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, health services, and the police must work together to protect adults who cannot keep themselves safe because of things like disability, illness, or being more vulnerable. An “adult at risk” is someone who may be being harmed, is unable to protect themselves, and needs support to stay safe. ASP allows professionals to look into concerns, offer help, and, if needed, take steps to protect the person from harm, always trying to respect their rights and choices.

Legal status

Statutory


Duty category

Adult social care


Duty type

Public facing


Social determinant of health

Health and social care

Related data returns

Adult Support and Protection Biennial Report - Submission to Scottish Government every two years. Evidences how local Adult Protection Committees have exercised their statutory functions to safeguard adults at risk, including achievements, challenges, and improvement activity.

Dynamic Support Register Return - Biannual submission to Public Health Scotland. Collects individual-level data on people with learning disabilities and complex care needs to support councils in planning services and safeguarding vulnerable adults.

Adult Support and Protection National Minimum Dataset -  Quarterly submission to Scottish Government. Provides data on adult protection referrals, inquiries, investigations, protection plans and orders, enabling oversight of how councils fulfil their duties to protect adults at risk of harm.

Bodies with shared interest

Police Scotland
Care Inspectorate
Healthcare Improvement Scotland
Health Boards
Health and Social Care Scotland (HSCS)
Social Work Scotland
Mental Welfare Commission

Standards and frameworks


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