Renfrewshire Community Protection Chief Officers Group – Annual Report 2024-25
Renfrewshire Council · 25 September 2025
Back to Council — 25 September 2025 and its agenda
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To: Council On: 25 September 2025 Report by: Chief Executive Heading: Renfrewshire Community Protection Chief Officers Group – Annual Report 2024/25 ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Summary 1.1 Renfrewshire Community Protection Chief Officers Group (COG) is responsible for leadership, strategic oversight and scrutiny of multi-agency public protection activity and practice in Renfrewshire. This includes child protection, adult protection, community safety, the management of offenders and community justice, alcohol and drugs, and gender-based violence. 1.2 The group is chaired by the Chief Executive of Renfrewshire Council with core representation from the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and Police Scotland, and wider membership drawn from other partners agencies and services. 1.3 This is the tenth annual report of the Community Protection Chief Officers Group. It provides an overview of the key areas of work in relation to public protection undertaken during 2024/25. It also highlights the ongoing key benefits of excellent partnership working. 1.4 The annual report attached at Appendix 1 provides detailed information on activities undertaken during this reporting period, and highlights key priorities identified for collective focus and action during 2025/26. ___________________________________________________________________ 2. Recommendations 2.1 It is recommended that Elected Members note the content of the report. ___________________________________________________________________
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3. Background 3.1 Renfrewshire Chief Officers Group was established to provide leadership, governance, direction and oversight to ensure local accountability for all aspects of public protection. Chief officers are responsible for ensuring that their respective agencies - individually and collectively - reflect national guidance, and that this directs local services to work in partnership to achieve public protection measures. The arrangements are comparable to Chief Officer Group arrangements in other local authority areas throughout Scotland and were independently reviewed and updated in April 2021. 3.2 The key areas of activity overseen by the Renfrewshire Chief Officers Group are: • Child Protection • Adult Protection • Offender Management • Community Protection • Community Justice • Alcohol and Drug Partnership • Gender Based Violence Strategy • Migration and Asylum 3.3 The Chief Officers Group provides regular reports to the Member Officer Group which is comprised of elected members on a cross-party basis, and key officers from the Council and partners. The purpose of the Member Officer Group is to provide senior elected members with the opportunity to formally and regularly discharge their strategic independent scrutiny and assurance role in relation to key activity and significant developments which have implications for public protection matters in Renfrewshire. 3.4 This is the tenth annual report of the Chief Officers Group. It provides an overview of the key areas of work in relation to public protection in Renfrewshire over the course of 2024/25, and in doing so highlights the ongoing importance of partnership working. 4. Strategic focus for 2025/26 4.1 The strategic focus of the Chief Officers Group for 2025/26 was agreed by members of COG. The priorities include: • Protecting vulnerable children and adults • Reducing alcohol and drug related harm • Suicide prevention • Migration and asylum • Equally Safe • Homelessness • COG self-evaluation
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4.2 The Chief Officers Group will continue to seek to ensure that performance and practice are scrutinised at a strategic level, to identify what works well, to highlight any areas for improvement, and to consider where further opportunities for early intervention and prevention activity would achieve improved outcomes for local people. 4.3 The group will also continue to review on an ongoing basis the implementation of relevant policies and legislation which relate to public protection. _________________________________________________________________ Implications of the Report 1. Financial – none 2. HR & Organisational Development – none 3. Community/Council Planning – the Community Protection Chief Officers is embedded within the wider approach to community planning in Renfrewshire. 4. Legal - none 5. Property/Assets - none 6. Information Technology - none 7. Equality and Human Rights - The Recommendations contained within this report have been assessed in relation to their impact on equalities and human rights. No negative impacts on equality groups or potential for infringement of individuals’ human rights have been identified arising from the recommendations contained in the report because it is for noting only. If required following implementation, the actual impact of the recommendations and the mitigating actions will be reviewed and monitored, and the results of the assessment will be published on the Council’s website. 8. Health and Safety - none 9. Procurement – none 10. Risk – none 11. Privacy Impact – none 12. COSLA Policy Position – none 13. Children’s Rights - none 14. Climate Risk – none _______________________________________________________________ Report Author: Annie Torrance, Senior Policy Officer Email: annie.torrance@renfrewshire.gov.uk
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level Community Protection Chief Officers Group 2024/25 Annual Report
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level Contents Welcome Page 1 Chief Officers Group Membership Page 2 Member Officers Group Membership Page 3 Renfrewshire Profile Page 4 Child Protection Page 5 Adult Support and Protection Page 9 Equally Safe in Renfrewshire Page 14 Alcohol and Drugs Page 18 Suicide Prevention Page 24 Community Justice Page 27 Public Protection Page 28 Migration and Asylum Page 31 Police Scotland Page 33 Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Page 38 Strategic Focus 2025/26 Page 42
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level Welcome to our end of year report Renfrewshire’s Chief Officers Group (COG) was established to provide leadership, governance, direction and oversight, and to ensure local accountability for all aspects of public protection. Chief Officers are responsible for ensuring that their respective agencies, individually and collectively reflect national guidance, which directs local services to work in partnership to achieve public protection measures. The COG provides regular reports to the Member Officer Group (MOG) which is comprised of Elected Members on a cross-party basis and key officers from the Council and partner agencies. This provides senior Elected Members with the opportunity to formally and regularly discharge their strategic independent scrutiny and assurance role in relation to key activity and significant developments, which have implications for public protection matters in Renfrewshire. This is the tenth annual report of the COG. It provides an overview of the key areas of work in relation to public protection in Renfrewshire over the course of 2024/25, and in doing so highlights the ongoing importance of partnership working. 1
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level Supported by: • Renfrewshire’s Chief Social Work Officer • Chief Officer, Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership • Independent Chair of the Adult and Child Protection Committees • Independent Chair of the Alcohol and Drugs Partnership • Head of Climate, Public Protection and Roads • Head of Policy and Partnerships • Adult and Child Protection Lead Officers • Local Senior Officer for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Chief Officers Group Membership Key Areas Child Protection Adult Protection Community Protection Offender Management Community Justice Alcohol and Drugs Equally Safe Migration and AsylumChief Executive Chief Executive / Executive Nursing Director Divisional Commander ‘K’ Division 2
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level Member Officers Group Membership The group is comprised of Elected Members on a cross-party basis and key officers of the council as follows: • Three senior members of the administration • Two members of the main opposition group • One other opposition member • Chief Social Work Officer • Chief Officer, Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership or Head of Health and Social Care • Head of Climate, Public Protection and Roads • Head of Policy and Partnerships, Chief Executive’s Service Also, in attendance as required: • Independent Chair of the Child Protection and Adult Protection Committees • Divisional Commander, Police Scotland or appropriate senior nominee The group will also invite the participation of other key individuals or agencies involved in the areas of concern of the Member Officer Group as required. 3
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level Approximately 189,170 people live in Renfrewshire, with our population projected to continue to grow. Renfrewshire Profile Life expectancy is below the Scottish average. Female life expectancy is 80.6 compared to 80.8 nationally and male life expectancy is 76.1 compared to 76.8 nationally. Our population is becoming increasingly diverse with the latest census data showing 94.5% of the population is categorised as white, 2.7% are of an Asian background and 1.3% are African, Caribbean or Black. Renfrewshire is located in west central Scotland and is the 9th largest Council in Scotland by head of population but covering a relatively small land mass of 270 square kilometres. The Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) assesses 6,976 small areas known as data zones. Almost 25% of all data zones in Renfrewshire are in the 20% most deprived nationally and 2 are within the 10 most deprived zones nationally. 4
