integration with existing learning review structures,
• recognition of COG roles, and
• practical implementation timelines aligned to commencement on 1 April 2026.

NPPLG will work closely with national partners to support constructive engagement and next 
steps.

 

Missing Persons Framework – Enhanced National Focus

The refreshed National Missing Persons Framework continues to play an important role in early identification of harm. NPPLG noted links between missing episodes, contextual risks, CSAE and wider safeguarding concerns, including emerging links to education settings. We will revisit this theme in April and encourage COGs to review the Framework, noting that an associated self-evaluation tool is being developed. A reminder that the link to the Framework can be found here: National Missing Persons Framework for Scotland 2025.

 

Updates and Items of Interest

Meeting with Professor Alexis Jay – Key Themes for 2026

The Chair provided an update on a constructive meeting with Professor Alexis Jay, Chair of the National CSAE Strategic Group. Key themes highlighted include:

• strengthening Data, Intelligence and Early Warning Systems
• improving National Approaches to Learning from Harm
• clarifying Interfaces Across CSAE, Child Criminal Exploitation and Other Protection Agendas
• strengthening Prevention, Public Awareness and Community Engagement
• protecting Children During Key Transitions
• governance, Alignment and Avoiding Duplication Across National Groups

Connections are now in place between the NPPLG and the National CSAE Strategic Group and the Children and Families National Leadership Group co-chair. The NPPLG will now refine its workplan to reflect these themes, with quarterly chairs meeting planned throughout 2026.
 

Mandatory Reporting – Early Conversations

The National Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Strategic Group has agreed to create a subgroup: the Mandatory Reporting Task and Finish Group. Mandatory reporting is a legal requirement for certain professionals to report known or suspected cases of child abuse and/or neglect to relevant authorities. The subgroup’s role will be to develop one or more preferred options for mandatory reporting in Scotland, which could form the basis of future public consultation. The subgroup will aim to complete its work and report to the National CSAE Strategic Group with its recommendations during 2026.  The proposed Terms of Reference and membership of the subgroup will be finalised and agreed with the Chair who has now been appointed: Dr Ariane Critchley from the University of Stirling. While not formally accountable to Ministers, the work of the group will inform advice 
to Ministers and policy development on CSAE. The Scottish Government will produce minutes, which will be unattributed due to the sensitive nature of the subject matter, with the aim of promoting free and frank discussion in meetings. These minutes will be published on gov.scot. The first meeting of the subgroup will take place on 19th February.

 

National Chronologies Group Update

Technical Solution Review Subgroup – Progress

The subgroup has continued to explore the complex systems landscape underpinning chronology creation and information‑sharing. Discussions have focused on identifying synergies across local and national governance structures, including work linked to data standards, transparency, interoperability and legal frameworks. Strengthened links have been formed with Soiciety of Local Authority Lawyers (SOLAR), the Local Government Data Standards Board, the Improvement  Service/Scalable Approach to Vulnerability via Interoperabilty (SAVVI), the ICO, and Scottish Government digital programmes. Digital Chronology Development Digital Health and Care Innovation Centre (DHI) Scotland continues to support the design of a digital joint inter‑agency chronology. A prototype has now been developed, alongside international research on chronology systems, and shared for member review. Further design work, including technical exploration of AYRshare, will shape future options. A final report from DHI is expected at the end of February. Practice, Inspection and LearningThe Care Inspectorate has reported gradual improvement in the quality of chronologies nationally, though variation persists. Follow‑up with East Dunbartonshire is underway to distil practical learning that can be shared across Scotland. Members highlighted the need to ensure training, processes and expectations are applied consistently across services. 
 

Chief Officer Group (COG) Public Protection Induction Resource – Seeking Early Views

NPPLG is exploring whether a light touch refresh of the existing COG induction resource would be helpful following feedback that it requires updating to reflect the expanded scope of public protection.

Before progressing this conversation, we would welcome short reflections from partners:

• is a refresh needed?
• would it support local coherence across the six public protection strands?
• are there priority areas you would like to see included?

Our ask of COGs: Please send any brief comments to NPPLG@aberdeencity.gov.uk.

 

Scottish Government misogyny public awareness campaign

On 16 February 2026, the Scottish Government launched a public awareness campaign tackling misogyny. Aiming to encourage boys and young men to think before sharing or interacting with harmful content, the campaign highlights the hurt that misogynistic social media can cause to women and girls – including those known to them – in real life.

The campaign is set to run for five weeks across online channels including Instagram, Snapchat, Twitch and YouTube, as well as outdoor advertising. Alongside messaging aimed at young people, the campaign includes messaging directed at an older audience – primarily focused on parents to inform them about the scale and impact of misogynistic content and support them to have conversations with young people who may become caught up in it.

The campaign was developed with the support of a steering group of VAWG experts and cocreated with young people. Please share this with colleagues in your local area and help amplify the message of this important campaign.

Tackling Misogyny - New Campaign Launch | Scottish Government Marketing News

Tackling Misogyny Campaign Toolkit

 

Matters raised by 3 Minute Brieftings (3MBs)

If there is a matter you would like to escalate to the NPPLG for consideration, please complete a 3 Minute Briefing using the template at the end of this newsletter and send it to the Secretariat at NPPLG@aberdeencity.gov.uk.

