Mission Statement
The overriding aim of the Office of the Public Guardian is to ensure that the guiding principles of the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 are adhered to namely:
benefit – there shall be no intervention in the affairs of an adult unless it will benefit the adult, and the benefit cannot be reasonably achieved without the intervention.
minimum intervention – where an intervention in the affairs of an adult is to be made, it shall be the least restrictive option in relation to the freedom of the adult, consistent with the principles of the Act.
take account of the wishes of the adult - in deciding if an intervention is to be made and, if so, what that should be, account shall be taken of the present and past wishes and feelings of the adult so far as they can be ascertained.
consultation with relevant others - in deciding if an intervention is to be made, and if so, what that should be, account shall be taken of the views of:
the nearest relative and primary carer of the adult;
any guardian, continuing or welfare attorney of the adult who has powers relating to the proposed intervention;
any person whom the sheriff has directed should be consulted;
any other person appearing to the person responsible for authorising or effecting the intervention to have an interest in the welfare of the adult or the proposed intervention.
The Office of the Public Guardian aims to provide all its customers with an efficient and effective service.
We want to minimise any inconvenience and reduce anxiety to customers by setting out the quality of service that customers should receive.
Our service will be fair, irrespective of race, ethnic origin, age, gender, religious beliefs, sexual orientation or any disability. All users of the OPG will be treated in the same professional manner.