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level Renfrewshire Child Protection Committee (RCPC) RCPC is chaired by an independent chair – Tam Baillie – and meets quarterly. The key functions of RCPC are undertaken by a range of subgroups which are set out below. The Policy, Practice and Procedures Group is stood up when there is a requirement to update existing, or approve new policies, procedures and guidance. The other subgroups meet quarterly. A key priority of the RCPC Plan for 2025-28 is to undertake a review of the RCPC subgroups. From June 2025, CAPADU and the Vulnerable Young Persons Strategic Group will report to RCPC quarterly. Inter-agency Referral Discussions There were 389 Inter-agency Referral Discussions (IRDs) between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025, relating to 636 children. Of these, 393 proceeded to a child protection investigation. RCPC undertakes multi-agency bi-monthly audits of IRDs with four cases reviewed at each session. Child Protection Register RCPC collects and reviews data in line with Version 2 of the Minimum Dataset for Child Protection Committees in Scotland. The number of children whose names are placed on the Child Protection Register is reviewed quarterly by RCPC and weekly by senior managers from the key agencies. On 31 March 2025, the names of 63 children were on the Child Protection Register compared to 61 children in March 2024. Of these children, 18 had been on the register for between 13 and 26 weeks, 12 had been on the register for between 27 and 52 weeks and 2 for more than 52 weeks. The RCPC Complex Case Oversight Group continues to review all children whose names have been on the register for a year or more. Learning and Development Continuous Improvement Policy, Practice and Procedures Complex Case Oversight Group Voice Learning Review Vulnerable Young Persons Joint Communications Group (RCPC and RAPC) Child Protection 5
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level Training The Learning and Development Subgroup of RCPC has oversight of inter-agency training. The training priorities are informed by training needs analysis and the outcome of learning reviews, the following training was provided during the reporting period: • Joint child and adult protection course for the general workforce • Attachment and trauma using virtual reality • Safe and Together • Contextual safeguarding using virtual reality • Child Protection Level 2 and GIRFEC refresher to multiagency staff who work directly with children and their families • Understanding neglect and the assessment of care toolkit and working in partnership with parents and carers to use this tool to address neglect Work is currently underway to develop training in relation to children living with parents affected by severe and ensuring mental health conditions. Child Protection 6
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level RCPC Conference The RCPC Conference took place on 9 October 2024. The theme of the conference was Collaborative Efforts to Tackle Neglect and keynote speakers were: • Graeme Armstrong (Author & Speaker) who presented on Scottish Gang Culture: The Modern Context. • Dr Kerry Milligan (Vice Chair RCPC & Public Protection Medical Lead, NHSGGC Public Protection Service) who presented on Exploring Neglect. • June Welsh (National Child Protection Learning & Development Consultant from CELCIS) who presented on The Role of Multi-agency Learning & Development. In addition to the presentations, participants were also invited to attend a series of seminar. The conference was attended by 224 practitioners and managers from across the statutory and voluntary sector. The speakers were very well received, with all three rated as “Very Good” or “Excellent” by attendees. Learning Reviews Between April 2024 and March 2025, RCPC agreed to undertake learning reviews in relation to two children (Child 4 and Child 5) and a thematic Learning Review in relation to 16 - and 17-year- olds referred to mental health services. All are currently underway. Two learning reviews concluded during the period for Child 3 and Child 2, RCPC published an executive summary of the learning reviews in August 2024 and November 2024, respectively. In November 2024, members of RCPC and RAPC undertook Learning Review training delivered by Dr Sheila Fish. The training was undertaken in partnership with West Dunbartonshire Child and Adult Protection Committees. In light of the national shortage of independent reviewers able to undertake Learning Reviews, the training has ensured that Renfrewshire has a cohort of individuals who have received the necessary training. Child Protection 7
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level Joint Inspection Of Services For Children At Risk Of Harm The joint inspection of services for children at risk of harm in the Renfrewshire Community Planning Partnership area commenced on 8 April 2024 and concluded 18 September 2024. It covered the range of partners in the area that have a role in meeting the needs of children and young people at risk of harm and their families and considered the period 8 April 2022 to 8 April 2024. The inspection team listened to the views and experiences of 49 children and young people and 47 parents and carers involved with social work over the 2-year period the inspection focussed on. This included face to face meetings, telephone or video calls and survey responses. They reviewed practice by reading a sample of records held by a range of services for 60 children and young people at risk of harm with a particular focus on social work records. The Care Inspectorate provided one evaluation. This was for quality indicator 2.1 as it applies to children at risk of harm. This indicator considers the extent to which children and young people: • feel valued, loved, fulfilled and secure • feel listened to, understood and respected • experience sincere human contact and enduring relationships • get the best start in life. The report was published on the 22nd of October 2024 and evaluated Renfrewshire’s services, in respect of quality indicator 2.1 to be very good, one of only five areas in Scotland to achieve this grade. This was a very positive report which outlines key strengths in the supports provided to children in Renfrewshire. The report noted: “The partnership’s vision, values, and aims were well-understood and embraced by staff across all partner agencies, including the third sector. Leaders were highly visible, communicated regularly, and maintained a clear vision for service delivery and improvement for children and young people at risk of harm”. “There was a well-developed collaborative culture and staff, managers, and leaders worked positively together across agencies. Strong relationships and a commitment to keeping children’s views central were notable aspects of the partnership’s approach”. Clear evidence was found that staff were confident in their ability to recognise and report child abuse, neglect and exploitation. The inspectors highlighted the impact of trauma-informed and relationships-based practice across all agencies and services. Inspectors observed nurturing and trusting relationships between staff and children and heard that children felt safer as a result. Child Protection 8
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level Renfrewshire Adult Protection Committee (RAPC) RAPC is chaired by an independent chair – Tam Baillie – and meets quarterly. RAPC is responsible for developing, implementing and monitoring the strategic approach to the management of the protection of adults at risk of harm in Renfrewshire. RAPC is committed to promoting public awareness of adult protection issues; to working on an inter-agency basis; and with the wider community to protect adults at risk. The key functions of RAPC are undertaken by a range of subgroups which are set out below. There has also been a review of the membership of the RAPC and subgroups. Joint Communications subgroup Although newly established in the reporting period this subgroup has made significant progress and is responsible for: • Increasing awareness and understanding of public protection activity in Renfrewshire • Responding to relevant public protection issues highlighted in national and local media • Initiating media activity highlighting relevant matters through proactive work and planned campaigns • Disseminating information about best practice and learning arising from learning reviews. • Utilising internal communications already used, augmenting these where appropriate and facilitate increased external communication on the child and adult protection work in Renfrewshire. Joint monthly lunchtime drop-in sessions were launched during 2024/25 and alternate between RAPC and RCPC sessions. These sessions have proved very popular with staff, formal feedback is currently being sought from the workforce on the sessions that have taken place to date. Adult Support and Protection Joint Communications (RCPC & RAPC) Learning and Development Continuous Improvement Operational Managers Practice Development Group 9
