Webwatch: WithScotland launch collaborative public protection learning tool

WithScotland, the Scottish resource which improves outcomes for children in need of protection and adults at risk of harm, has launched an interactive public protection training tool.

The Collaborative Outcomes Learning Tool, (COLT), is designed to help sectors such as the police, local authorities, NHS and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service understand the benefits of working more closely on issues such as domestic abuse, radicalisation, mental health, financial harm and substance misuse.

These issues frequently cut across child and adult protection and require an integrated approach between services to provide the best outcomes possible for individuals at risk of harm and communities throughout Scotland. 

The addition of COLT to the WithScotland website aims to ensure that this invaluable training resource is made more widely available to frontline staff, managers and educational bodies.

COLT was originally commissioned by Grampian Police and developed in partnership with the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health and Social Care at Robert Gordon University.

A wide number of sectors collaborated in the development of the resource bringing their perspective and expertise on the importance of a multiagency response. Their contributions were pivotal to ensuring the resource reflected real life challenges and responses across public protection working.

Beth Smith, Director, WithScotland, said: “By using the learning resource frontline staff and managers can gain a deeper understanding of working collaboratively thus encouraging a more co-ordinated approach between services when engaging with those in need of help and support – those working across public protection will find COLT an invaluable resource.”

Inga Heyman, Lecturer in Mental Health Nursing, Robert Gordon University, said:  “Although available in DVD format for training scenarios – the addition of COLT to the WithScotland website will offer all professionals working across public protection free, online access. Frontline staff and managers can view public protection scenarios through each other’s eyes.

“Based on real-life situations and through questioning of ‘characters’ and the gathering of information, the resource is intended to stimulate debate and inter-professional education. We are delighted that this resource will now be more widely available via the WithScotland website.”