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This report explores the embedding of human rights within the social care sectors. In particular, it considers the concept of 'the right to health'. Based on this, the report argues for the rights to 'social care' and 'long-term care' as a human right. Practical applications of these human rights, for instance in self-directed support, decision-making, and workforce issues are discussed.

Appropriate Adults provide communication support to vulnerable victims, witnesses, suspects and accused persons, aged 16 and over, during police investigations. This is statutory guidance for local authorities about their statutory duties relating to the provision of Appropriate Adult services under the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2016.

This revised Code of Practice provides information and detail to support practical application of the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007. It aims to reflect the developments in policy, practice and legislation both in the overall context of adult support and protection and in day-to-day activity.

This suite of Easy Read leaflets supports adults to understand, and participate in, the Adult Support and Protection process. The core set of four leaflets, 'What is Adult Support and Protection?', explains different parts of the ASP process. Other leaflets include information on advocacy, domestic abuse, exploitation, internet safety, consent, and self-neglect/hoarding.

These leaflets were created with local people. They have been based on their experiences and the questions they had about the ASP process.

This guide aims to help people working with adults who have mild or moderate learning disabilities or significant learning needs. It explains how to recognise gender-based violence, and how to respond in a sensitive and suitable way.

This short video is an explanation of what cuckooing is. It uses the example of Ali, a vulnerable adult whose flat was taken over by people so that they could use it as a base for dealing substances.

The video was made by an English local authority (Waltham Forest) but its messages are also relevant in a Scottish context.

The joint inspections programme is led by the Care Inspectorate. It provides independent scrutiny and assurance of how partnerships ensure that adults at risk of harm are kept safe, protected, and supported. Good practice is also identified, supporting improvement more generally across Scotland. All the joint inspections of partnerships are published on the Care Inspectorate's website, accessed via the link.

Most recent joint inspections:

Renfrewshire (Mar 2025)

Following the report Chronologies in Adult Support and Protection: Moving from current to best, these case studies highlight good practice. They cover changes in the system (recording, training, guidance, analysis, risk assessment), exploring these as levers to affect change. By sharing these examples (and building more over time), the intent is inspire others to try different approaches to chronologies.

This briefing intends to provoke a conversation about the power of embracing risk as a natural part of decision making. It questions a blanket definition of risk, and looks at the impact of risk-averse and risk-positive cultures. It encourages reflection on sharing risk, reflecting on professional assumptions around risk in people's lives. Part of the Iriss on... series.