The Multi-Agency Resolution Group (MaRG) brings together representatives from public, private and third sector organisations in Stoke-on-Trent.  The primary purpose of MaRG is to manage risk and coordinate services using a solution focused approach to unblock barriers to service access and empower practitioners to support adults experiencing multiple disadvantages across the city. Multiple disadvantage refers to people who are facing three or more complex and interconnected issues that may significantly impact their wellbeing, stability, and ability to access services. This can include factors such as homelessness, substance misuse, poor mental health, offending behaviour, and domestic abuse.

Is MARG Right for Your Customer?

Understanding When to Refer

The Multi-Agency Resolution Group (MARG) has been established to support individuals experiencing multiple disadvantage whose needs cannot be effectively addressed through standard service pathways alone.

Many people facing multiple disadvantage are engaged with several services simultaneously yet continue to experience poor outcomes. Professionals may find themselves repeatedly discussing the same concerns, making multiple referrals, attending numerous meetings, or working with an individual who remains in crisis despite significant support being offered.

MARG is designed for those individuals who have become “stuck” within the system.

A person may be considered “stuck” when:

• Multiple agencies are involved, but progress remains limited.
• Traditional interventions have been tried without achieving sustained change.
• There is uncertainty regarding which agency is best placed to lead support.
• Barriers between services are preventing effective engagement.
• The individual is repeatedly presenting in crisis.
• Complex needs span several areas of support.
• Professionals feel that existing pathways have been exhausted.
• There is a need for a coordinated, multi-agency plan to move the situation forward.

Who Might Benefit from MARG?

Individuals referred to MARG often experience a combination of challenges, including:

• Homelessness or housing instability
• Substance misuse
• Poor mental health
• Physical health concerns
• Domestic abuse
• Offending behaviour or criminal justice involvement
• Social isolation
• Financial hardship
• Repeated disengagement from services
• Frequent use of emergency or crisis services

It is not the complexity of a single issue that makes someone suitable for MARG, but rather the interaction of multiple issues that create barriers to achieving positive outcomes.

Ask Yourself

Before submitting a referral, consider the following questions:

✅ Is the individual experiencing multiple and interconnected disadvantages?

✅ Are several agencies currently involved or required to support them?

✅ Have conventional support options been explored but failed to achieve progress?

✅ Is there a need for agencies to come together to develop a coordinated response?

✅ Would multi-agency problem-solving help overcome barriers that no single organisation can address alone?

If the answer to most of these questions is yes, a MARG referral may be appropriate.

What MARG Is Not

MARG is not intended to replace existing safeguarding procedures, statutory duties, case management arrangements, or routine multi-agency meetings.

Referrals should not be made simply because an individual has complex needs. Instead, MARG should be used where agencies believe a coordinated problem-solving approach is required to overcome barriers and improve outcomes.

Send a referral to MaRG

Think your customer may be ‘stuck’ within service pathways and experiencing multiple disadvantage? Complete a MARG referral using the link below. Referrals are reviewed by the MARG team, and a Case Manager will contact you to discuss the customer’s needs, suitability for MARG, and any recommended next steps.