Appropriate Adult Services
Protecting rights. Supporting understanding. Promoting fair treatment.
When a child or vulnerable adult is interviewed as part of a criminal investigation, it is essential that they understand what is happening, can communicate effectively and have their rights properly protected.
Appropriate Adults play an important role in ensuring that police interviews and other procedures are conducted fairly and in accordance with the relevant safeguards.
Smarter Consulting provides specialist Appropriate Adult support, with a particular focus on vulnerable adults involved in criminal investigations across Devon and Cornwall.
Our approach is informed by extensive experience of criminal justice, policing, safeguarding and working with vulnerable individuals.
What Does an Appropriate Adult Do?
An Appropriate Adult is an independent safeguard whose role is to support, advise and assist an eligible person during relevant police procedures.
Their responsibilities include:
- Helping the individual understand their rights and entitlements
- Supporting effective communication between the individual and investigators
- Observing whether procedures are being conducted properly and fairly
- Helping the individual understand the questions or processes involved
- Raising concerns when appropriate
- Supporting the individual’s welfare and effective participation
An Appropriate Adult is not simply an observer. The role requires an understanding of the relevant procedures, confidence to intervene when necessary and the ability to remain impartial.
An Appropriate Adult does not replace a solicitor or provide legal advice.
Supporting Vulnerable Adults
Individuals may require an Appropriate Adult for a variety of reasons, including mental health conditions, learning disabilities, cognitive difficulties or other circumstances affecting their ability to understand or participate effectively.
Vulnerability is not always immediately apparent.
Our approach recognises the importance of treating each individual with dignity, patience and respect, while supporting the fairness and integrity of the investigative process.
Support for Investigating Organisations
We welcome enquiries from police forces, investigating authorities, solicitors and other organisations requiring Appropriate Adult services.
Our experience across criminal justice enables us to understand both the responsibilities of investigators and the safeguards required for vulnerable individuals.
Services are subject to availability, suitability and appropriate arrangements for each case.
Appropriate Adult Awareness Training
Alongside Appropriate Adult provision, Smarter Consulting delivers specialist awareness training for police officers, investigators and custody personnel.
Our training explores the role of the Appropriate Adult, the relevant requirements under PACE Code C and how investigators can work effectively with Appropriate Adults.
Find out more about our Appropriate Adult Awareness Training.
Please click here to pre-book our AA Service
For enquiries about Appropriate Adult provision, please contact Smarter Consulting with details of your requirements.
Email: hello@smarterconsulting.co.uk
Please do not include unnecessary sensitive personal or case information in an initial enquiry. Suitable arrangements can be agreed for sharing confidential information securely.