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level Learning and Development Multi-agency learning continues to be a crucial factor to ensure staff are confident and competent in carrying out their roles. The Learning and Development subgroup has oversight of inter- agency training. The RAPC developed an ASP core knowledge and skills practice framework to support all partner organisations in the development of a workforce that has the necessary knowledge and skills in ASP practices. The training priorities are informed by training needs analysis, and this is currently underway. The following interagency training was provided during the reporting period: • Joint child and adult protection course for the general workforce • Assessment, Inquiries and Investigatory Activity • Responsibilities of the council and role of the council officer • Investigative interviewing Continuous Improvement Our arrangements have been designed to support the valuable partnership work which exists to allow continuous improvement in ASP services across Renfrewshire. The Continuous Improvement subgroup is multi-agency reflecting the partnership approach to improvements and continues to monitor our dynamic improvement plan and provide scrutiny to audit reports, data and impact of process changes. Operational Manager Practice and Development During the reporting period the multi-agency Operational Manager Practice and Development Group was established and a specific remit for generating a live operational leadership agenda and providing the link between the RAPC, subgroups and operational staff across Social Work, NHS and Police Scotland. Care Home Collaborative Support Team Group In addition to the subgroups, the Care Home Collaborative Support Team Group provides enhanced clinical and care oversight arrangements for care homes to support care home staff to keep residents safe. Clinical and care professionals have a leading role in the oversight for care homes and meet monthly. Partners remain proactive and deployed clinical and care teams, to improve standards and reduce any risk to residents. Adult Support and Protection 10
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level Referrals and Inquiries In 2024/25 there were 1525 referrals which was similar to 2023/24 referrals at 1527. The number of adults these referrals related to were 1050, highlighting that 475 referrals (31%) were repeat referrals. Police Scotland continue to be the highest source of referral at 20.6%. Additionally, the number of welfare concern referrals were 2459 for 2024/25. The total number of Inquiries for 2024/25 was 1364. Of these 792 were completed with the use of Investigatory powers. From this, there were 188 inquiries where an enhanced risk assessment was required - previously referred to an Investigation. There were 78 ASP Investigations completed during the period 2024/25, compared to 92 during 2023/24. All activity related to Inquiries and Investigatory activity, Renfrewshire complies with the Code of Practice through the use of Council Officers and the recording is consistent with the requirements of reporting through the newly established Adult Support and Protection National Minimum Dataset. This has resulted in some significant changes in practice and the recording process. The data confirms that the person’s home is where harm occurs with 577 (51.94%) occurring within their own home and 280 or 25.20% within a care home. This is consistent with previous years data. The highest care group affected by harm continues to be those with Dementia accounting for 307 (27.63%) referrals followed by those with Mental Health conditions (excluding Dementia) accounting for 292 (26.28%) referrals. Physical Harm remains the principal type of harm and was reported in 371 inquires (27.22%). It continues to be the highest reason for referral followed by psychological/emotional harm 204 (14.97%) and financial or material harm 174 (12.77%). Large-Scale Investigations (LSI) There were no LSI’s during the reporting period. Any care homes on the cusp of an LSI are managed under a preventative approach, where the HSCP balance a supportive approach with a statutory duty under Adult Support and Protection legislation. Adult Support and Protection 11
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level Adult Support and Protection Adults with Incapacity (AWI) Demand for AWI reports, which require to be completed by a qualified Mental Health Officer, remains high for both private and Chief Social Work Officer applications. There were 264 requests for AWI mental health officer reports during the period compared to 250 requests in the previous year. The high rate of local requests can in part be caused by discharges from the Royal Alexander Hospital, Paisley. All request for AWI reports for delayed hospital discharges are allocated immediately and where appropriate the MHO service will ask for the use of interim orders. Welfare Guardianships Orders where the CSWO is appointed Welfare Guardian fell slightly over the last year, from 124 in 2023/24 to 102 in 2024/2025. Each order requires a qualified social worker to act as the “nominated officer” on behalf of the CSWO for day-to-day management of the case. In addition, there were approximately 151 private welfare guardianship orders which require a minimum of one statutory visit by a guardianship supervisor after being granted. 12
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level Joint Inspection of Adult Support and Protection The joint inspection of adult support and protection in the Renfrewshire partnership area took place between 18 November 2024 and 18 March 2025 and was led by the Care Inspectorate in collaboration with Healthcare Improvement Scotland and His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland. In line with the targeted nature of the inspection programme, the methodology included the following proportionate scrutiny activities: analysis of supporting documentary evidence and a position statement; scrutiny of records; partnership staff survey and focus groups. A summary of the key findings included: • Renfrewshire is one of only two partnership areas in Scotland to receive ‘very effective’ progress statements. • The inspection concluded that “measures in Renfrewshire has found clear strengths in ensuring adults at risk of harm are safe, protected and supported”. • A series of positive attributes including, but not limited to, a "consistent delivery of high-quality adult support and protection work", "energetic leadership" and a "can-do culture" and the accomplishment of strategic leadership with elements that were "sector leading". • The inspectors found that the Adult Protection Committee’s innovative approach to communicating with partnership staff who work in adult support and protection was highly commendable. Its efforts to inform and promote adult support and protection - including to the public - were highly successful. The report also highlighted the following priority areas for improvement : • The partnership should continue its efforts to improve the quality of chronologies and risk assessments for adults at risk of harm. • The partnership should make progress with adults at risk of harm attending their adult protection case conference. • The partnership should continue its endeavours to improve representation of adults with lived experience of adult support and protection, at strategic level in the partnership. Adult Support and Protection 13
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level Equally Safe Partnership Renfrewshire’s Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Strategy Group has rebranded as theEqually Safe in Renfrewshire Multi-Agency Partnership, marking a renewed and unified commitment to ending violence against women and girls in line with the national Equally Safe Strategy. This transformation reflects a deeper, more collaborative approach across sectors, ensuring that all partners work together to prevent and respond to gender-based violence effectively. A refreshed local Equally Safe Action Plan is currently in development. It will align closely with the Scottish Government and COSLA’s key priorities, reinforcing the shared responsibility of all sectors in addressing this critical issue. By strengthening connections with the national Equally Safe Strategy and Delivery Plan, Renfrewshire’s approach will be consistent with the updated national aims and objectives. This alignment will enhance impact, ensure coherence across Scotland, and provide a stronger foundation for collective action. The plan will demonstrate a strong commitment to tackling violence against women and girls through multi-sectoral collaboration, addressing prevention, intervention, justice, education, public health, and intersectionality. Safe and Together: Strengthening Domestic Abuse Response The Safe and Together model is a perpetrator pattern-based, child-centred, and survivor-strengths approach to domestic abuse intervention. As a core component of Renfrewshire’s Equally Safe partnership working, this model has been integral to multi-agency efforts in supporting survivors and holding perpetrators accountable. In addition to providing the one day Safe and Together overview training and the more intensive four day Safe and Together Core Training, we have recently piloted a two-day training which has received positive feedback from the multi- agency group of participants. The Safe and Together Steering Group convenes quarterly to review implementation progress, ensuring continued effectiveness and alignment with strategic goals. Renfrewshire is also an active member of the National Implementation Forum, reinforcing its commitment to best practices in domestic abuse intervention. Equally Safe in Renfrewshire 14
