The Increase in Statutory Duties on Public Officials to Protect Vulnerable People

In the last three decades, there has been an increase in legislation whereby public officials have duties to protect vulnerable people, particularly in legislation passed by the Scottish Parliament.
These duties generally encourage public officials to consider adjustments for people deemed vulnerable. However, they are applicable across a wide range of service settings and vary in nature.
Legislative records reveal little about why this increase has occurred. More empirical evidence is required on the implementation and impact of these statutory duties as it is unknown what difference they make.