Police and probation services
Any help or support your organisation provides to a person who may pose a risk should be guided by advice from statutory services—particularly the police, probation officers, or criminal justice social workers—especially in cases where the individual is being actively monitored.
The police have the discretion to share information about individuals who may present a danger. Therefore, when you're planning to support or manage someone who may pose a risk, your first step should be to contact the police. Let them know that the individual is attending your activities or seeking to be part of your community.
As part of your safeguarding responsibilities, you should always inform the individual that you will be contacting the police. Where appropriate, you may offer to include them in the conversation, so they are part of the process.
Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA)
MAPPA (Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements) is the framework through which the Police, Probation, and Prison Services work together with other agencies in England and Wales to manage the risks posed by violent and sexual offenders living in the community. The aim is to protect the public.
When an offender is subject to a supervision plan, organisations must collaborate closely with these agencies to help reduce risk. This includes understanding how they can contribute positively to the individual’s supervision and relapse prevention plan.
See: https://mappa.justice.gov.uk/MAPPA
Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme
Under the Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme (CSODS) the police can tell parents, carers and guardians if someone has a record for child sexual offences.
Public Protection Arrangements Northern Ireland (PPANI)
In Northern Ireland, the Public Protection Arrangements (PPANI) are jointly operated by the Police, Probation, Prison Services, Social Services, and a range of other government and voluntary organisations. These agencies work together to manage the risks posed by individuals who may be a danger to the public.
Child Protection Disclosure Scheme
The Child Protection Disclosure Scheme provides a process for anyone who has concerns about an individual who may pose a risk to children to request that information relating to relevant sexual/violent offences be disclosed to the person responsible for the child.
Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA)
The Sex Offender Community Disclosure
Police Scotland have an online application form under the existing Sex Offender Community Disclosure Scheme to make applications to the Scheme.
It allows any member of the public to submit an application directly if they have a concern about a person’s access or contact with a child.
Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA)
MAPPA is the set of arrangements by which the Police, Probation and Prison Services work together with other agencies in Wales and England to manage the risks posed by violent and sexual offenders living in the community in order to protect the public.
Where an offender is subject to a supervision plan, organisations will need to work closely with these agencies to reduce risk and to understand how they can positively contribute to the offender’s supervision and relapse prevention plan.
For further guidance, see: https://mappa.justice.gov.uk/MAPPA
Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme
Under the Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme (CSODS) the police can tell parents, carers and guardians if someone has a record for child sexual offences.
Get a police check on someone that has contact with a child - GOV.UK
Page last updated: 12 November 2025