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level Renfrewshire Council’s Women and Children First Service Referral trends to Women and Children First have remained stable over the past two years. In 2024, a total of 205 women were referred, including 71 mothers and 134 women with no family. The number of children referred has remained unchanged at 149. Women and Children First – Authentic Voice Women and Children Firstcontinues to place theauthentic voice agendaat the heart of its work. The authentic voice group provides a platform for people with lived experience of violence against women and girls and other forms of trauma meaningful opportunities to shape local services with which they engage and will form part of the Equally Safe Partnership Action Plan. Thegroupcollaborated with other local survivor groups at the#BETHECHANGETOO International Women’s Day event. A total of24 women attended, including guests fromJubilee House, Women’s Aid, and Courage. Renfrewshire MARAC Annual Referral Trends During the reporting period, Renfrewshire MARAC received 321 referrals, marking a 6.1% decrease from the 342 referrals recorded in the previous year. This slight decline follows a notable increase in the preceding year, indicating that MARAC continues to maintain a high level of identification and intervention in high-risk domestic violence cases. The ongoing effectiveness of multi- agency partnerships remains evident in the consistent engagement and response to those most at risk. Equally Safe in Renfrewshire 15 Referrals for Women and Children First 2024 Number of Referrals Total Women (no children) 134 205 Women Mothers 71 Children 149 149 Children
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level Renfrewshire Women’s Aid Renfrewshire Women’s Aid provides advice, support, information and safe accommodation for women, children and young people affected by domestic abuse in Renfrewshire. It offers crisis intervention, emotional and practical support, advocacy and temporary refuge and scatter accommodation. Support is provided to women with experience of domestic abuse who are in immediate crisis and/or danger and those who are seeking longer term support to recover from the impact of their experience. 16 Days of Action Services and community groups across Renfrewshire’s multi- agency partnership actively participated in the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. The 16 Days run from 25th November (the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) until 10th December (International Human Rights Day). In alignment with the theme, “Imagine a Scotland without Gender-Based Violence,” a series of impactful local activities were organised to raise awareness and promote action. Key events included the annual ‘Reclaim the Night’ march, providing a platform for solidarity and advocacy. The focus of this year’s event was “Empowering young voices in activism”. To further strengthen professional understanding and response to VAWG, a two-day multi-agency Safe and Together training event was also held and new to our training programme, Understanding and Supporting Autistic Survivors of Abuse. Independent Strategic Review of Funding The Independent Review of Funding for VAWG Services highlighted the weight of unaccounted for investment local authorities make in mainstream services including, but not limited to, housing, social work, addictions, mental health, education and children’s services to respond to the burden of harms caused by VAWG. Scottish Government and COSLA announced the development of a VAWG Needs Assessment Tool to identify the specific needs of those experiencing VAWG and highlight unmet need and gaps in local service provision. We will continue to work with the Improvement Service and the National Network to support testing and implementation of the tool. However, without additional investment from the Scottish Government, this will be challenging, as highlighted by colleagues in COSLA and the VAWG Chairs Group nationally. Equally Safe in Renfrewshire 16
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level Children and Young People The Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP) Programme is Renfrewshire’s approach to tackling gender-based violence in schools. It is a peer education programme designed to give students the skills and awareness to speak out against issues which affect relationships within our schools and communities by adopting a ‘bystander’ approach. Renfrewshire currently has around 400 pupils mentors across all of our secondary schools. Over 400 staff across Children’s Services, Youth Services, OneRen and 3rd sector organisation have also been trained. Our training team now offers training for colleagues within the primary and early years sectors Young and Equally Safe (YES) in Renfrewshire is funded through the Scottish Government’s Delivering Equally Safe fund. YES in Renfrewshire aims to develop the existing Mentors in Violence Prevention school-based programme and link into early intervention youth work activities in community settings. Youth Services, working in partnership with Children’s Services and our community learning and development partners, are working to provide brave and safe spaces for young people to explore gender-based violence issues and campaign work to bring about a challenge to norms. The project is promoting a positive social action model through youth work engagement and youth voice underpinned by rights-based approach. The project is going into its fourth year, having secured a further year’s funding until March 2026. In the period 2024-25, YES has engaged a total of 1004 people (274 adults, 730 young people aged 11-18 yrs). A total of 125 sessions have been delivered (45 sessions/events to young people, 42 sessions to 3rd sector organisations, and 38 sessions to statutory and private organisations). Equally Safe in Renfrewshire 17
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level Drug Deaths In Renfrewshire, there were 46 drug-related deaths in 2024 which represents an increase of 4.5% from 44 in 2023. Drug-related deaths in Renfrewshire, 2014 to 2024 Renfrewshire had the sixth highest rate of deaths per 100,000 population (2010-2024) at 29.1 and above the Scottish average of 19.1. This is similar to the previous 5-year rate where we had the seventh highest rate of deaths at 28.9. Alcohol Deaths In Renfrewshire, there were 52 alcohol-specific deaths in 2023 which represents an increase of 23.8% from 42 in 2022. Alcohol- specific deaths in Renfrewshire, 2014 to 2023 The alcohol-specific deaths rate for Renfrewshire for 2019-2023 was 23.7. The alcohol-specific deaths rate for Scotland for 2019- 2023 was 21.5. At council area in the last five years, Inverclyde, Glasgow City, North Lanarkshire, and Dundee City all had alcohol-specific death rates higher than the Scottish average. Alcohol and Drugs - Analysis of Current Trends NOTE: Data for Alcohol Deaths 2024/25 not available until late September 2025. 18
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level Alcohol and Drugs Needs Assessment Renfrewshire Alcohol and Drug Partnership (ADP) commissioned a needs assessment to provide a population based comprehensive understanding of need and challenges experienced within Renfrewshire relating to alcohol and drug use. This included scoping existing services and resources in order to support the identification of gaps in provision as well as assessingthedemand and capacity needs. The assessment will inform commissioning decisions and will identify potential areas for service development and/or improvement as part of the wider commissioning process. Headlines from the needs assessment include the need to address the imbalanced equilibrium between alcohol and drug provision and priorities, the need to review current resource allocation and whether it meets strategic priority areas and an increased focus on prevention and early intervention. Renfrewshire ADP will work with partners to develop a local delivery plan aligned to the findings of the needs assessment and will organise a key stakeholder event to progress key actions. Alcohol Brief Interventions Alcohol Brief Interventions (ABIs) aim to reduce harmful alcohol consumption using short, structured conversations and are designed to raise awareness of alcohol related risks and motivate behaviour change. In October 2024, an Alcohol Brief Intervention Practitioner was recruited and since this time, 70 staff from Community Mental Health, Community Justice Social Work and Circle Recovery Service have received training to equip them with the skills to feel confident and able to deliver an ABI effectively, whilst supporting early intervention and engagement. Training sessions continue to be offered to partners across Renfrewshire. Renfrewshire has a delivery target of 1116 ABIs per year with the target being achieved for 2024-2025 with 2185 ABIs being recorded. Positive feedback has also been provided by individuals who have engaged with service. So far, a total of 12 referrals for support have been linked directly with the delivery of an ABI. Renfrewshire Alcohol and Drug Partnership 19
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level Fibro scan Pilot The first fibro scan clinic was established in December 2024 as a joint pilot community outreach initiative which is run by Alcohol and Drug Recovery Service (ADRS) along with liver nurses from the Royal Alexandra Hospital. The clinic is designed to increase detection and identification of early liver disease/fibrosis or undiagnosed cirrhosis. So far, 5 clinics have taken place resulting in 38 individuals receiving fibro scans, 21% of the scans carried out have resulted in referrals to the consultant out-patient clinic with 6 referrals being urgently referred for intervention. A further 21% have been allocated a review appointment and scan in 1 year, along with advice on lifestyle and given verbal and written information on alcohol-related liver disease. Public Health Scotland has recently reported that the number of people with chronic liver disease in Scotland is projected to increase by 54% by 2044 and without effective prevention and early intervention like this pilot, alcohol harms will continue to impact services and devastate lives in the future. MAT standards in Scotland are evidenced-based standards to enable the consistent delivery of safe, accessible, high-quality drug treatment. Renfrewshire Alcohol and Drug Recovery Service has been praised by Public Health Scotland for their ongoing hard work and commitment, demonstrating year on year sustained improvements in standards of care, stating it is “a reflection of the consistent levels of innovation, hard work, and sharing of good practice by local teams.” Renfrewshire’s performance has been charted from the introduction of the standards in 2022 until 2025. Provision of Naloxone Kits Renfrewshire’s proactive approach to the distribution of Naloxone and training reflects commitment to reducing the number of drug related deaths. In Renfrewshire, services provided 1,023 Take Home Naloxone kits, a life-saving medicine that reverses an opioid overdose, to people in our communities in 2024/25 (662 in 23/ 24). The recommended annual provision should be 9-20 times the number of opioid related deaths, so this is well in excess of the 2024/25 target of 740. Renfrewshire Alcohol and Drug Partnership 20
