- If your request is urgent and during normal working hours, call us on 01546 605517.
- If your request is urgent and outwith normal working hours, or on a public holiday, call the social work emergency line on 01631 566 491 or 01631 569712.
- If you think it is an emergency situation, you can call the police on 999
- If your enquiry is not urgent, you can send us your enquiry using our social work enquiry form
About the committee
The Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 set up multi-agency Adult Protection Committees in every council area. The Committee monitors and reviews what is happening in Argyll and Bute to safeguard adults. It is made up of senior staff from many of the agencies involved in protecting adults who may be at risk.
These include staff from the council, the NHS and the Police.
Their role is to come together on a regular basis to:
- Look at the work being done in Argyll and Bute to support and protect adults at risk and make sure all the different agencies are working well together to do this
- Give information or advice to those people whose work involves protecting adults who may be at risk
- Set up training for the staff doing this kind of work and make sure as many staff as possible from the different agencies know about the Adult Support and Protection Act and know what they should do if they believe an adult is being harmed
Meet our Committee Members
We welcome Alex Davidson as the Chair of the Adult Support and Protection committee for the partnership.
Alex says:
"The Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 seeks to protect and benefit adults at risk of being harmed. It requires councils and a range of public bodies to work together to support and protect adults who are unable to ensure the safety of themselves, their property or their rights.
Most adults with mental health problems, physical or learning disabilities, or ill-health can and do live comfortable and secure independent lives, often with support from relatives, friends and neighbours, and also care professionals and volunteers. However, a small number of adults may experience harm, such as physical abuse, bullying or threats, being forced or pressured into sexual activities, having money or possessions taken, not receiving the care they need.
Adult protection through local partnership sees public bodies working together to assess whether an adult is vulnerable to being harmed and be able to intervene and help where appropriate, while also trying to ensure the individual’s right to independent living."
Jacqueline Osborne is the Lead Officer for Adult Protection, she says
"I was appointed as new Lead Officer – Adult Protection in January 2022. Throughout my career I have been employed in health and social care, with local authorities and the third sector, working with people living with sensory impairment, dementia, learning disability and mental health. I have been involved professionally in the lives of many people who have been subject to abuse, so often owing to their vulnerability, and have seen the devastating immediate and long term effects it has on people.
That’s why I am delighted to be part of Argyll and Bute’s HSCP Adult Protection service and an Adult Protection Committee member. Together we are working to ensure that both professionals and the public are informed with up-to-date knowledge, about abuse in all its guises, and understand how best to recognise and prevent it.
A referral to social work about concerns you might have for an individual could ensure that someone receives the attention and support they need. We know that the pandemic has resulted in many vulnerable people being less visible in our communities so more than ever it’s vital that we work together to connect those jigsaw pieces. Our services will continue to work hard to support and protect adults at risk of harm but it is up to all of us to play our part."
Gillian Davies is the Mental Health Consultant Nurse for the Argyll and Bute Health and partnership. She joined the Adult Protection Committee In February 2018 and has brought with her a wealth of experience. She has recently been involved in the Mental Health re-design strategy as well as contributing to the Adults with Incapacity Consultation for the Scottish Government. Gillian says
“I feel it is important to be a member of the Adult Support and protection Committee as I can ensure that vulnerable adults with Mental Illness are protected from harm."
Brian Gibson is the superintendent for operations for Argyll and Bute and West Dunbartonshire he says
“The joint work in Argyll and Bute between the NHS, Social Work Department and Police Scotland and our independent and voluntary partners has seen many successes. We are committed to building upon this partnership. In so doing we can look to ensure that those persons who are at risk of any sort of harm are protected and where appropriate offenders brought to justice."
Meetings
The Adult Protection Committee in Argyll and Bute meets every quarter.
Minutes
Reports
Argyll and Bute Adult Protection Committee Annual Report - April 2018 to March 2020
Argyll and Bute Adult Protection Committee Biennial Report - April 2016 - March 2018
Argyll and Bute Adult Protection Committee Biennial Report April 2014 - March 2016
Argyll and Bute Adult Protection Committee Annual Report - April 2012 to March 2013
The Adult Support and Protection Act asks all Adult Protection Committees to produce a report every two years on their work. Argyll and Bute’s Adult Protection Committee has now produced three Biennial Reports covering the years 2008-2010, 2010-2012 and 2013-14.
What to do if you are worried about someone
It is everyone’s business to help protect adults who may be at risk. If you know someone who you believe is being harmed please tell us so that we can help them to protect themselves.
If you believe that someone is in urgent need of help to keep them safe please contact the police on 999.
If you want to report harm you think or know is happening to an adult, you can contact Argyll and Bute Social Work Department on 01546 605517