What is a Registered Sex Offender?

A person convicted of a sexual offence after 1997 automatically becomes a Registered Sex Offender.

This means that they have to register with the police within 72 hours of being convicted in court.

They must give their name, date of birth, home address and national insurance number, passport details, bank details etc.

The length of time that they are on the sex offender register varies, and only a few remain on the register for life.

A small number are thought to be of high risk of serious harm, and that risk is managed by the police in discussion with social services, housing, health services and others.  This is known as MAPPA (the Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements).

Each area of Scotland has a MAPPA group who decide on the best way to manage any risk posed by a registered sex offender.

MAPPA is a system where information is shared between agencies to develop a risk management plan and ensure that all reasonable steps are taken to keep people safe.

The National Guidance for MAPPA in Scotland can be found here.

"Keeping Children Safe" scheme in Scotland

The Sex Offender Community Disclosure Scheme, also known as ‘Keeping Children Safe’ is available to communities throughout Scotland. The scheme allows parents, carers or guardians with concerns about a child under the age of 18 years to make a formal request for the disclosure of information about a named person who may have contact with their child, if they are concerned that the person may be a registered sex offender.

Information can only be provided to a parent, carer or guardian but if you have concerns about a person’s access to a child you should make the call.

While you can attend or phone your local police station to submit an application to the scheme, the easiest and quickest way to do so is via the Police Scotland website online application form.

The detail provided and potential risk will be assessed by the police on a case by case basis.

The online application and further details are available via The Sex Offender Community Disclosure Scheme

Please remember - just because the authorities have no information about a person does not mean that there is no risk.  Use common sense if you have concerns. Look at the 'warning signs' section on this website and consider a family safety plan.   

What should I do if I have a worry about a registered sex offender?

It is very important to consider the reality of sex offenders in our community. 

We know that very few sexual offences are reported to the police, with as much as 80% of sexual crime never being known to the authorities. Because of that, many of those who present a risk to children will not be known to statutory services such as police or social work, and many will not be on the sex offenders register

The stereotypical image of a sex offender is misleading as they can be male or female, young or old. Research tells us that around 30% of sex offending against children is committed by other children or young people.

If anybody has information to suggest that a child is likely to be at risk of harm then they should immediately contact the police or social work. 

The number of registered sex offenders in our community who pose a high risk of serious harm to others is thankfully very small. However, the thought that a person may pose a risk of serious harm to you or someone you care about could be very distressing, and it may be difficult to know who to speak to. This is particularly true where the concern relates to a child.

If you wish information about how to report concerns please Reporting of Child Sexual Abuse section