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level Increasing Awareness of Alcohol and Drugs in Renfrewshire Partners worked collaboratively to develop and deliver a series of events and awareness raising campaigns including: • A week-long Christmas Campaign to promote harm reduction, raise awareness about alcohol and drug recovery services, and support local communities during the festive season. The campaign engaged with various community partners, distributed care bags, and included media outreach to amplify its message. It demonstrated the power of community collaboration and media engagement in promoting harm reduction and raising awareness about recovery services. • Renfrewshire Alcohol and Drug Recovery Service ‘Open Day’ enabled local people and staff to visit and find out more about local services and provide harm reduction information. • The Harm Reduction Response Team visited several local communities to promote the service and to deliver key harm reduction messages. • During Alcohol Awareness Week, a range of community discussions on alcohol-related harm were undertaken, aiming to foster open conversations and support alternative choices. • On International Overdose Awareness Day, a series of information hubs were set up across Renfrewshire providing local people with an opportunity to learn more about services and receive Naloxone training. On the day, 12 naloxone kits were supplied. Afterwards. there was a short procession to Paisley Abbey where stories of recovery were shared from those with lived/living experience, as well as a short poem. In the evening, buildings and landmarks across Renfrewshire and the world were lit up purple in remembrance to remember those who have lost their lives. Renfrewshire Alcohol and Drug Partnership 21
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level Alcohol and Drugs Change Programme The Alcohol and Drugs Change Programme has been drawing to a close over 2024/2025, with most projects now completed or moved into mainstream provision, either in whole or in part, including: Harm Reduction Response Team (HaRRT) This Service is delivered through a mobile unit, which has been situated in specific areas in relation to near fatal overdoses and suspected drug deaths. HaRRT plays a key role in supporting individuals who may not be in contact with other services, providing access to harm reduction advice, equipment, and services, to support their health, safety and wellbeing. This Service is currently transitioning to a commissioned service model, with a tender process taking place in early 2025. Trauma Informed and Responsive Renfrewshire Whilst the initial focus of our trauma programme was in relation to alcohol and drugs, its scope was widened to become our overarching Trauma Informed and Responsive Renfrewshire Programme (TIRR). Delivery of the programme is set out in our Road Map, which was approved by elected members in February 2024. Awareness-raising and training sessions have taken place with over 300 staff to date. The National Trauma Transformation Programme has provided opportunities to build networks and share good practice. Progress with the TIRR programme will continue to be reported through the Fairer Renfrewshire Sub- Committee. MyLA (My Life Ahead) This housing-led project has been delivered in partnership with Turning Point Scotland and provides support for individuals and families in Renfrewshire whose daily lives are impacted by drug and/or alcohol use and require wraparound support to sustain, or access settled housing. For those supported by MyLA there have been positive outcomes emerging in terms of reduction in alcohol/drug use; people being supported to successfully access settled housing and the specialist services they require; those with a history of non-engagement now working positively with the MyLA team. 22
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level Safeguarding Vulnerable Young People Partnership Programme - Schools This project has provided targeted support in a Renfrewshire school with pupils experiencing significant challenges and are identified as at risk of missing out on education. A Principal Teacher was recruited to provide enhanced pastoral support, to those who may be experiencing issues relating to alcohol and/or drug use (own or parental), and poor mental health, with the aim to improve outcomes relating to attendance, exclusions, and health and wellbeing. Alcohol and Substance Awareness Education Resources Alcohol and Substance Awareness Educational resources were developed for use in nursery, primary, and secondary settings, and continue to be accessed by schools across Renfrewshire. The packs were produced by I Am Me Scotland, Renfrewshire Children’s Services, teachers, Police Scotland, NHS, Renfrewshire HSCP and, most importantly, children, young people, and those who have lived experience of drug and alcohol use. These packs continue to be utilised across Renfrewshire schools, as well as by wider partners across Scotland. Stigma/Language Matters I Am Me were commissioned to develop an interactive Stigma Awareness training package aiming to improve the understanding, awareness, and confidence of the workforce in relation to stigmatising language around alcohol and drugs, and the impact of stigma on individuals and communities. The resources have been co-developed with people who have lived and living experience of drug and alcohol use and recovery. As part of the Connected Communities Programme, this training aims to align with other current and emerging pieces of work, such as Making Every Contact Counts. Alcohol and Drugs Change Programme 23
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level East RenfrewshireShetland IslandsMidlothianStirlingAberdeen CityCity of EdinburghRenfrewshireEast DunbartonshireDumfries and GallowayWest LothianAberdeenshireEast LothianSouth Ayrshire FifeSouth LanarkshireScotlandWest DunbartonshireScottish BordersAngusGlasgow CityFalkirkClackmannanshireInverclydeArgyll and ButeNorth LanarkshireNorth AyrshirePerth and KinrossNa h-Eileanan Siar MorayEast AyrshireOrkney Islands HighlandDundee City 0.0 5.0 10.0 15.0 20.0 25.0 30.0 95% Confidence Interval Rate In Renfrewshire, there were 19 probable suicides in 2023, a decrease from 33 in 2022. In the same period, there were 792 probable suicides registered in Scotland, an increase of 30 from the previous year. Probable Suicides in Renfrewshire, 2014 to 2023 For the period 2019-2023, Renfrewshire had the seventh lowest rate of deaths per 100,000 population at 12.4. This was below the Scottish average of 14.1. Age-standardised mortality rates of suicide deaths by council area, 2019-2023 Suicide Prevention: Probable Suicides - Analysis of Current Trends NOTE: Data for 2024/25 not available until mid September 2025. 24 21 16 23 13 16 22 25 33 19 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 24
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level Suicide Prevention The Renfrewshire Strategic Suicide Prevention Group The multi-agency group has been meeting regularly and has developed a local suicide prevention strategy and action plan. Our aim is to reduce the rates of suicide and self-harm within Renfrewshire and the key objectives and priority areas include: • Collating and understanding local suicide related data. • Delivering training and support for staff and local people. • Supporting those who have been impacted by suicide or suicide attempts. • Implementing early intervention and prevention approaches. • Developing a culture of collaboration and learning. • Improving communication and awareness raising about suicide prevention and how to access available resources. • Including the voice of lived experience. Data Analysis Subgroup The subgroup has now been established, and local data is being collated and analysed to develop an understanding of the local context. Those deaths by suicide who are known to services will be formally reviewed through existing processes, while those deaths not known to services are now being informally reviewed by the co-chairs of this group. Training Subgroup The Choose Life Service Co-Ordinator continues to deliver Courses in Mental Health awareness, suicide intervention and self-harm awareness. These courses are found to increase the confidence of the workforce to have conversations with people who are having thoughts of suicide. Further updates from the subgroup include: • An increase in the pool of trainers for safeTALK (suicide alertness for everyone) and ASIST(Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training). • Introduction of the ‘Wave after Wave’ course which aims to explore the nature of bereavement by suicide and is for anyone who supports people who have been bereaved by suicide. • Supporting and delivering a training programme for pupil support staff and establishing policy and guidance that sits within every education establishment. This has resulted in an increase in pupil support staff trained in ASIST from 2 staff in 2020 to over 180 in 2025. Numbers are similar for staff attending training in self-harm awareness. 25
