'Safeguarding is about people and organisations working together to prevent and stop both the risk and experience of abuse or neglect'. (Care and Support Statutory Guidance)
Working in partnership is an extremely important part of safeguarding. Different agencies will each have a different relationship with the person; different roles and legal powers to act or intervene where a person may be at risk of harm.
Multi-disciplinary meetings (MDTs) are often held to discuss adults where multiple services are involved and are a useful way of sharing information. However, learning from Safeguarding Adult Reviews has found that often, these don't include the full range of services working with the person, meaning that some services are left in the dark, unaware of what's happening with the person and unable to provide support. If you are concerned that a person is at risk of harm, it may be more appropriate to arrange a multi-agency meeting to establish what is known about the person, which agencies are currently working with them, whether other agencies have similar concerns and which ones may be able to offer their support. There is nothing to stop you doing this yourself, however it may be that this is done as part of a safeguarding process.
Key partners to consider contacting include:
