National Inter-agency Referral Discussions (IRD) Learning and Development Project completes first training event in Aberdeen 

The National IRD Learning and Development Project is a multiagency programme with partners from Social Work, Health and Police Scotland, with Social Work Scotland hosting the social work contingent of the project. At the core of this project is a three-day learning event that the delivery team are rolling out across Scotland to local areas. 

The project aims to support core agencies to make confident, consistent, and child centred IRD decisions. It focuses on strengthening shared understanding, professional judgement and collaborative working, enabling proportionate and defensible decision making aligned with national guidance and GIRFEC principles.  

The first training event took place in Aberdeen in April 2026 with our launch partners Aberdeen City Council Social Work, NHS Grampian and A-Division, Police Scotland. This was a successful event and initial feedback received was positive with delegates highlighting the importance of this opportunity for multiagency development and learning from each other. The event was also a significant learning opportunity for the project, welcoming feedback from Aberdeen delegates to review the experience and adapt the programme moving forward.  

The training event includes collaborative delivery on several aspects of IRD practice; and scenario-based discussions which ensure that the learning reflects the joint professional decision-making required in IRD practice.

Social Work Scotland are proud to host this project creating space for important multiagency developments and look forward to the coming months where we hope to deliver many more learning events and continue to engage with local areas.  

If you want to get involved, find out if we are already engaged with your area, or have any queries then please contact the team at ird.team@socialworkscotland.org