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level Suicide Prevention Ensure early intervention for those most at risk of having thought of suicide Distress Brief Interventions (DBI) – RAMH have been commissioned by Renfrewshire to deliver DBI on the HSCPs behalf. There is an implementation plan underway to facilitate the referral process and pathways to support DBI. The main priority is to ensure police officers have received level 1 induction which allow them to refer direct to RAMH for a level 2 intervention to be delivered. The Community Safety Service daily hub meeting provides a platform for mental health referrals to be made direct and provides a clear pathway for communication between Police Scotland and health care professionals by identifying those within the community who are at risk due to their mental health. This process allows the concerns raised to be addressed in a timely manner and supporting a positive outcome and reducing the calls to Police Scotland. Examples of partnership working arising from the Strategic Group including HSCP, Police and RAMH colleagues completed work to issue information to front line officers on what services available locally: • During December and January there was social media signposting for people within the community, which generated multiple shares locally. • 200 front line officers in Renfrewshire briefed on ‘this is for you’ cards produced by RAMH on local resource as well the ‘connected and caring’ card. The officers now have those resources digitally on their electronic notebooks and if they engage with an individual in mental health crisis, the individual can scan a QR code for ‘this is for you’ card. There is no direct referral mechanisms into the local or national support however officers now have the ability to signpost to agencies that can offer support. 26
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level Supporting people liberated from custody Work has progressed with partners to understand the range of support available to people liberated from custody and how and when it can be accessed. This has helped identify areas of good practice where learning and approaches can support broader improvement. Early work has been progressed to improve the coordination of people leaving custody through multi-agency pre-release planning meetings. These will allow a range of key services to target resources to those most in need and improve links with third sector supports. Third sector Renfrewshire’s third sector plays an important role in supporting the most vulnerable in our communities, including our justice- experienced population. This year, Community Justice Renfrewshire piloted a grant scheme to create capacity within local third sector organisations to undertake specific work with people who have offended. Seven projects have been funded to deliver over the course of 2025/26, providing participants with opportunities to connect with others, learn new skills and improve their confidence. Projects will also service as examples to other third sector organisations who have to potential to work in a more focused way with this client group. Client engagement We have engaged creative means to capture the experience of people who are subject to justice social work supervision, providing valuable insight into what works well and what could be improved to maximise opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration. Our approaches included participatory photography, providing justice clients with training to capture their thoughts, experiences and aspirations through photographs. Community Justice 27
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level CONTEST Following its revision by the Scottish Government Strategic Board it has been agreed that there will be a three-year Local CONTEST Delivery Strategy for each local authority. PREVENT The Council’s Prevent Annual Assurance Statement has been completed with input from relevant Council Services and Partner Agencies. Feedback from the Home Office shows the following strengths were identified: • Senior oversight and Prevent partnership – there are strong governance structures in place to ensure the Local Authority senior management is well informed and Prevent features in multiple organisational and multi-agency forums allowing for appropriate reporting. • Training – Prevent training is mandatory for all staff and hosted on the Local Authority learning platform ensuring the workforce is aware of their statutory duty. • Referral pathway – there is clear information available to staff about how to put a referral in utilising internal web pages and an external webpage to direct members of the public on how to report concerns. This includes contact details for the Local Authority. The process also identified some areas for the Council to work on going forward, i.e. formalising arrangements in relation to venue hire and further enhancing risk assessment methods. Serious Organised Crime and Trading Standards- Tobacco and Nicotine Vapour Products (NVPs) The sale and supply of single-use nicotine vapour product (vapes) will be prohibited in Scotland from June 1, 2025. This ban applies to both in-store and online sales. Local Trading Standards teams will enforce the ban in Scotland. Work around the supply of illicit Tobacco and illegal Nicotine Vapour Products (NVPs or Vapes) continues to be the focus of the Trading Standards & Licensing team and enforcement visits were conducted, utilising the tobacco detection dog as part of Operation CECE; part of a UK-wide partnership initiative between HMRC and Trading Standards services, to remove illicit tobacco products from the marketplace. Renfrewshire Trading Standards also led on a national project investigating the prevalence of - and detriment caused by – short weight solid fuel products. The cost- of-living crisis has increasingly seen citizens investigate and use alternative sources of energy as gas and electricity prices have increased. Public Protection 28
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level Community Safety Firework Control Zones A multi-agency group meeting, consisting of Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue as well as representatives from a number of Council Services, was convened in early March 2025 to consider applications from communities where they were requesting a Firework Control Zone is implemented. Of the six applications received, only one was competent to be considered by the group. It was agreed by all group members that the application did not present evidence to support the implementation of a control zone and was rejected. Operation Moonbeam Officers from across the Community Safety Partnership were engaged in a number of support activities under the banner of Operation Moonbeam on Bonfire Night. Pavement Parking Enforcement of the Pavement Parking ban commenced on the 1 April 2025 with this being driven by community intelligence, in addition to Community Support Officers dealing with incidents which they come across during their regular patrols. Food Alert – For Action Officers from across Public Protection assisted the Environmental Health Team in carrying out inspections for counterfeit vodka across Renfrewshire businesses, following the issue of a Food Alert For Action (FAFA) by Food Standards Scotland. This action followed an intelligence led operation by the Scottish Food Crime and Incidents Unit (SFCIU) at Food Standards Scotland (FSS). XL Bullies The designation of XL Bully type dogs as a banned breed under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 came into full effect on 31 July 2024 whereby owners wishing to keep their dogs must have applied for a Certificate of Exemption in advance of this date. A local Renfrewshire protocol was developed in conjunction with Police Scotland to address how XL Bully dog enquiries/incidents will be managed. Service Reviews The Community Support Service (Warden Service) and the Council’s Public Space CCTV operations were subject to review, which is still ongoing. These reviews will ensure that the services are aligned with current service demand. Public Protection 29
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level NHSGGC Public Protection Service Significant progress has been made in implementing the NHS GGC Public Protection Strategy – Safeguarding it Matters to Us 2023- 2026. The strategy delivery plan ensures a focus across our agreed objectives and highlights NHS GGC's commitment to protecting vulnerable populations through strategic leadership, multiagency collaboration, workforce development, digital innovation, and continuous learning from incidents and reviews. The performance of the delivery plan, including risks, is monitored through the NHS GGC Public Protection Forum and reported to the Corporate Management Team to the Board via the Clinical and Care Governance Committee. Six-monthly updates are reported to the Chief Officers Group. Key achievements include: E-Health - The Public Protection Service, in collaboration with the eHealth Development and Informatics team, has developed an improvement bundle to support the implementation of key deliverables outlined in our Public Protection Strategy Delivery Plan. Efforts continue to transform data capture and manage IRD pathway requirements across NHS GGC, utilising Microsoft PowerApps as the key technology. Progress has also been made in creating an online database capable of capturing, monitoring, and reporting mandatory and professional training requirements in alignment with NHS GGC’s Public Protection Quality Assurance Framework. Following a successful pilot in Renfrewshire, Child Protection alerts have now been added to Trakcare for children on the Child Protection Register. This has been greatly received by acute colleagues to help identify vulnerable children. Adult IRDs - A pilot for adult IRDs began in March 2025 with Glasgow City HSCP, initially aiming for 10 IRDs per week. However, actual numbers have been lower. The pilot was extended by three months to gather more data for evaluation, including practitioner surveys and case file reviews. Preliminary results are positive: agencies value early information sharing and collaborative decision-making, and all cases have had effective follow-up plans. The majority of referrals come from Police Scotland, with sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and self-neglect being the primary concerns. Single agency investigations are the most prevalent outcome. SCI Gateway update - After a successful pilot in Renfrewshire, SCI Gateway has been developed to support the submission of Notification of Concerns (NOCs) and Adult Protection 1 (AP1) referrals for GPs across all six Health and Social Care Partnerships in NHS GGC. This has significantly improved the quality and governance of NOCs and AP1s being submitted by GPs. Public Protection 30
