The safety of local adults at risk of harm has been maintained throughout the pandemic due to strong partnership working in West Lothian according to a new report.
A recent Care Inspectorate led joint inspection of adult support and protection in West Lothian highlighted both a number of areas of strength and those that require further improvement.
Key strengths included: the collaboration between council, health and police staff who make up the adult protection partnership; the comprehensive, rolling quality assurance programme instigated within the partnership and how strategic leadership efficiently managed adult support and protection during the pandemic.
Priority areas for improvement related to a number of social work key processes and procedures, including those relating to initial inquiries and investigations, risk assessment and planning alongside ensuring that there is a greater level of managerial oversight at all key processes.
Chair of the Adult Protection Committee, Detective Superintendent Matt Paden said: “The committee will carefully consider each and every recommendation within the report and has already devised and commenced work as part of a comprehensive Improvement Plan. We are collectively determined to seek continuous improvement of adult support and protection work to ensure all adults at risk of harm are safeguarded.
“As highlighted within the report the committee has already introduced a rolling programme of activity to support delivery in a number of the key recommendations areas. With the continued strong partnership approach and collaboration, I am confident and determined to deliver in full on each of the recommendations.”
West Lothian Council’s executive councillor for social work and health, Anne McMillan, added: “We acknowledge there are a number of improvements to be made and we are committed to progressing these as quickly as possible. Adult protection is of the utmost importance in West Lothian.”
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