Former police officer heads Dundee adults protection role

A former senior police officer has been given the task of overseeing work to protect vulnerable adults. Colin McCashey has been appointed independent convener of Dundee’s adult support and protection committee.
Mr McCashey is a recently retired officer with 30 years’ experience in various roles, including head of Tayside CID, commander in Dundee and most recently Scottish counter-terrorism coordinator.

Mr McCashey said: “The absolute focus of my work in Dundee will be to make sure that vulnerable adults and adults at risk of harm are supported by the statutory agencies, including Dundee City Council social work department, NHS Tayside and Police Scotland.”

The committee was set up in the wake of national legislation that sought to improve support for adults who may be at risk of physical, sexual, emotional or financial harm or neglect owing to their age, illness or disability.

It is responsible for getting agencies to work together in a coordinated way, developing staff training and raising public awareness of the problem.

Mr McCashey said: “I am pleased to be taking up this role at a time when we are stepping up the campaign to help support and protect adults living in Dundee, and see it as making sure that people, whether through their work or as a member of the public, know what to do if they suspect an adult is at risk of harm.

“The public have a vital role in protecting vulnerable adults and if you know someone is being harmed it is important to tell someone.”