 

Contextual Safeguarding 3MB

At our January meeting, we received a 3MB from the Contextual Safeguarding Core Group of Child Protection Committees Scotland. The submission highlights growing interest in contextual safeguarding across Scotland, an approach that protects young people from harm occurring outside the family home, such as in peer groups, schools, communities and online environments. Implementation is increasing across Scotland, but it argues that progress is uneven due to limited national direction, information‑sharing barriers and variable local capacity. The Core Group advises that a clear national strategic approach, supported by guidance, training and resourcing, is now essential to achieve consistent, sustainable implementation.

Contextual safeguarding featured strongly in NPPLG’s January discussions. Members emphasised the need to recognise risks arising in these spaces, and to reflect these within transitions, exploitation and wider public protection pathways.

NPPLG will work with co-sponsors of Priority 6 to embed contextual safeguarding into the refreshed scope and ensure alignment with national policy development.

 

3-Minute Briefings: New Workshop Format Well Received

At the January meeting, NPPLG trialled a workshop-style approach to exploring a 3MB on whistle blowing. This format received positive feedback for enabling deeper engagement, practical problem solving and cross agency support.

Going forward, NPPLG will continue to use facilitated discussion sessions for selected 3MBs, creating space for members to explore challenges collaboratively. Individuals or groups submitting 3MBs to the NPPLG will be invited to join a workshop-style discussion to explore the issue they have raised. 

Please continue to use the 3MB mechanism to escalate emerging risks or seek national advice.

 

Raised by: Aberdeen City COG

Topic: Home education - Concerns were raised about home educating, particularly in relation to children who had never attended school and potential risks they may face as we may have no awareness of their existence.

NPPLG Meeting Discussed At: 29 April 2025

Outcome of Discussion: The issue was flagged as needing further attention and possibly a national response due to its implications for child protection. It was agreed that this issue should be raised with the Scottish Government’s Learning Directorate by CPC Scotland and the Chief Social Work Advisor.

Update: Scottish Government officials met with the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills before Christmas to discuss options for a review into current home education arrangements. The intention is that the review will commence during the current Parliament. Officials are now shaping the scope and timelines of the review, and will engage with partners on this in due course.

 

Raised by: Child Protection Unit - SG

Topic: Whistleblowing - Challenges with current whistleblowing procedures, especially in terms of clarity and confidence among staff to raise concerns.

NPPLG Meeting Discussed at: 29 April 2025

Outcome of Disscussion: SOLACE representative to facilitate access to Local Government HR function. The item to be brought back to group following further discovery work

Update: A workshop on Complaints and Whistleblowing, led by Lesley Brown, highlighted Petition PE1979 and increasing public and political scrutiny of how concerns are raised and how child safeguarding enquiries are handled by public bodies. Discussions across groups emphasised the need for safe and open organisational culture that encourages concerns to be raised early , greater independence and consistency in investigations, and clearer shared definitions of whistleblowing. Participants noted links to wider safeguarding reforms and stressed improving practice through better use of existing guidance rather than creating new frameworks. The opportunity to learn from NHS whistleblowing structures which are in place locally and nationally was also noted. Next steps include consolidating the feedback, linking with COSLA’s ongoing work, and dentifying areas requiring national support, with updates to be provided to the NPPLG.

 

Raised by: National Health Leadership Group for Adult Support and Protection (SHLAP)

Topic: Self-harm – Concerns were raised about an emerging area of concern regarding young people engaging in self-harm by ingesting batteries, with evidence of escalation and peer encouragement via social media.

NPPLG Meeting Discussed at: 30 October 2025:

Outcome of Disscussion: The NPPLG recognised the scale of the issue and agreed to seek feedback from across Scotland via the newsletter.

Update: 3MB included in previous newsletter for feedback and advice. No new information received to date.

 

Rasied by: CPC Scotland Contextual Safeguarding Core Group

Topic: Contextual Safeguarding - To highlight growing national uptake of contextual safeguarding but emphasises the inconsistent progress.

NPPLG Meeting Discussed at: 27 Jan 2026

Outcome of Discussion: The NPPLG agreed to include Contextual Safeguarding within the scope of Priority Six in the Workplan

 

Learning Events 

We have two learning events scheduled for this year so far. These sessions are currently in development, and further details will be shared with partners soon.

• Tuesday 26th May, 4-5pm – Showcase of Dumfries and Galloway’s Integrated Dataset

• Tuesday 29th September, 4-5pm – Learning from Dundee Grooming Case (tbc)

Future Meetings

Future meetings of the NPPLG have been scheduled for:

• Tuesday 28th April 2026, 10am-1pm

• Tuesday 21st July 2026, 10am-1pm

• Tuesday 27th October 2026, 10am-1pm

Contact details

Your feedback regarding this e-update, or any other matter relating to the NPPLG, is very welcome. Please email the NPPLG Secretariat: NPPLG@aberdeencity.gov.uk. If you have a matter that you would like to escalate to the NPPLG, you can do so by either contacting one of the members, or by completing the 3 minute briefing template at Appendix 1 and sending it to the Secretariat for consideration.