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This service is managed by Health and Community Care

Public protection committee

The Public Protection Committee brings together organisations across Orkney to help keep people safe from harm. We oversee work to protect children, adults at risk, and other vulnerable people, making sure agencies work together effectively and follow national guidance and local procedures.

Related resources

  • Public protection - Who we are and what we do

    This document contains an overview of Orkney’s Chief Officers’ Group (Public Protection) for 2023–25, including its vision, membership and reporting arrangements. It explains how the Council, health, police, community and other partners work together to protect children, adults and the wider public from harm. It also describes the group’s main partnerships covering child and adult protection, alcohol and drugs, managing offenders, gender-based violence, learning and development, and its priorities for communities.

    Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.

    Download PDF (1.7 MB) View plain text
  • Orkney Public Protection Committee Adult Support and Protection Biennial Report 2024-2026

    This document contains Orkney’s Adult Support and Protection biennial report for 2024-2026, covering partnership work, inspection findings, data, audits, training and service improvements. It reports significant progress following the 2025 inspection review, alongside a sharp rise in referrals and growing demand across all age groups. It also sets out future priorities, including better communication, stronger multi-agency auditing and a review of public protection arrangements, while recognising capacity pressures and the need for continued improvement.

    Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.

    Download PDF (2.6 MB) View plain text
  • Adult support and protection
  • Adult protection investigations
  • Referral process
  • Adult abuse and protection - what you need to know
  • Policy and procedure

If you are worried about a child

If you are concerned about a child's safety or wellbeing, contact Children and Families Services.

For emergencies outside office hours, call NHS Orkney. 

Orkney Health and Care

01856 873535
CFSW@orkney.gov.uk

NHS Orkney

01856 888 000

If you are worried about an adult

If you think an adult may be at risk of harm, neglect or exploitation, contact Adult Social Work for advice and support.

We take all concerns seriously and will work with the person and relevant agencies to decide what help may be needed.

What is harm?

Harm is anything that negatively affects a person's wellbeing, safety, rights or ability to live the life they choose. Harm can happen in any setting, including at home, in the community, in hospital or in a care setting.

Examples include:

  • Financial harm, such as theft, fraud or scams
  • Physical harm, including assault or injury
  • Sexual harm, including unwanted sexual activity
  • Psychological harm, such as intimidation, threats or coercion
  • Neglect, including a failure to provide appropriate care or support

Adult Support and Protection

The Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 helps protect adults who may be unable to safeguard their own wellbeing, property, rights or interests and who are at risk of harm.

Even where someone does not meet the legal definition of an adult at risk, we can still provide advice, information and support.