The protocol provides a framework to support effective multi-agency working and constructive professional discussion where this is needed to help meet the needs of an adult, child or family. It is designed to support good communication, professional judgement, professional curiosity and collaborative decision making across agencies
The protocol covers:
- multi-agency group supervision
- reflective learning practitioner forums
- professionals' meetings
- professional disagreement and escalating concern processes.
Multi-agency working forums and professionals' meetings are not planning meetings and do not replace existing Adult Support and Protection, Child Protection, MARAC or other statutory risk management processes. If participants believe that a child or adult is suffering, or is at risk of, immediate or significant harm, existing child protection or adult support and protection procedures should be followed.
Purpose of multi-agency working forums
There are a range of multi-agency meetings that enable professionals, working in partnership with individuals, parents and carers, to consider information, identify needs and develop plans to help meet those needs.
In most circumstances, existing planning meetings provide the appropriate forum for discussion and decision making. However, there are occasions when a separate professional forum is required to discuss complex situations, resolve professional disagreement, consider escalating concerns or support multi-agency reflection and learning.
It is every practitioner's responsibility to work collaboratively, problem solve where there are differences of opinion, and ensure communication remains clear, respectful and focused on achieving the best outcomes for children and adults. Professional disagreement and escalation should never result in unnecessary delay in taking action where concerns exist.
What the protocol does
The protocol is designed to support frontline practitioners to work together effectively and build positive working relationships across services and organisations.
Good communication is central to effective multi-agency working, and the protocol provides guidance on when and how different professional forums should be used.
How the protocol will help
The protocol helps to:
- distinguish the differences between the identified multi-agency working forums
- outline the factors that should be considered to help practitioners identify which forum best meets their needs
- explain the purpose and requirements of a Professionals' Meeting
- support professional judgement and professional curiosity
- provide guidance on professional disagreement and escalating concerns
- outline how concerns should be escalated where resolution cannot be reached through discussion
- inform next steps and escalation routes where appropriate
- recognise that professional challenge can be healthy and lead to stronger assessment, decision making and planning
What you need to do
Read the protocol document and discuss it with your manager or team.
After reading the protocol, consider whether you understand:
- the differences between multi-agency working forums and Professionals' Meetings
- when a Professionals' Meeting should be convened
- how professional disagreements and concerns should be escalated when they cannot be resolved through normal discussion
- the role of professional judgement and professional curiosity in effective multi-agency working
Questions about the protocol
If you have any questions or would like to discuss the protocol
Contact the Public Protection Lead Officer Adult Support and Protection.
Email: Sandie.Donald@dumgal.gov.uk
Contact Public Protection Lead Officer Child Protection
Email: Clare.Cowan@dumgal.gov.uk