1. Multi-Agency Hub
28 September 2018

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

3. Partnership Working - Consideration Points1
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

4. 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’

5. e T b h h u

6. 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

7. 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’

8. m o T e r a k w

9. 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

10. 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!

11. e T h I T

12. 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.

13. 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.

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

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

16. Questions?