Multi Agency Risk Management Framework
Our multi-agency risk management framework has been developed to provide support and guidance for everyone on how to manage cases where there is a high level of risk but where the circumstances sit outside the statutory adult safeguarding framework.
The implementation of the risk management framework involves the adult whose situation and circumstances are of cause for concern; as part of the process they should be empowered to participate in the identification and assessment of the risk and in deciding whether the risk is acceptable, or whether there are ways to reduce or manage the risk. The aim is to secure the adult's wellbeing alongside their safety using the principles of Making Safeguarding Personal, which may proceed in meetings among professionals without the individual themselves as they may be reluctant to engage in the process.
The framework adopts a partnership approach to encourage better understanding of the nature and level of risk across all the agencies involved. It assumes a positive approach to risk and accepts that risk-taking can have positive benefits for adults.
In summary the framework aims to:
- Ensure timely sharing of information
- Encourage collaborative working
- Promote the safety and security of adults who do not meet safeguarding thresholds, who cannot access services, or who refuse support
- Enable adults to retain control over their lives and to make choices and decisions
- Support early intervention/prevention
- Provide guidance for partners to call and manage multi-agency meetings, which can be called by any of the partner agencies and not just social services.
Examples of people who may require a response under the risk framework include:
- Adults who are at risk of exploitation and are victimised because of vulnerability, lifestyle, or specific needs
- Adults who are not receiving support but who are making repeated demands on local services
- Adult survivors of child sexual exploitation who are at risk of further exploitation
- Adults who have capacity to refuse support around issues which may put them at risk, for example self-neglect, hoarding, or exploitation.
Risk Management Framework (including risk assessment tool) and Multi-Agency Referral Form
Multi-Agency Risk Management Framework
Multi-Agency Risk Management (MARF) Referral Form
The framework was updated in Autumn 2025 to cover the RBWM safeguarding partnership.
Case studies and other resources