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level Governance The pace at which asylum dispersal and refugee resettlement has taken place in Renfrewshire since 2022 has been significant, and beyond anything experienced previously. As a result, the Migration and Resettlement Strategic Group was established which has enabled regular and routine information sharing, and the identification and rapid response to issues as they emerge. Resettlement Team The Council has a Resettlement Team that has now been in place over the past 10 years. The team support people who have come to Renfrewshire over this period through different refugee schemes such as through the Syrian and Afghan schemes, and more recently through the Ukraine support schemes. Asylum Dispersal The Council regularly meets with representatives from the Home Office, Mears and Migrant Help in relation to people being supported through the asylum process in Renfrewshire. Whilst the Council has no direct role to play in terms of support during the process, there is a core focus on safeguarding issues, community support and cohesion. Afghan Resettlement Programme From March 2025, the Afghan Resettlement Programme (ARP) merges together two existing schemes for Afghan nationals: • The Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) • The Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) The UK Government intends to support approximately 7,000 Afghan nationals for a period of 3 years, with “transition accommodation” to be utilised from April 2025 and it is anticipated that this will mean in the region of 660 Afghan nationals coming to Scotland. Local partners are involved in national discussions and a small number of families have resettled in Renfrewshire through these programmes to date. Migration and Asylum 31
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children (UASC) A UASC team within Children’s Social Work has been established in recent years, with over 40 young people currently being supported by the team. Renfrewshire may be asked to support children and young people through the national transfer scheme that has been put into place, or there may also be spontaneous arrivals. The Home Office indicates there remains significant pressure on the number of UASC in the UK and there is a possibility that the allocation to individual authorities will increase. Significant pressures remain in Renfrewshire in terms of the support to unaccompanied asylum-seeking children. Migration and Asylum 32
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level Police Scotland, Renfrewshire Performance Incidents Recorded Common Assault Overall Dishonesty Domestic Abuse Overall Violent Crime Sexual Crime Missing People Housebreaking Road Traffic Casualties Disorder Complaints Unless otherwise stated, all data provided within this report is for the period 1 April 2024 - 29 February 2025, with comparisons made against the same period in the 2023/2024 period. All statistics are provisional and should be treated as management information. All data have been extracted from Police Scotland internal systems and are correct as at 23 March 2025. - 2.1% + 0.7% + 3.7% + 1.5% - 2.3%+ 6.7% + 0.1%- 8.7% + 2.2% + 52% 47,063 1,652 3,386 1,906 189 5,572 400 142 872 1,808 Total Crime + 2.9% 13,577
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level Police Scotland Violence Recorded violent crimes in Renfrewshire increased by 0.1% compared to the previous year, totalling 1,808 crimes, with the majority (over 91%) of recorded crimes of violence being common assault (including against emergency workers). Almost 70% of these involved assault to no injury to victims. Meanwhile, crimes of serious violence (including serious assault, robbery, attempted murder and murder) collectively fell by almost seven percent on the previous year, with 11 fewer victims. While Paisley Northwest continues to be the multi-member ward in which the highest number of recorded crimes of violence occur, continued multi- agency collaboration focused on reducing violence and disorder, has contributed to a decrease of over seven percent in recorded violence in this area. Weapons Offences A total of 379 offensive / bladed weapons offences were recorded in Renfrewshire during the reporting period, marking a 31.6% increase on the previous year. The detection rate for weapon-related crimes rose from 79.8% to 83.1%, with a proactive approach to tackling the issue of weapon-carrying leading to a 39% increase in the number of detections for these crimes. Police in Renfrewshire continue to work with partners to educate young people about the risks and consequences of carrying weapons, as well as to divert them away from criminal activity. Disorder and Antisocial Behaviour (ASB) Recorded crimes of damage and reckless conduct in Renfrewshire fell by 5.6% compared to the previous year, with vandalism seeing a reduction of nearly nine percent. Crimes of wilful fireraising have increased by nearly 26%, with 117 crimes (+24 on 2023/24 figures). However, the detection rate improved significantly, rising from 19.4% last year to 45.3% in the current reporting period. A significant proportion (approximately one-third) of wilful fireraising crimes involved wheelie bins being set alight, with these crimes usually being linked to youth disorder. Public-reported incidents of ASB and disorder dropped by 2.3%, with 5,572 incidents recorded. Police in Renfrewshire continue to engage in a multiagency response to ASB, building on the proactive work carried out through the Partnership Hub and ensuring effective plans are in place to address community risks in Renfrewshire. 34
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level Police Scotland Hate Crime During the reporting period, 362 hate crimes were recorded in Renfrewshire, with a detection rate of 65.7%. Race continues to be the most targeted protected characteristic, featuring in 57% of recorded hate crimes in Renfrewshire. Threatening and abusive behaviour and hate aggravated conduct (including stirring up hatred) are the most commonly reported hate crimes. Other reported hate crimes include common assault, vandalism, domestic abuse and breach of the peace. At least 18% of victims of hate crimes in Renfrewshire were Police Officers. Sexual Crime 400 sexual crimes were recorded in Renfrewshire in the reporting period - an increase of 1.5% on the previous year (394). While contact offences fell by approximately 19%, non-contact offences increased by nearly 32% - with many of these being cyber-enabled sexual offences such as indecent communications or sending indecent images. Almost a third of sexual crimes recorded involved non-recent reporting, with specific challenges associated with the investigation and detection of such crimes, due to the passage of time and resulting loss of various forensic opportunities. The detection rate was 56.5%, compared to the national rate of 57.5%. Missing People In the reporting period, a total of 872 missing person reports were recorded - an increase of 58% on the same period in 2023/24, in which 553 missing person reports were received. In the current reporting period, a total of 326 individuals were reported missing - with 101 of these individuals being repeat missing people (i.e. being reported missing on multiple occasions). 87% of missing persons reports related to young people, with nearly half of all reports involving young people going missing from Children’s Homes. A significant contributory factor for the increase is the National Missing Persons Unit’s implementation of national business rules relating to how these incidents are recorded. Police Scotland continue to engage with appropriate partners to safeguard and reduce threat risk and harm to our most vulnerable people, especially when they go missing. 35
