Multi-Agency Hub 28 September 2018

The Spirit of the Act c s S s c u e

Partnership Working - Consideration Points 1 Housing authorities are responsible for setting up local procedures for managing referrals (Duty to Refer) 2 We know the chances of success will greatly increased through partnership working 3 For vulnerable people where their problem is more than just the need for a roof – delivering in partnership is critical to success 4 Needed to agree what partner’s commitment and contribution will be to supporting the Council to deliver the new duties 5 The procedure for referrals should be decided by service partners in each local area

Code of Guidance ‘Housing authorities should work with key partners to assess and meet the support needs of people at risk of homelessness. Where appropriate, accommodation and support services might be jointly commissioned, with children’s social care, health, criminal justice agencies and other partners, in order to share and maximise resources and ensure a more holistic service response’

e T b h h u

Background Acknowledgement that we all work with the same clients ‘in silo’ Discussions have taken place since 2016 with local partners Have already established excellent relationships in the area Some of the briefing sessions have seen an appetite to really work together under the HRA 2017 Looked at the work that The Vale did in response to their Early Help offer

Set Up Used the New Burdens Funding to set up Embedded within the Housing Solutions Team with access with the wider Housing Team Use the Kent & Medway Sharing Agreement Agencies have access to a specific Wi-Fi, phones and a PC Also have use of the interview rooms & desks in the reception area Asked for ‘a commitment of time’ – non specific Have commissioned the complex debt advice but are not funding any of the other services Overarching ‘memorandum of understanding’

m o T e r a k w

Hub Agencies ‘Spoke’ CGL YMCA Coming Soon! DWP Housing Associations Housing Benefit Early Help Sanctuary Supported living Specialist Children’s Services Community Mental Health Citizens Advice Bureau One You Porchlight Coming Soon! DWP Housing Associations JET Domestic Abuse Services Hospital Discharge Team ‘Spoke’ CGL YMCA

The Process Facilitated by the Senior Housing Solutions Officer – also manages the triage and the relief team Did a soft launch – ‘suck it and see’ approach New IT system – shared digital workspace where hub agencies will be identified during the application process Joint interviews and one plan for the client Agencies can also bring their own cases into the hub for discussion - if not on the system, will treat as new cases A lot of eavesdropping! Already a better of understanding of each others roles and responsibilities Open to any agency joining the hub!

e T h I T

Partner organisations can be provided with a secure login for the Shared Digital Workspace. They will be able to access their own Dashboard which will highlight tasks/actions/referrals for them. They will also be able to see the progress of a case and view the client data that has been securely shared with them on a need to know basis.

The Dashboard tab is a staff case and task file (in all partner organisations). They can view a shared case and / or pick up tasks actioned them. To help manage workload tasks are ordered to meet with SLA and target deadlines and case notes can be viewed.

Staff are alerted that they have a task/action via an email – a link in the email enables them to access their Dashboard and the action

Have been configuring it and should be ready to go live next week!

Questions?