15th February 2022
In response to the Scottish Government’s refresh of Getting It Right For Every Child, Connect is restating concerns about the named person.
You can read our full responses to the Government’s consultations here.
It is regrettable that Scottish Government has opted to persist with a role or function which has no statutory basis, no clear definition or job description, no clear rights and responsibilities remit, nor indeed commonality across different local authorities. For families, the named person is of no significance and has no means to influence positive change, unless the named person, working with families, can influence meaningfully the provision of services at a local level.
Given the critique of named person over many years, we recommend Scottish Government focusses its energies on ensuring the services and supports are there for families; if the named person is to be an advocate for and supporter of families, this should be stated clearly and they should have the powers to support families in accessing services, if they want and need them. Consideration should be given to appointing people who are truly independent of the services that are involved. We have previously highlighted that the Lead Professional has the potential to be a meaningful role, with obligations to act for the family/child’s best interests, as agreed by the family/child, and some authority to oblige other services to act.