The team at MAPPA Lanarkshire won the title of Outstanding External Partner at the Police Scotland Lanarkshire Excellence Awards at a ceremony held on Tuesday 6 May within the Hamilton Town House.

MAPPA [Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements] Lanarkshire aims to minimise the potential risks posed by serious violent and sexual offenders.

To ensure the safety of the public and reduce the risk of harm, MAPPA can use a variety of safeguarding measures such as surveillance, curfews, electronic tagging, and sexual offence prevention orders.

MAPPA Lanarkshire is delivered through a partnership between South and North Lanarkshire Councils and is one of 10 areas across the country which were each established in 2007.

Each MAPPA area works with a number of different organisations including Police Scotland, the Scottish Prison Service, and the NHS.

South Lanarkshire Council’s Chief Executive, Paul Manning, said: “I’m delighted that our partners in Police Scotland Lanarkshire Division value the MAPPA team so highly and it’s great to know that the work done by the team has been recognised and rightly rewarded.

“The nomination itself is an honour and is the first time the team has received such recognition.

“Well done to all the staff within the MAPPA team.”

North Lanarkshire Council Chief Executive, Des Murray, said: “Working collaboratively to support children, young people and adults who are at risk of harm or abuse is a vital role of the local MAPPA team and this is a thoroughly deserved award for the outstanding work they do to protect and safeguard people as much as possible.”