A peer approach to the evaluation of adult support and protection processes in North Ayrshire
| Pages | 155-167 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/JAP-01-2018-0003 |
| Date | 13 August 2018 |
| Published date | 13 August 2018 |
| Author | John Burns |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Vulnerable groups,Adult protection,Safeguarding,Sociology,Sociology of the family,Abuse |
A peer approach to the evaluation of
adult support and protection processes
in North Ayrshire
John Burns
Abstract
Purpose –By adopting a “peer approach,”the purpose of this paper is to evaluate the adult support and
protection process in North Ayrshire from the perspective of patients, service users and carers.
Design/methodology/approach –A research design was co-produced by health and social care staff and
people with lived experience of ASP processes and experiences. The semi-structured interview design
explored the ASP inquiry, investigation and case conference stages of the ASP process.
Findings –The study found some examples of good practice as well as some areas for improvement. The
variability of experience, the provision of information, use of advocacy services and plans for future systematic
evaluation of experiences were identified for possible improvement.
Research limitations/implications –The design somewhat limits generalizability; the sample size is small
and although the findings and innovative approach involving those with lived experience may have wider
appeal, the specific recommendations pertain to a specific local authority area in Scotland though these too
may interest practitioners and researchers in other authorities.
Practical implications –The recommendations stand to improve services and process accessed and
experienced by adults at risk of harm. Working with people with lived experience takes services closer to
co-producing, designing and evaluating services and processes.
Originality/value –This study has high originality. Local value is high and is also likely to be valuable to those
interested in adult support in protection generally and peer approaches across fields.
Keywords Evaluation, ASP process, Lived experience, Participatory research
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
North Ayrshire Adult Protection Committee (NAAPC) has been in place for eight years and is
responsible for the local enactment of the Adult Support and Protection National Priority Working
Group on Service User and Care Engagement Final Report (2014). Regular reviews of adult
support and protection (ASP) activity including service user feedback and case file audits have
been undertaken (NAAPC, 2017); however, NAAPC was keen to embrace North Ayrshire Health
and Social Care Partnerships increasing use of participatory research, and hoped this model
could be used in relation to service user and carer experiences.
A small short-life working group (SLWG) was convened to map the ASP process and, in line with the
ASP Code of Practice (Scottish Government, 2014), conceptualized it in three stages: in the first
stage, an ASP inquiry is initiated when a Council “knowsorbelievesthatthepersonisanadultatrisk;
and that it might need to intervene (under the Act or otherwise) in order to protect the person’swell-
being, property or financial affairs”(Scottish Government, 2014, p. 32). Depending on what is found
at stage one, there may be a need to progress to stage two, an ASP investigation: “An adult
protection investigation will generally be necessary where the information gathered as part of an adult
protection inquiry suggests that the adult is at risk of h arm and the council may need to take action to
protect them”(Scottish Government, 2014, p. 36). The outcome of this informs the requirement to
Received 24 January 2018
Revised 23 March 2018
Accepted 27 March 2018
The author would like to thank the
peer researchers for their
invaluable input to the research
project. A thanks is also extended
to the North Ayrshire Alcohol and
Drug Partnership Policy Officer for
their support in the work, the ASP
Learning and Development Adviser
for their input to training, and to
the North Ayrshire Adult Protection
Committee for supporting this
innovative approach to evaluation,
and taking cognizance of its
findings.
John Burns is based at the
North Ayrshire Health and
Social Care Partnership,
Irvine, UK.
DOI 10.1108/JAP-01-2018-0003 VOL. 20 NO. 3/4 2018, pp. 155-167, © Emerald Publishing Limited, ISSN 1466-8203
j
THE JOURNAL OF ADULT PROTECTION
j
PAG E 15 5
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