Forums

Voluntary Sector Forum (VSF)

Voluntary Sector Adult Protection sub-group (VSAPsg)

 

The VSAPsg was set up as a sub-group of the Voluntary Sector Forum (VSF), in the first instance to widen the representation from the voluntary sector into the Midlothian Adult Protection Committee and related groups.   One of the main aims is to allow the exchange of information and issues of concern between the voluntary sector and the Adult Protection Committee.

The sub-group is also intended to give the opportunity to organisations to discuss relevant changes to local services, consultation responses, and the implications of new or forthcoming legislation, for example,  the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007; and the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007.

Representation on the APC is currently as follows:

  • George Wilson, Midlothian Voluntary Action
  • Janis Wadge, Ark Community Networks

The VSAPsg is open to all local voluntary organisations and community groups who work with adults.  It might be thought that “adult protection” refer solely to adults with learning disabilities or mental health issues – as can be seen by the definition below that is not the case.   We would encourage any groups who work with adults to join, for example:

  • day care clubs and lunch clubs;
  • groups for people with physical or learning disabilities;
  • groups for people with mental health issues, including dementia;
  • groups for older people;
  • groups for adults using drugs or alcohol;
  • groups working with families;
  • groups for people suffering domestic abuse etc. 

 

We would also welcome any other organisations who are interested, for example, groups working with black and minority ethnic people; LGBT people; etc.

 

The Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007 uses the following definition “a protected adult is defined by the Act as an individual aged 16 or over who receives certain types of health, care or welfare services.  This definition recognises that some adults may always require protection due to the nature or frequency of services they receive, while others may do so only for short periods, for example, while visiting a dentist.  The Act identifies the following services, receipt of which makes an individual a protected adult:

    • certain care services registered under the Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act 2001;
    • certain public and private healthcare services to be identified in regulations;
    • certain community care services; and
    • certain welfare services to be identified in regulations.

 

Any member of the Voluntary Sector in Midlothian interested in this sub-group should contact Margaret Nisbet, Information Officer at 0131 663 9471. 

Information on meetings is also available on the MVA Events Calendar.

Back to VSF page