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Gaynor Wingham looks at research on what constitutes good practice in multi-agency working between health, social services and education.

One research project that has particular relevance for practitioners struggling to establish multi-agency initiatives has been carried out by the National Foundation for Educational Research. The NFER has published part 1 of a study commissioned by the Local Government Association entitled Multi-Agency Working: an Audit of Activity.

This research explored the key factors in successful co-ordination of inter-service activity between health, social services or education providers and the impact of such collaboration on the professionals themselves and their own agencies. Based on telephone interviews with representatives from 221 multi-agency initiatives from 117 local authorities it describes the range of initiatives and the target groups identified, as well as illustrating the main benefits, challenges and key factors in the success of such initiatives.

The interviewees gave many reasons for the development of multi-agency initiatives. The most common rationale was the needs of the target group. Many said they were responding to government agenda and directives.

Another reason given was the desire to provide a comprehensive and effective service, with this response sometimes overlapping that of target group or agency activities and a shortage of provision. The interviewees referred to a wide range of themes and documents, which were often target group-specific.

Commitment from those involved was overwhelmingly nominated as the key factor for success in multi-agency working with the need for good working relationships raised as the second most important factor. Another key factor was the importance of regular professional meetings for strategic planning.

All three agencies identified leadership, drive and joint funding as key features. Having a clear focus for the work and joint ownership were nominated more frequently where initiatives involved social services and education, while having common aims and relevant professionals involved were key factors where joint work was between health and education.

The influence of individual councils' characteristics was raised, as was the importance of a history of close inter-agency relationships and multi-agency working. Although the time needed to develop relationships with other agencies was difficult to find, it was seen as worthwhile in terms of future savings and improved working practices.

Many points emerged to show the benefits of multi-agency working. These included better understanding of the roles and responsibilities of different agencies, improved communication and information sharing, better working relationships and the opportunity to address issues between agencies.

The report found that funding and resource issues are the major challenge for the implementation of multi-agency initiatives. However, time and different approaches or ways or working, the clarification of roles, competing priorities or demands, and recruitment issues were also identified

There is little direct and current research into multi-agency working and this study has highlighted the benefits, challenges and key factors in success. This phase 1 study report was produced following an audit of activity. This is to be followed shortly by a full report on the subsequent research.

This is a good example of relevant research, intended for a multi-agency audience. It provides some excellent pointers for managers and practitioners to consider when exploring existing working relationships and establishing multi-agency initiatives.

- The report Multi Agency Working:An Audit of Activity is available from the National Foundation for Educational Research, The Mere, Upton Park, Slough SL1 2DQ, (price £10), 01753 574123. E-mail: book.sales@nfer.ac.uk

Gaynor Wingham is a child protection consultant.