Transforming public protection

Published

14th August 2018

Efforts to strengthen the protection of vulnerable children and adults across Dundee are to be considered by councillors.

A Transforming Public Protection Programme is proposed to help further improve the work undertaken by the council and partner agencies.

Council leader John Alexander believes the time is right to make the move.

He explained: “We cannot and will not shy away from the real problems that exist in the city and we must continually look in the mirror if we are to improve the lives of every Dundonians. I am committed to making Dundee a better place and that starts with recognising where we need to do better. The launch of the drug misuse commission earlier this year shows how we are determined to confront the difficulties that face our city.

“Investment in our economy is creating more opportunities, but there is still a lot of work to do to ensure that we can tackle the challenges that cause serious problems for individuals and our communities.

“Two national inspection reports into our adult support and protection arrangements and children’s services have given us an insight into how we take the situation forward.

“Our two year action plan shows how determined we are to transform public protection for the future.”

The council’s policy and resources committee will consider a report on Monday (August 20) outlining key areas of transformation. This includes the improvement of support systems and an increase in the use of digital technology. The programme aims to ensure that professional practice is consistently strong and that learning and development has a higher priority.

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Councillor Alexander added: “I would like to thank the people who work in our child and adult protection services for the dedication they show in the face of sometimes harrowing circumstances.

“They are the absolute bedrock of public protection in Dundee and this transformation programme is about giving them improved support to be able to continue to make a significant difference to the lives of vulnerable children and adults.

“I want to ensure that they have strong leadership to support them.

“I am proud that we are a caring city. This programme will help continue that for the years ahead.”

Dundee City Council

Dundee draws skilled workers from a 60-minute catchment population of 640,000 and has a local population of over 140,000. The availability of a large pool of highly skilled labour is a key feature in the Dundee economy. Flexibility in the labour force is currently more prevalent in Dundee than in Scotland as a whole. All forms of labour market flexibility - part-time, temporary employment, self-employment and shift work - are widely operational within the city. Labour force stability in the city is excellent, enabling companies to plan with confidence. Labour turnover levels are less than 5% and absenteeism averages 2%.

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