Newsletter - February 2026
Adult Support and Protection Awareness Day 2026
Adult Support and Protection Awareness Day is taking place in February and the theme for this years' event is 'ASP in supportive settings.' Locally we will be focusing on ASP in Care Homes and we will be holding an online learning event for practitioners working with or, in interest in ASP in care homes and/or supportive settings. The event will take place on Thursday 19th February from 9am-1pm and the agenda will include:
A guest speaker on the topic of restrictive practice from the Care Inspectorate; A guest speaker on the topic of Trauma Informed practice;
An overview of North Lanarkshire Council's 'Strategic Case Learning Review: Concerning Events Leading to the Closure of Care Home G" (including opportunities for breakout room discussion)
A spotlight on West Lothian's Care Home Collaborative Team.
The link to register for this event can be found on Eventbrite - West Lothian social policy learning and development home page (opens new window)
Suicide Prevention: 'Creating Hope Together' Action Plan 2026-29
On Thursday 22nd January, the Scottish Government and COSLA launched the new Creating Hope Together Action Plan 2026-29 building on the first three years of Scotland's suicide prevention strategy.
In this, the Scottish Government sets out its vision for suicide prevention in Scotland: to reduce the number of suicide deaths in Scotland, whilst tackling the inequalities that contribute to suicide.
The Action Plan can be found at https://www.gov.scot/publications/creating-hope-together-scotlands-suicide-prevention-action-plan-2026-2029 (opens new window)
Large Scale Investigations: National Guidance
A Large-Scale Investigation, is a specific and time-bound type of Adult Support and Protection investigation. It may be required when there is a belief that a particular service, or an alleged harmer, may be placing more than one adult defined as 'at risk' under Section 3(1) of the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 at risk of harm. Large Scale Investigations apply to services provided by agencies and/or organisations. They can also apply when there is an alleged harmer, unconnected with a service, placing more than one adult at risk of harm.
On 20th October 2025 the Scottish Government published National Guidance for Large- Scale Investigations. This promotes consistent national good practice in Large Scale Investigations while allowing flexibility to reflect local ways of working. It was created by a multi-agency short-life working group, representing different professional perspectives and local areas.
The Pan-Lothian Large-Scale Investigation Protocol is currently being reviewed by Lead Officers to ensure that it aligns with the National Guidance. Once this review has been completed the amended Protocol will be shared with practitioners.
A 7-minute briefing on the National Large-Scale Investigation Guidance can be found National Large-Scale Investigation Guidance - 7 Minute Briefing (opens new window) ; and The full Guidance document can be found National Large-Scale Investigation Guidance (opens new window)
What we have been reading, watching and listening to?
Published in January 2026: Hoarding Disorder: Towards a unified approach beyond disciplines.
Available on the IRISS website (opens new window) (Iris Insight No 78)
Published in September 2025: North Lanarkshire's Strategic Case Review of Concerning Events Leading to the Closure of Care Home
BBC News Article: Woman found guilty of keeping slave for 25 years
BBC News Article: Woman found guilty of keeping slave for 25 years (opens new window)
Published January 2026: Gordon Moody pilot residential gambling harm treatment programme in Scotland - Health and Social Care Alliance
Upcoming Training/Learning
Multi-agency ASP training - Booking via Eventbrite - West Lothian social policy learning and development home page (opens new window)
ASP Awareness Day 2026 - Booking via Eventbrite - West Lothian social policy learning and development home page (opens new window)
The '5 Nations' Adult Safeguarding and Protection Seminar series is returning for 2026.
The seminars will take place on Friday mornings from 10.30am to 12.30pm
- Friday 27th March - Adult Safeguarding - Policy developments across the 5 Nations
- Friday 17th April - Domestic/Intrafamilial Abuse
- Friday 29th May - Adult Safeguarding, Data Protection, and Information Sharing
Email info@safeguardingireland.org to sign up.
You can also access presentations previous presentations at 5 Nations Sept '25 at Safeguarding Ireland (opens new window)