Update on the Multi-agency Resolution Group (MaRG)

Author: Peter Dartford QFSM MA BEng(Hons) FIFireE DUniv, Independent Chair (MaRG)

 

The MaRG is continuing to develop both in relation to its membership and through the improving professional relationships between those involved in its work. Through the collaborative and integrated approaches increasingly being adopted, the progress being made on most cases introduced to the Group has been positive and outcomes for the individuals we are working with are improving.  The nature of these cases is such that these improvements are not always maintained, but owing to the compassion, professionalism, and determination of the members of the group and their colleagues from a range of different services, when setbacks occur, support is always given to get recovery journeys back on track.  Critically, all MaRG cases are supported by our Expert Citizens who ensure that the voice of the person involved is always heard and that the lived experience they have is used to help shape the support that’s put in place.

Learning lessons from the work of the MaRG is vitally important and key learning points from each case are recorded to ensure that we develop a good understanding of the actions or approaches that prove to be successful, or not. As part of this learning process, we have held a Community of Practice, led by Lee Dale from Expert Citizens that has focussed on the barriers to access to accommodation and other services that arise when an individual has an Arson conviction or a record of fire setting. Several key issues have been identified through this work which are going to be explored further to identify ways in which the perceived risks can be effectively managed.

We have been actively promoting the role of the MaRG and have recently given presentations to the Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent Adult Safeguarding Partnership Board, the Rough Sleepers Advisory Group and to a group of over 80 health and social care staff. As well as increasing awareness of the MaRG, this engagement has resulted in improved relationships between people from a range of organisations committed to ensuring the effective safeguarding of vulnerable adults.

The cases that are introduced to the MaRG are challenging owing to the range of issues being faced by those we are working with and the complexity of their needs. However, all members of the MaRG recognise that no single agency has the capacity, capability and resilience to deliver the outcomes we all desire, so collaborative, co-operative and integrated working is invariably going to be needed. I am encouraged that the professional working relationships required to make this happen are developing across all of the organisations who are part of the MaRG and we will continue to find ways to facilitate these approaches as the work of the Group progresses, as we have a shared desire to help improve the health and well-being of those we work with.

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