Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland (HMICS) and the Care Inspectorate have worked jointly to undertake a proportionate, risk-based and intelligence led review of MAPPA in Scotland.
The multi-agency public protection arrangements (MAPPA) were set up in 2007 to co-ordinate the approach of a range of agencies who work together to reduce the potential risk of serious harm posed by registered sex offenders and keep communities safe.
This report presents the findings of the review into how well these arrangements contribute to public protection.
This inspection was carried out between October 2014 and November 2015. Evidence was sought from more than 500 practitioners involved in the delivery of MAPPA across Scotland and 10% of records maintained on the Violent and Sex Offender Register (ViSOR) were scrutinised. We also observed the risk management review of 45 sex offenders discussed at 17 MAPPA meetings across the country and undertook analysis of 78 case records. This approach provided an in-depth understanding of the operational and strategic delivery of MAPPA.
It should be stressed that while the fundamental purpose of MAPPA is to protect the public, MAPPA and the work of Responsible Authorities cannot entirely eradicate risk. Although the number of sex offenders identified and managed through MAPPA continues to rise, sex offenders managed at Level 2 and 3 continues to reduce each year.
A number of areas for development that can be delivered at an operational level have been identified. Ten recommendations which are of a strategic nature, requiring a national response, have been made.
The Scottish Government and Responsible Authorities will be asked to provide an action plan in response to the recommendations. Progress will be monitored against this plan.
Number | Recommendation |
|---|---|
1 | Scottish Government in partnership with Responsible Authorities should work together to produce additional guidance on the parameters and minimum practice standards for conducting an Environmental Risk Assessment which is proportionate, practicable and sustainable. |
2 | Scottish Government in partnership with the Risk Management Authority and Responsible Authorities should provide additional guidance to enable staff to better assess the risk posed by internet offenders. |
3 | Scottish Government in partnership with Responsible Authorities should undertake a technical capacity and capability review of equipment, training and guidance required to support staff in monitoring the use of social media devices by registered sex offenders to ensure compliance with licence conditions. |
4 | Scottish Government in partnership with Responsible Authorities should develop a strategy to address the risks posed to children and young people from ‘sexting’ in order to build healthy respect and avoid the potential for exploitation and criminalisation. |
5 | Scottish Government in partnership with Responsible Authorities should collaborate in order to develop minimum practice standards for the management of Level 1 registered sex offenders in order to support consistent and efficient practice. |
6 | Scottish Government in partnership with Responsible Authorities should review the function and role of the MAPPA Co-ordinator to ensure compliance with agreed guidance and to meet the challenges of the MAPPA extension. |
7 | Scottish Government should lead on the development and delivery of an action plan in order to overcome the barriers to the effective and efficient usage of ViSOR by Criminal Justice Social Work, outlining owners and timeframes. |
8 | Scottish Government in partnership with Responsible Authorities should design a national public engagement strategy regarding offender management that includes the management of registered sex offenders in the community. |
9 | Scottish Government in partnership with Responsible Authorities should establish a robust national governance structure to develop and utilise trend data relating to sex offending to better inform strategic planning for the continued effective and efficient delivery of MAPPA. |
10 | Scottish Government in partnership with Responsible Authorities should develop and introduce a structured and standardised process to maximise the learning and development emanating from both Initial Case Reviews and Significant Case Reviews. |