Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA)

MAPPA are a set of statutory partnership working arrangements introduced in 2007 as part of the Management of Offenders etc. (Scotland) Act 2005 (Sections 10 and 11).

They place a statutory duty on responsible authorities such as the police, social work, prison service and health to work together on joint arrangements for assessing and managing the risk posed by certain categories of offenders. 

The principles that govern the arrangements include:

  • identifying convicted offenders who may pose a risk of harm
  • sharing relevant information about them
  • assessing the nature and extent of that risk
  • finding ways to manage that risk effectively protecting victims and reducing further harm

Examples of other agencies who may be involved in MAPPA include registered social landlords or housing associations, the Department for Work and Pensions, Jobcentre Plus and the Children’s Reporter.

MAPPA annual reports

More information about how MAPPA is managed within the Edinburgh, Lothians and Scottish Borders areas can be found in the annual reports.