Dyer to chair independent child protection review

Former Crown Agent Catherine Dyer is to chair an independent review of child protection in Scotland.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney announced the appointment at a summit in Perth held as part of the Scottish Government's Child Protection Improvement Programme. It comes in the wake of the conviction lastv week of Rachel Fee and her partner Nyomi Fee for the murder of Rachel's son, two year old Liam, in Fife in 2014. Questions have been asked about how the social work department failed to act on concerns over Liam's wellbeing.

Ms Dyer retired as Crown Agent and Chief Executive of the Crown Office & Procurator Fiscal Service earlier this year.

Speaking at the summit Mr Swinney said: “An essential part of the child protection improvement programme is a review of policy, practice, services and structures so that we can identify strengths, achievements and priorities for change. We will look at child protection committees, initial case reviews, significant case reviews and the child protection register to ensure that they work together to create a holistic, coherent and responsive child protection system that optimises outcomes for children.

“I am pleased to announce today that this review will be independently chaired by Catherine Dyer, who brings a wealth of experience from her time as chief executive of the Crown Office & Procurator Fiscal Service. She will bring the expertise, experience and independence this sensitive task needs.”