Fife Multi-Agency Adult Protection Guidance - Home Page

TermDefinitionVulnerable Witnesses The Vulnerable Witnesses (Scotland) Act 2004introduced a range of specific measures to provideimproved support for child and adult vulnerablewitnesses in the Justice System. The various sections ofthe Act were introduced in a staged process between2006 and 2008. These measures, which can be appliedwhere there is a significant risk that the quality of theirevidence may be diminished by reason of fear or distressin connection with giving evidence at a trial, are alldetailed within the Scottish Government Pack relating tothe Act. The Code of Practice for Adult VulnerableWitnesses encourages the delivery of therapeuticsupport to adult witnesses prior to and during courtproceedings and to establish consistent best practicesupport which can be implemented across Scotland.Warrant for EntryWhistle-BlowingA Sheriff who grants an assessment or a removal ordermust also grant a Warrant for Entry which authorises acouncil officer to visit any specified place under Section 7or 16 of the Act, together with a Constable. TheConstable is authorised to do anything, including usingreasonable force where necessary, which is consideredto be reasonably required to fulfil the object of the visit.Such a warrant expires 72 hours after it is granted anddoes not entitle anyone who has entered a place underthe terms of the warrant to remain in that place after thewarrant has expired.A means by which staff can safely raise their concernswithin their organisation about matters of suspected oractual malpractice. This allows an individual to bypassthe formal line management arrangements if necessary.77