East Sussex SAB
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Multi-agency involvement in safeguarding audit

Multi-agency involvement in safeguarding audit

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Background to the audit

The audit followed from a recommendation from the Adult B - Safeguarding Adult Review in February 2020.

East Sussex and Brighton and Hove Safeguarding Adults Boards did the audit together because the themes were relevant across both areas.

This briefing reviews the key learning from this audit. Discuss the issues it raised with your colleagues.

The scope of the audit

The audit assessed the effectiveness of multi-agency involvement and communication at key stages of the safeguarding enquiry process.

It covered how agencies follow up invitations and achieve clear outcomes. It also looked at compliance with existing policy, procedures and guidance.

The audit identified good practice, gaps and areas for development.

What worked well

The cases audited had evidence of:

Good multi agency coordination and communication in many cases. Agencies involved with the adult were aware of changes in risk and actions allocated to them.
Cases had clear records of actions and shared responsibility across agencies.
Good involvement of key agencies and professionals.
A good Making Safeguarding Personal approach was used in many of the cases.

Why are these important?

These strengths helped achieve:

a shared understanding of risk and plans
a collaborative response to risk
reduced risk and improved outcomes for adults.

Exemplary case one

A good Making Safeguarding Personal approach was used to support an adult experiencing coercion and control by a younger family member.

The adult was supported to weigh up risks and put protective factors in place to enable positive risk taking in line with their wishes.
Professionals were creative and flexible.
A GP surgery was used as a safe place to hold meetings and provide support.
There was strong partnership working, effective communication, a joint risk assessment and a shared responsibility for taking actions forward.
Clear records of decisions and actions were shared across partner agencies.
The adult's desired outcomes were kept central.

Exemplary case two

This case demonstrated good use of the Sussex multi-agency procedures on self-neglect.

The social worker:

worked closely with the adult
showed patience in building a relationship of trust
facilitated the gradual implementation of practical measures to reduce risk, such as decluttering the kitchen.

The multi-agency group working with the adult had a shared approach to problem solving and drew upon specialist expertise when required.

Areas we can improve

Robust planning and chairing to determine key agencies and required actions - consider primary care and relevant safeguarding leads.
Making use of all available information for assessment and decision making.
Recording the discussion details - date, agencies invited, apologies received and attendance.
Updating action plans as you complete actions.
Measuring the impact of completed actions.
Safeguarding leads ensuring consistent involvement of lead practitioners.
Recording the detail and cause of delays and management oversight of this delay.

Which agencies should be involved?

Consider the adult's wider housing and health situation, the location of the risk and which agencies are involved with the adult and might have useful information.

Consult the safeguarding leads at:

Sussex Health and Care ICS for concerns relating clinical, medical or nursing care
Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals Trust (BSUH) or East Sussex Heathcare NHS Trust (ESHT) for concerns relating to inpatient settings
Sussex Partnership Foundation Trust (SPFT) for mental health concerns
The practice manager of the adult's GP surgery
Sussex Police for cases with wilful neglect and suspected or known criminal acts
Trading Standards for concerns relating to scams.

Team discussion points

How have you overcome stumbling blocks to good multi-agency working?
How do you know when all the relevant agencies and professionals are involved?
When would you consider seeking advice from Sussex Police about criminal culpability?