DISCLAIMER:
This duty is currently under review and has not yet been formally signed off by the relevant professional association. The information provided is for reference only and should not be treated as final or authoritative guidance. Please verify any decisions against approved sources or seek professional advice. Updates will be published once sign-off is complete.
Simple terms explainer
Councils must assess community care needs when an adult might need support to live safely and well in the community. This means looking at a person’s situation, health, and daily living needs to decide what help could make things easier—such as personal care, support at home, or help to take part in community life. The assessment is about understanding what matters to the person, what risks they face, and what services or support (formal or informal) could best meet their needs.
Legal status
Statutory
Duty category
Adult social care
Housing
Duty type
Public facing
Social determinant of health
Social and community context
Emerging policy and legislation
1
Bodies with shared interest
Health Boards
Integration Joint Boards
Healthcare Improvement Scotland
Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA)
Social Work Scotland
Improvement Service
Standards and frameworks
2