Significant progress has been made by services in West Lothian in ensuring adults at risk of harm are safe, protected and supported.
A progress review was published today carried out by the Care Inspectorate, Healthcare Improvement Scotland and His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland, following a previous joint inspection of adult support and protection conducted in 2022.
Inspectors found that the partnership had implemented and embedded changes in practice that led to substantial improvement to the quality and consistency of initial inquiry work, though inquiry delays was an area for attention.
Significant progress had also been made to managing risk. Chronologies, risk assessments and protection plans were consistently applied. The quality of risk assessments and protection plans was substantially improved since the last inspection, though the quality of chronologies remained an area for improvement.
The consistency and quality of adult support and protection investigations had also significantly improved. This was driven by some good initiatives that provided clarity for staff and grew their confidence. However, the outcomes of interagency referral discussions needed to be better shared to further strengthen the partnership's approach.
In management oversight and strategic governance key changes had been made to front line processes that drove up the consistency and quality of work. Structural changes to governance arrangements were effectively driving improvement.
Representation for those with lived experience remained an area for improvement. The partnership demonstrated some useful concepts but hadn't deployed these since the last inspection.
Executive councillor for Social Work and Health, Anne McMillan said: "Adult Support and Protection is a key priority for West Lothian Council and partnership organisations.
"The partnership in West Lothian is West Lothian Council, NHS and Police Scotland all of whom have a vital role in Adult Support and Protection.
"I am very pleased that the Care Inspectorate and partners has recognised the significant progress that has been made and continues to be made.
"There is a continued need to make ongoing improvement across all services but staff deserve a huge amount of credit for their work in this area, and in the progress to date."
Jackie Irvine, Chief Executive of the Care Inspectorate, said: "The partnership made significant progress in relation to its key processes since the last inspection. The approach implemented by strategic leaders was sound and integrated. Overall, there was better continuity across key processes than previously. Inquiries, investigations and case conferences linked well together.
"We will continue to engage with the partnership. We are confident their robust approach will tackle the remaining areas for improvement highlighted."
The full report can be read here.
