Foreword

As chief officers, we are delighted to introduce our Public Protection Strategy 2024 to 2027. This is the first strategy in this format and sets out our ambitions for the next three years. It follows a robust process of consultation, self-assessment, analysis, data and intelligence gathering across our three core pillars of Child Protection, Adult Support and Protection and Violence against Women and Girls.

We commend the process and thank all those who have been involved across our partnership and partners from front line staff, public protection teams, Public Protection committee and subcommittee members. We are proud of the dedication and commitment shown to help the most vulnerable in our region. This strategy is testament of our pledge to positively support and reduce harm to those at risk and really listen to the lived experience of those we strive to support and protect.

The four priorities illustrate significant and challenging issues that we want to give specific and targeted focus. There are no easy wins in this strategy! We recognise the significant work required to address these and welcome the development of individual dedicated delivery plans, targeted to achieve our aims as a partnership.

We understand progressing this strategy will be challenging but we are fully committed to it and are proud to take ownership of such a creative and forward-thinking approach to reduce the risk of harm to everyone living in Dumfries and Galloway. We will continue to lead and strengthen our Public Protection Partnership and oversee the work required to move forward towards our ambitions, alongside our many Public Protection colleagues.

The priorities within our Public Protection Strategy 2024 to 2027 are wider than public protection structures, and our ambition will ensure we work across all our partners, sectors and with wider partnerships to achieve a Dumfries and Galloway where those at risk within our communities will feel safe and be safer from harm.