Social Work Scotland feedback on Draft Guidance on Recorded Matters for Forensic Orders and Directions
October 2026
Members of Social Work Scotland welcome the opportunity to comment on the draft guidance. Overall, the guidance is viewed positively and considered to be a helpful attempt to extend recorded matters to forensic orders in a way that promotes greater parity with Compulsory Treatment Orders (CTOs) and strengthens compliance with human rights and reciprocity principles. Members broadly agreed with the intention of the Remedial Order and supported the principle that individuals subject to forensic orders should have access to equivalent safeguards and mechanisms available to those subject to CTOs.
However, while the overarching approach was supported, members identified several areas where additional clarification, practical guidance and revision would strengthen the document and improve implementation.
