Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) in Scotland: national overview report 2021/2022

10. Social Security Scotland

On 8 January 2021, the Management of Offenders etc. (Scotland) Act 2005 (Specification of Persons) Amendment Order 2020 came into force. The 2020 Order amended the Management of Offenders etc. (Scotland) Act 2005 (Specification of Persons) Order 2007 to include Social Security Scotland as a DTC agency under the terms of the 2005 Act and this Order provides for the exchange of certain prescribed information for those individuals subject to MAPPA.

Since becoming a DTC agency on 8 January 2021, Social Security Scotland have updated their operational guidance (which operates as a Memorandum of Understanding), to include Social Work Scotland as one of the organisations they receive notifications from. This ensures appropriate information sharing in order to manage the risk posed by individuals subject to MAPPA for the protection of the public.

Over the course of the last year, Social Security Scotland have established and continued to develop relationships with the Responsible Authorities, and now receive notifications regarding individuals subject to MAPPA. They have continued to support the learning and development opportunities for the teams involved in MAPPA activity and updating guidance where appropriate.

Over the next 12 months Social Security Scotland aim to further develop their relationships throughout the MAPPA network to continue meeting their DTC responsibilities.