Northern Partnership Welcomes Inspection Report

The Northern Partnership today (Friday) welcomed an inspection report highlighting the positive benefits for communities achieved by criminal justice social work services in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray and Highland.

The report, published by the Social Work Inspection Agency, can also help them drive forward change to deliver improvements and a better quality of life for people across the North of Scotland.

Colin Mackenzie, Director of Social Work and Housing at Aberdeenshire Council, responded to the inspection report on behalf of the Northern Partnership.

He said: "This report reflects on a considerable amount of very good practice which reduces re-offending and makes for safer communities.

"The report finds excellent examples of supervision practice, report writing, partnership working, training and strong partnerships with police forces in sensitive areas, such as the assessment and management of sex offenders."

Mr Mackenzie predicted the report would also be useful catalyst for improvement.

"As well as good practice and good results, the inspection also found areas for improvement and we welcome this as an opportunity to drive forward change and, indeed, action has already been taken to progress this.

"Where decisive action is required to address recommendations, we will be working with SWIA to make sure improvements are made and sustained – and we are already working on an Action Plan for that very purpose.
ENDS

NOTES FOR EDITORS

The Northern Partnership is a group of four local authorities, working together to deliver a more effective and co-ordinated criminal justice social work service across the north of Scotland.

Covering Highland, Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and Moray Councils, the partnership involves co-operation and collaboration unprecedented in Scotland - covering a challenging, vast and diverse area.