Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA): overview report 2019 to 2020

5.0 ViSOR

ViSOR is the Home Office's recognised IT system designed to support MAPPA by assisting co-operative working between the Responsible Authorities in their joint management of individuals subject to the arrangements. It is an important intelligence and secure information sharing tool in relation to these individuals and is the agreed system used by Scotland's MAPPA Responsible Authorities in accordance with the MAPPA National Guidance 2016 and under the duty to cooperate, both of which are underpinned by the Management of Offenders etc (Scotland) Act 2005 - Section 10.

The Scottish Government has worked with the Responsible Authorities to consider and develop solutions to issues which impact on the effective and efficient use of this multi-agency information sharing system, including through the Short Life Working Group where we continue to explore with national partners where further support is required.

This Group met three times within the reporting period and gave consideration to the following key issues regarding the system:

• Accessibility;
• Usability; and
• Vetting.

The Group considered how best to address these and the option of engaging with local authorities to deliver national multi-agency raising awareness events was discussed. It was agreed that a detailed myth-busting leaflet about ViSOR may also be helpful. However, in light of the Covid-19 pandemic this work had to be paused.