Multi-Agency Meetings: Guidance for Social Workers

Types of Multi-Agency Meetings

Social workers attend various multi-agency meetings, each with different purposes and participants. Understanding the purpose of each helps you contribute effectively.

Strategy Discussions/Meetings

• Police and social care (plus others as needed)
• Decide on Section 47 enquiry approach
• Plan joint investigations
• Usually urgent, held quickly after referral

Child Protection Conferences

• All relevant agencies plus family
• Decide on child protection plan
• Chaired by independent person
• Initial and review conferences

Core Groups

• Key professionals from CP plan
• Progress the child protection plan
• Usually led by social worker
• Regular meetings between conferences

Team Around the Child/Family (TAC/TAF)

• Early help level
• Professionals working with family
• Coordinated support plan
• Usually led by lead professional

Before the Meeting

Preparation

• Read previous minutes and plans
• Check what's happened since last meeting
• Prepare your update
• Identify key points you need to raise
• Consider what actions you can offer

Written Reports

For conferences and some other meetings:

• Share with family before meeting
• Be factual and evidence-based
• Include your analysis, not just description
• Note areas of agreement and disagreement with family

During the Meeting

Effective Contribution

• Be concise—focus on what's most important
• Share relevant information, not everything
• Listen actively to other agencies
• Ask questions if something is unclear
• Note information shared by others

Chairing Core Groups

As the social worker, you often chair core groups:

• Set clear agenda and timings
• Ensure everyone contributes
• Keep discussion focused on the plan
• Summarise decisions and actions
• Manage conflict constructively

Managing Disagreement

• Professional disagreement is healthy
• Focus on the child, not agency positions
• Seek to understand different perspectives
• Use escalation if resolution not possible
• Record disagreements transparently

Family Participation

Supporting Families

• Explain meeting purpose beforehand
• Share reports in advance
• Prepare them for what to expect
• Offer support during the meeting
• Check understanding of decisions

When Families Are Excluded

Rarely, parts of meetings exclude families:

• Must have clear reason (safety, evidence)
• Keep exclusion to minimum necessary
• Record why exclusion was needed
• Share as much as possible afterwards

After the Meeting

Actions and Follow-up

• Be clear about your actions and timescales
• Complete actions promptly
• Follow up with other agencies if needed
• Update your records
• Share relevant information with colleagues

Recording

Your case record should show:

• Date and type of meeting
• Key decisions made
• Actions for you and others
• Any concerns or disagreements
• Outcomes for the child

Virtual Meetings

Making Them Work

• Test technology beforehand
• Find a private, quiet space
• Keep camera on when possible
• Mute when not speaking
• Use chat for non-urgent points

Family Access

• Check families can access technology
• Offer support with joining
• Consider hybrid options
• Ensure they can participate fully

Common Problems

Missing Agencies

• Note who was invited but didn't attend
• Request written contribution
• Consider rescheduling for crucial attendees
• Escalate persistent non-attendance

Meetings Without Progress

• Be clear about what's not working
• Challenge lack of progress professionally
• Refocus on outcomes for child
• Consider if different actions needed

Conclusion

Multi-agency meetings are where joint working happens in practice. Prepare well, contribute effectively, and ensure clear outcomes. Good meetings lead to better coordination and better outcomes for children—make the most of every one.