The Guidance has been developed to ensure that any concerns about an adult at risk are responded to quickly and proportionately, in a way that is transparent to all. This Guidance has been informed by The Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 (the Act) which addressed Adult Support and Protection through introducing seven key elements which are, establishing legal principles, defining an adult at risk and harm, placing statutory duties on Councils to inquire and investigate, ensuring a duty of co-operation for key statutory partners, introducing offences, protection orders, and a duty to establish Adult Protection Committees. Our aspiration is that all people will be able to keep themselves safe from harm without the need for professionals becoming involved in their lives; however, until this is a reality, we will continue to work together to provide the right support at the right time.
This document aims to provide initial guidance for staff of any West Dunbartonshire partner agency who, in the course of their work, may come into contact with adults who neglect themselves and/or their property and possessions. This includes adults who are affected by Hoarding Disorder, and other chronic conditions that result in excessive clutter or disorganisation. In addition to the guidance the recently published 'Hoarding Disorder: Towards a unified approach beyond disciplines' provides a helpful overview of the range of issues in this complex area of work and provide further information on hoarding and the steps currently being taken to develop a national approach. https://www.iriss.org.uk/resources/insights/hoarding-disorder-towards-unified-approach-beyond-disciplines [Iriss, January 2026]
This Guidance aligns West Dunbartonshire practice to the National Guidance for Child Protection Committees Undertaking Learning Reviews (2024) and the National Guidance for Adult Protection Committees Undertaking Learning Reviews (2022).
This multi-agency guidance sits alongside any single agency guidance within your own organisation and you should also ensure you are familiar with your own organisations single agency guidance.
This West Dunbartonshire Large Scale Investigation Guidance was developed and adapted for local use from the revised West of Scotland Large Scale Investigation Guidance (September 2019) which was developed by the West of Scotland Adult Support and Protection Leads and Coordinators Group and has been endorsed for use by West Dunbartonshire Adult Protection Committee & the HSCP Senior Management Team.
The West of Scotland Inter Agency Support and Protection Practice Guidance provides an overview of the process to support and protect when harm happens to an adult at risk. It details the action to be taken by agencies when harm is identified; the timescales for referrals; the process of inquiries and investigations and case conferences.
This booklet provides a brief overview of the procedures used in West Dunbartonshire and should be used as guidance only.
The toolkit has a wide range of resources to use which have been developed and reviewed by a number of agencies and professionals.