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level Police Scotland Domestic Abuse Domestic abuse incidents in Renfrewshire rose by 6.7% compared to the previous year, totalling 1,906 incidents. Though this increase may be partially attributable to continuous efforts to increase victims’ confidence to report domestic abuse to Police and our partners, changes in reporting standards and new systems should also be considered when comparing figures. Of these incidents, 43.1% led to a recorded crime, with domestic abuse-related crimes rising by 0.7% to 822. The detection rate has increased considerably, rising from 58.6% to 71.1%. The Multi-Agency Tasking and Coordination and Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences frameworks remain vital in safeguarding victims, providing tailored support, coordinating partnerships, and ensuring agency accountability. We continue to work together with partners to ensure that victim centred approach adopting the most suitable support to victims and families. (Refer to Equally Safe Section) Road Casualties In the reporting period, there were 142 road casualties in Renfrewshire, an increase of three compared to the previous year. This includes eight additional road fatalities (9) and five additional slight road injuries (88). However, ten fewer serious road injuries occurred (45), including a reduction in serious child road injuries. Police Scotland remains committed to reducing road casualties through ongoing enforcement and education efforts. The dedicated Road Policing Unit continues to support local policing through a range of road safety and crime prevention campaigns Road Traffic Offences Recorded road traffic offences in Renfrewshire have fallen by 0.3% on 2023/24 figures, totalling 2,973 in the reporting period. Conversely, at a national level these offences increased by just over two percent. The detection rate for these offences is 86%, which remains closely comparable to the previous year’s rate (86.4%) and the national rate (87.5%). 36
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level Police Scotland Acquisitive Crime A total of 3,386 crimes of dishonesty were recorded in Renfrewshire, an increase of 3.7% on the previous year. The detection rate for was 37%, exceeding the national rate of 35.3%. Shoplifting accounts for almost 40% of all recorded crimes of dishonesty and rising by almost 26% on the previous year. Excluding this type of crime, crimes of dishonesty have fallen by nearly 7%, with crimes of housebreaking falling by 8.7%, recorded fraud crimes falling by 11.3% and common theft decreasing by 4.2%. Problem-solving initiatives are underway including a Retail Crime Task Force, this dedicated unit supports police officers in delivering prevention activities and targets repeat offenders. Fraud remains a key concern due to evolving tactics used both online and offline. In Renfrewshire, consumer and retail fraud and banking/credit industry fraud constitute a significant proportion of recorded fraud crime, with other fraud methods in the reporting period including advance fee payment frauds and bogus/doorstep crime. Police in Renfrewshire continue to engage with the community to raise awareness of emerging fraud methods and provide practical advice to help individuals protect themselves from financial harm. Cyber and Digital Crime Cyber-enabled crime remains a significant concern for communities in Renfrewshire. Fraud continues to be the most commonly recorded cyber-enabled in terms of number of reports received, with 39% of all recorded frauds being perpetrated online. We continue to address this issue through local partnerships and national collaboration with the Cyber Scotland Partnership and the financial sector to raise awareness of online fraud. Threats and extortion are another key cyber-threat in Renfrewshire, with the majority (71%) of recorded extortion crimes being cyber- enabled sextortion crimes. Offenders (who are commonly located outwith the UK) build trust through social media or messaging platforms before making demands - often resulting in serious emotional and financial consequences for victims. Sexual offences constitute a significant proportion of cybercrimes, with crimes such as communicating indecently, viewing sexual activity or images, indecent photos of children and threats to disclose intimate images. To combat online child sexual abuse and exploitation, Police Scotland engage with specialist national units and partner agencies to promote preventative awareness. 37
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Renfrewshire Activity Fires False Alarms Total no. of Incidents First Aid /Hospital Treatment (all incidents) - 5.6% - 12% - 14.5% - 5% - 4.3% Road Traffic Collisions * Data above is year on year change Summary 2024-25 The activity totals and other statistics quoted within this report are published in the interests of transparency and openness. They are provisional in nature and subject to change as a result of ongoing quality assurance and review. Because all statistics quoted are provisional there may be a difference in the period totals quoted in our reports after local publication which result from revisions or additions to the data in our systems. The Scottish Government publishes official statistics each year which allow for comparisons to be made over longer periods of time. 751 1176 59 2530 156
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Below Highlights an increase or decrease from the same reporting period as last year. • Total Incidents: 2530 - down 5% from 2662. • Fires: 751 - down 5.6% from 796. • Non-Fire Incidents: 603 - up 20% from 503. • False Alarms: 1176 - down 12% from 1336. • Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals (UFAS): 420 - down 28% from 583. • Rescues by Firefighters: 126 - down 10.6% from 141. • Fire-Related Hospital Treatments: 8 - down 53% from 17. • Fire Fatalities: 0 - down 100% from 2 (1 fatality did occur at a fire incident but was not fire related). • First Aid / Hospital Treatment (all incidents): 156 - down 4.3% from 163. • Non-Fire Fatalities: 9 - up 50% from 6. • HomeFire Safety Visits: 1119. • Fire Safety Audits: 255 Routine audits plus 15 Post fire audits. Accidental Dwelling Fires (ADFs) • Total Incidents: 113 - down 20.4% from 142. • ADF Casualties: 11 - down 15.4% from 13. Deliberate Fire Setting • Total: 471 - down from 485. • Secondary Fire Total: 428 - down 2.9% from 469. • Peak Times: Between 6pm and 8pm. Non-domestic Fires • Total: 29 - down 29.3% from 41. Non-Fire Casualties • Total: 158 - static at 158. Fatalities Breakdown • Fire Fatalities: 1. • Special Service (non-RTC) Fatalities: 7. • RTC Fatalities: 2. UFAS • Common Causes: Cooking/Burnt Toast, Accidental or careless activation, Contaminants – aerosols, dust, steam etc. • Most common premises: Residential Homes, Hospitals and medical care, Hotels. • Policy change: SFRS adopted a new UFAS policy in July 2023. On activation of an automatic fire alarm system, the SFRS response to all sleeping risk premises remain unchanged but for non-sleeping risk premises an attendance will only be made where confirmed fire indications are present. RTCs • Total: 59 - down 14.5% from 69. • RTC Casualties: 63 - up 10.5% from 57. • RTC Fatalities: 2 – up 50% from 1. 39
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Renfrewshire Activity Fires False Alarms Total no. of Incidents - 5.6% - 12% - 5% - 4.3% * Data above is year on year change Summary 2024-25
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Home Fire Safety Visits Each year SFRS delivers over 40,000 Home Fire Safety Visits (HFSVs) to homes across Scotland. These visits involve SFRS staff engaging with individuals within the home environment, to identify potential fire risks and to provide appropriate advice and education to improve their fire safety in the home. In January 2025 SFRS made changes to their HFSV programme, this was a move away from universal provision of a HFSV on request to a more targeted approach aimed at identifying and providing a HFSV to those in our communities who are most at risk of fire. This change was based around factors which we know increase someone’s risk of fire, via fire fatality research, with those factors now forming some of the criteria through which someone can qualify for a HFSV, alongside wider health and social care issues. Those members of the community who don’t meet the criteria will no longer be eligible for a HFSV but will instead be provided with a personalised home fire safety guide based on the answers that they provided to the screening questions when they applied for a HFSV. Alongside the changes to the eligibility criteria, we have also introduced new software for the recording of HFSVs and will soon launch a new Partner Referral App which will make it easier and more secure for our valued partners to make a referrals for HFSVs to SFRS, for their clients. Partner referrals are important as we know from experience that individuals involved in fatal and serious fires are often known to our partner organisations but not to SFRS. This change to the SFRS Home Fire Safety Visit programme will see a reduction in the number of HFSVs conducted annually but with those that are carried out being targeted at those members of the community who are most at risk ensuring that they receive early and appropriate intervention to improve their safety. 41
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Title can go here • Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level Strategic Focus 2025/26 COG will continue to regularly scrutinise and monitor performance across all areas of community protection activity, focusing in on areas where there are ratings are poor, there’s changes in referrals, incidents or concerns reported, or where national research or legislation suggests improvements or change to practice or multi agency working. COG will seek to ensure that performance and practice are scrutinised at a strategic level, to identify what works well, to highlight any areas for improvement, and to consider where further opportunities for early intervention and prevention activity would achieve improved outcomes for local people. Moving forward COG have identified several specific priorities to be progressed during 2025/26, in addition to ongoing activity. These are: • Protecting vulnerable children and adults • Reducing alcohol and drug related harm • Suicide prevention • Migration and asylum • Equally Safe • Homelessness • COG self-evaluation 42