A bill to ensure that inspectorates with an interest in child protection have access to all the information they need in an investigation was published last week. Pilot inspections in Highland and East Dunbartonshire found a lack of certainty about what could be lawfully shared.
The inspectorates, led by HMIE, have also published their proposals for integrated inspections of children’s services. These are now out for consultation but piloting will not take place until 2008. An interim report, based on inspections, is not due until late 2010 - “evolutionary rather than revolutionary”, as the consultation document puts it.
