A special workshop is being held in Tayside to raise awareness of the risk assessment and management of sex offenders within the community.

Members of the voluntary sector have been invited along to the workshop, which has been organised by Tayside's Multi Agency Public Protection group, known as MAPPA.

Delegates from Apex Scotland, Action for Children, Includem, and Victim Support Scotland are expected to hear how Tayside Police, local authorities, the Scottish Prison Service, and NHS Tayside work together to manage and monitor offenders.

Elaine Stewart, MAPPA coordinator for Tayside said: ''Sexual offences cause considerable anxiety and, although reconviction rates are very low, we want to ensure that public concerns are at the forefront of our work in managing those offenders who may pose a risk to others.

''The protection of the vulnerable within our communities is paramount and good working relationships with all agencies involved in the management of sex offenders already exists within Tayside. The work of MAPPA continues to go from strength to strength.

''We recognise that voluntary sector workers often have to deal with sex offenders or their victims. That's why it is vitally important that they have a firm understanding of what processes are in place to both assess and manage sex offenders whilst in the community.''

Brian Robertson-Fern, Service Manager with Apex Scotland added: "Apex Scotland is delighted to not only host this event but also be offered the opportunities to have its people participate. I have no doubt that those attending will leave more confident and competent in their roles.

"They will understand the contribution they themselves can uphold to make our communities safer and go on to provide valuable support to our statutory partners within the justice sector. "