Appropriate Adult Service (Tayside)

The development of a sustainable Appropriate Adult Service with national oversight to promote consistency has been identified as necessary to support the commencement of a new duty in Section 42 of 2016 Act which requires the police to request support for vulnerable individuals in police custody.

It has been agreed by the three local authorities across Tayside (Dundee City, Perth and Kinross and Angus Councils) that a joint Service is procured and that this is managed by Perth and Kinross Council.

The Service will be managed through the contract and will have an appointed provider to manage a team of self-employed Appropriate Adults.

The Appropriate Adults Co-ordinator role for Tayside will involve:

• Being responsible for the management and delivery of the Appropriate Adult Service in Tayside, assess and evaluate information relating to that service and identify current trends and gaps in service

provision. Responsible for managing performance and disciplinary issues, and lead on the recruitment and training of Appropriate Adults to the service.

• Responsible for setting annual budget for service and managing all financial matters including authorisation of expenses, purchase of equipment, print supplies and training costs.
• Maintain and further develop effective partnerships between Police Scotland (D Division) and relevant stakeholders and arrange and attend Management Group meetings as required.
• Contribute nationally to the management and development of Appropriate Adult Services across Scotland through attendance at national meetings.
• contracts and HR support, finance support for payments, control room support for Appropriate Adults regarding call outs, worker safety and traffic guidance as well as training as required.

Whilst the service will be provided across Tayside, it will be Perth and Kinross Council who will act as the host authority and Contract Administrator.

The role of an Appropriate Adult is primarily to facilitate communication during police procedures between the police and vulnerable adults aged 16 and over who have communication difficulties as a result of a mental disorder. This also applies to designated officers of the specific agencies detailed in Section 42 (3) of the 2016 Act.

The Appropriate Adult shall provide information, guidance and support to vulnerable adults whilst in Court if accused or as a witness. There may be other circumstances where an Appropriate Adult may be required, but these will be negotiated on an individual basis and in agreement with the host authority Perth and Kinross Council.

The Provider will co-ordinate the service from accessible premises based in Tayside.

The Service will be available to individuals 365 days of the year, 24 hours per day, including weekends and public holidays. The Service Co-ordinator or equivalent will ensure that there is personnel available 24 hours per day, 365 days per year to respond to requests.