Joint Thematic Review of MAPPA in Scotland - Progress Review

29 June 2017

The background to the joint thematic review of MAPPA in Scotland, the aims and methodology are outlined within our terms of reference which were published on 29 October 2014. Our main report was published on 26 November 2015. This progress review report should be read in conjunction with the original report on the joint thematic review of MAPPA in Scotland.

Our November 2015 report outlined 10 strategic recommendations, requiring a national response. Building upon the multi-agency approach that first introduced MAPPA in 2007, we asked Scottish Government in partnership with the Responsible Authorities to lead and facilitate the delivery of the strategic recommendations ensuring that MAPPA remains effective and efficient. We also invited Scottish Government and Responsible Authorities to provide an action plan in response to our 10 recommendations. The purpose of this review is to monitor progress against those  recommendations. Our findings and the current status of each of the 10 recommendations are contained within this report.

Joint Thematic Review of MAPPA in Scotland, 26 November 2015

Joint thematic review of MAPPA in Scotland - Terms of Reference, 29 October 2014

Recommendations:

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 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.

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.

Publication type: 
Inspection report