New Date For Report Into Dundee Child Protection

Ministers have asked for a report into Dundee City Council’s child protection services to be brought forward following the death of Brandon Muir.

Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education (HMIE) will publish its report on measures to protect children in Dundee three months early.

It will now be published in June rather than the due date of September.

An independent review of child protection services has also been commissioned by the Dundee Children and Young Persons Protection Committee.

Former Fife Constabulary chief constable Peter Wilson will head the independent review, which will be in addition to a Significant Case Review.

Dundee Children and Young Persons Protection Committee chairman Fred McBride said: “Brandon Muir’s death has been a shock for everyone in children’s services from all the organisations involved.

“It is not just the professional agencies that have been affected, the community he lived in is also grieving.

“The independent review we have instigated will look at the circumstances surrounding (the) events.

“Should the review indicate that any changes are necessary to our child protection procedures, we will ensure that these are implemented.

“If there is more we can do to involve communities in the role of child protection we will also look at that, as it is a priority for us to ensure that the public can get in touch with us if they have concerns.

“It is difficult to put a timescale on such a review but we have asked Mr Wilson to complete his final report as quickly as possible. The results of the independent review by Mr Wilson will be made public.”

City council leader Kevin Keenan welcomed the independent inquiry. He said: “The public need to have confidence in the child protection process in our communities, but at this point it would be unwise for me to speculate on the outcome of Mr Wilson’s analysis.”

Director of social work Alan Baird said: “The independent inquiry by Peter Wilson will look at all the circumstances to see what lessons can be learned for child protection services.

“The agencies who do their best to protect vulnerable children welcome the help that people in our communities can provide by passing on any concerns they have.

“If the inquiry puts forward proposals that could lead to an improvement in this or any other area we will make sure they are fully implemented.”

Tayside Police said the investigation was also supported by the expertise of pathology, paediatric and forensic experts, who all played a key role in achieving the conviction of Robert Cunningham.