ASP national minimum dataset

Information and materials

Introduction

ASPCs collect statistical data to help drive improvement and support forward planning, informing policy and practice and shared agendas in support of adults at risk.

Improving data and information, in particular strengthening the focus on outcomes, was identified as a key strand of the ASP improvement programme (2019–22), informed by the 2018 thematic inspection by Care Inspectorate & scrutiny partners. We know that different local practices mean that we have lacked robust and comparable data to show national as well as local trends; or more frequent data captured quarterly. We also lack more person-centred indicators to show the whole ASP journey and tell us more about the people in it.

The response

Iriss was commissioned by the Scottish Government to co-design a new quarterly ASP Minimum Dataset, with and for the sector, that works both locally and nationally to provide robust and comparable data, recognising the challenges in this. 

In 2021 Iriss completed a national mapping exercise of indicators frequently collected — with 22 ASPCs contributing to this — looking at these appreciatively to see which ones showed potential for roll out. We also recruited five core learning partners to co-design an ASP Minimum Dataset prototype, and test it over two quarters, using July–Sept 2022 and Oct–Dec 2022 data, seeking feedback from other critical friends, including multiple stakeholder groups represented in the national Data Reference Group. In addition, we have worked to align any indicators with changes in the new ASP Code of Practice, published July 2022.

Roll out and support available

For roll out, we have adopted a phased approach, appreciative of the changes required at local level to practices and systems.. 
This dedicated web-page contains support materials including:

  • Workbooks (for Phase 1 and Phase 2) to populate with your data. These provide drop down lists for all indicators and scrutiny questions to support reflection and analysis.
  • A Glossary of terms.
  • FAQs about the project.
  • ‘Summary of up-dates’ – highlighting any updates to guidance.
  • Information on when and how to submit your quarterly data.
  • An enquiry form – should you have additional questions.

We will also offer quarterly online drop-ins to support implementation, share progress and hear from you. Invitations to these drop-ins will come via Scottish Government colleagues.  

Phase 1

Phase 1 indicators were provided in the relevant workbook for roll out from April 2023 until being replaced by the Phase 2 indicators for the year commencing April 2024. 

Phase 2

Additional indicators were to Phase 1 for Phase 2. The full set of Phase 2 indicators is contained in the relevant workbook for roll out from April 2024. 

Questions and downloads

We have produced a set of FAQs (attached below) and contact form should you have further questions. The FAQs document also contains information on some of the indicators we explored, but discounted (and our reasons for this), to ensure that any learning is not lost. 

Please ensure that what you are working with aligns with the versions on this webpage.

When and how to submit your data

Quarterly data return dates

  Data collection period (inclusive) Return Deadline Anticipated Reporting to APCs for Management Purposes
Quarter 1 (Phase 2) (24/25) 01.04.24 - 30.06.24 12.08.24 N/A
Quarter 2 (Phase 2) (24/25) 01.07.24 - 30.09.24 11.11.24 January 2025
Quarter 3 (Phase 2) (24/25) 01.10.24 – 31.12.24 11.02.25 N/A
Quarter 4 (Phase 2) (24/25) 01.01.25 – 31.03.25 12.05.25 August 2025

All quarterly returns should be submitted to ASPData@gov.scot using the workbooks provided:

Summary of updates

October 2024

Workbooks updated with:

  • Named contact for the ASP Minimum Dataset for your locality requested (front page)
  • Indicators 10 & 11 - The categories for actions taken following inquiries: concluded without the use of investigatory powers; using investigatory powers have been revised, along with accompanying guidance
  • Indicators 15 a & b - ‘Human trafficking and/or exploitation’ has been added as a principal type of harm
  • Indicators 17 a & b - The following have been added as additional client group categories:
    • Autism / Autism spectrum
    • Palliative care
    • Acquired brain injury
    • Alcohol-related brain damage
  • Revised Glossary entry for LSIs

June 2024

  • Phase 1 workbooks removed from web page

March 2024

  • Guidance relating to Indicators 2 and 3 revised
  • Guidance relating to Indicators 10 and 11 revised

February 2024

  • Quarterly data return dates added
  • Email address for returns added

November 2023

  • Guidance on how to count inquiries without/with use of investigatory powers revised
  • Guidance on how to count Adult Support & Protection Plans (ASPPs) revised
  • Revised FAQs added

October 2023

  • Additional guidance on ASP referral sources added
  • Clarifications made to referrals guidance

August 2023

  • Guidance on the relationship between ASP referrals and S4 inquiries.
  • LSIs – inclusion of NHS codes.
    New fields and instructions added for LSIs taking place in a hospital setting.
  • Two additional scrutiny question.
  • Workbook now captures the submitting LA.

June 2023

  • Guidance on how to count inquiries using investigatory powers.
    Additional guidance provided to support areas with low levels of Council Officers.
  • Changes to ASP referral dropdown categories.
    Replaced ‘Other Child Protection agencies’ with 'Children’s Services' as feedback indicated that this would be more useful.
  • Updated guidance on ASP referral source categories.
    Additional guidance provided, key principles and some illustrative examples to aid use of the categories.

December 2022

  • Health categories within ASP referral sources revised. Changes made reflecting learning and input from partners.

Note: More detail is available on the ASP National Minimum Dataset version history page.

ASP national minimum dataset enquiry