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Multi-Agency Risk Framework (MARF)

Introduction

The Bracknell Forest Safeguarding Board Multi-Agency Risk Framework (MARF) provides a structured approach for agencies to work together when an adult is experiencing a high or escalating level of risk that cannot be managed effectively by a single agency.

The framework promotes partnership working, timely information sharing and person-centred decision making. It supports practitioners to balance an adult's right to make choices with the need to reduce the risk of serious harm.

The MARF is not a replacement for safeguarding enquiries, MARAC, MAPPA or other statutory processes. It should only be used when those routes are not appropriate or have been considered.

The multi-agency risk approach

The MARF promotes a proactive approach: identifying and responding to risks before a crisis is reached. It aims to:

  • Enable and involve adults to retain control over their lives.
  • Recognise the duty to protect adults from foreseeable harm, even when they do not want to engage with support.
  • Support timely information sharing so agencies can understand and respond to risks together.
  • Bring agencies together to assess the whole situation and develop a shared risk management plan.

Support from practitioners, family and friends can help reduce risk. The approach balances protecting an adult from harm with promoting independence and supporting them to manage risks themselves.

The MARF builds on, rather than replaces, single-agency risk management arrangements. Practitioners must continue to follow relevant statutory frameworks and operational policies and use another process where it is more appropriate.

When should MARF be considered?

The MARF may be appropriate where:

  • Risk is high, complex or escalating.
  • Single agency interventions have been unsuccessful.
  • The person is not engaging with support and concerns remain.
  • The circumstances do not meet the criteria for another multi-agency process.
  • Professionals believe the level of risk has become unmanageable through normal agency processes.
  • A coordinated multi-agency response is required to improve outcomes.
  • The adult has complex or diverse needs that fall between, or span, agencies’ responsibilities or eligibility criteria.
  • There are concerns about an adult but no existing multi-agency framework to support partnership working.
  • The adult is well known to services through frequent involvement.

Examples may include:

  • Severe self-neglect.
  • Hoarding presenting significant safety concerns.
  • Adults repeatedly exposed to exploitation.
  • Individuals making decisions that place them at significant risk of harm.
  • Situations involving deteriorating health, fire risk or repeated crises where agencies are unable to reduce risk working alone.
  • Situations where mental capacity, unwise decision-making and disengagement feature, including hoarding and self-neglect.
  • Adults who have capacity to refuse support with issues that may place them at risk, such as self-neglect, hoarding, modern slavery or fire risk.
  • Complex needs and behaviours that lead an adult to cause harm to others.

Where difficulties are longstanding, a longer-term approach may be needed, with a focus on building trust and rapport with the adult.

Before using the MARF

Before initiating the framework, practitioners should consider:

  1. Does the situation meet Section 42 safeguarding enquiry criteria?
  2. Could the concerns be managed through MARAC, MAPPA or another existing multi-agency process?
  3. Have reasonable single-agency interventions been attempted?
  4. Has the adult been involved in discussions about the risks and support available?

If another process is more appropriate, that process should be used. An adult’s decision not to engage does not replace the need to consider safeguarding responsibilities; the MARF can support coordinated risk management without replacing a Section 42 enquiry where one is required.

Principles of the Framework

The MARF is based on:

  • Person-centred co-produced, strength-based practice
  • Partnership working
  • Shared responsibility
  • Timely information sharing
  • Creative problem solving
  • Balancing wellbeing and safety
  • Making Safeguarding Personal principles
  • Risk enablement

Adults should be involved wherever possible and supported to understand risks, options and consequences.

How to start the MARF process

Any agency can initiate the MARF and take responsibility for convening and chairing the first multi-agency meeting. The lead agency should invite all relevant agencies and include the adult as far as possible.

At the first meeting, agencies should:

  • Share information to consider the situation and clarify what further action can be taken.
  • Discuss the risk assessment and update it using information from all agencies.
  • Agree a shared action plan with timescales and named leads.
  • Identify who is best placed to engage with the adult.

Sharing information

Information should be shared promptly and securely, be relevant and proportionate to the risks identified, and be shared only with those who need to know.

Consent to share information should be sought in line with the local information-sharing protocol, unless doing so would place the adult or others at further risk of harm. Meeting minutes should record whether consent has been given and the reasons for sharing information where it has not.

Resources

These are specifically referenced within the guidance and toolkit.

Training

Multi-Agency Risk Framework Learning

We offer learning resources to support practitioners and managers in applying the MARF effectively.

Resources include:

  • Introduction to the MARF
  • Guidance on initiating and managing the process
  • Managers' awareness and implementation sessions

Individual agencies should ensure staff are aware of the framework through local safeguarding training and induction arrangements.

Need advice?

If you are unsure whether a case is appropriate for MARF or may meet safeguarding criteria, contact Bracknell Forest Adult Social Care for advice before proceeding.

Please also find our case studies below to go along with the introduction to the Multi-Agency Risk Management Framework:

Other Resources: