This cross-sector implementation group will be responsible for the overarching implementation of the new legislation.

Role & Remit of the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 Implementation Group

1. The Scottish Executive has established the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act Implementation Group. This Group is essentially a continuation of the cross-sector Bill Steering Group which successfully assisted in the preparation and parliamentary passage of the ASP Bill.

2. The Implementation Group will continue to be the main over-arching Group looking across the wide range of issues which will have an impact on the effective implementation of the Act. A range of sub-groups may also be established to look at particular areas in more detail. The Group will also have a key role in assisting with implementation of the adult protection aspects of the recent Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. The Group will also consider links with associated legislation as required.

Overall Aim

3. The overall aim of the Group is to assist the Scottish Executive on a wide range of issues relating to the implementation of the ASP Act. In doing so, the following points are relevant:

• Scottish Ministers are clear that effective implementation is the key to the benefits contained within the ASP Act being realised and, in particular, that a well-constructed Code of Practice will be critical.
• The Executive recognises that individual members of the Group may have similar, complementary or differing views from each other on particular issues. The role of the Scottish Executive will be to assess the range of views expressed and arrive at solutions for the way forward.

Objectives

4. The objectives for the Group are to support the implementation of the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 and the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007 by:

• Working in partnership to identify and resolve significant issues relating to implementation of the ASP Act and the adult protection aspects of the PVG Act;
• Contributing to qualitative mapping of current adult protection policies and practice, and continually reviewing and identifying current activity in order to assess gaps and inform implementation process and state of readiness for implementation;
• Working in partnership to devise a communications strategy to support implementation across Scotland - including assisting the Scottish Executive to develop and draft a range of appropriate information materials on the ASP Act;
• Addressing the need for and developing innovative and appropriate education and training materials to support implementation of the ASP Act;
• Considering the overlap between the ASP Act and other key legislation;
• Working in partnership to identify and develop post-implementation monitoring mechanisms including aspects such as continuous improvement and quality assurance;
• Considering the wider context in which the ASP Act will be required to operate (including service availability);
• Providing views on Code of Practice, as required;
• Providing views on any significant secondary legislation issues, as required; and
• Providing views on other regulations and powers within the Act, as required.

Membership

5. The membership of the Group should ensure that all key sectors and interests are represented - including both statutory and voluntary sectors. If the member invited is unable to attend a particular meeting then they may send a substitute instead. The Scottish Executive may the supplement the membership at a later date.

6. The Scottish Executive will provide the secretariat for the Group, and will ensure that minutes of meetings are produced and circulated prior to the next meeting.

Frequency of Meetings

7. Meetings will take place quarterly (3-monthly), or as agreed by members. If issues arise in between meetings that require attention then the Scottish Executive will seek member views by e-mail.

8. Provisional dates for forthcoming meetings are:

· Thursday 26 April 2007 - To read the minutes clickhere.

· Thursday 12 July 2007

· Wednesday 31 October 2007

· Wednesday 30 January 2008

· Wednesday 30 April 2008

9. There will be an option to set up sub-groups to take forward work in specific areas if deemed appropriate.

Role of Members

10. Members will be invited to attend meetings in advance. In addition, members will need preparation time to read any papers which are circulated beforehand, and sometimes at short notice. The Scottish Executive may invite members to prepare papers or to lead discussion or make a presentation at particular meetings.

11. Members are expected to represent the views of their organisation and to report back to their organisations, as appropriate, the outcome of discussions held at the meetings.

Location of Meetings

12. Most meetings are likely to take place in Edinburgh, but other locations can be considered.

Timescale of Group

13. This Group will meet from April 2007 until a final date to be determined but it is likely that the Group will continue to meet until all, or most, of the implementation has taken place.