Purpose: To support practitioners with quick, practical answers when initiating or participating in MARM processes.
What is the Multi‑Agency Risk Management (MARM) framework?
A structured, coordinated approach that enables timely, effective information sharing and joint action between partner agencies for adults who are exhibiting high‑risk behaviours or are at significant risk of harm – particularly where concerns fall outside statutory safeguarding duties or the adult may not meet service eligibility criteria.
Does MARM replace Section 42 safeguarding enquiries?
No. MARM does not replace statutory safeguarding duties under Section 42 of the Care Act 2014. MARM is a non‑statutory but formal framework for collaboratively managing high‑risk situations including those that do not meet Section 42 criteria.
How is a MARM meeting different from a Multi‑Disciplinary Team (MDT) meeting?
MDTs coordinate care, treatment and support across professionals for complex needs. MARM meetings focus specifically on addressing and reducing significant risk of harm to an adult (and/or others) through shared risk assessment and a joint action plan.
When should MARM be considered?
When high‑risk behaviours or circumstances are identified that may result in significant harm and require a coordinated multi‑agency response. For example, complex self‑neglect (including hoarding/fire risk) where Section 42 criteria are not met, non‑engagement with support, certain domestic abuse situations where MARAC/Section 42 thresholds are not met, suicide ideation, substance misuse with exploitation risk and homelessness with associated vulnerability.
What are the core principles that underpin MARM?
Trauma‑informed practice; careful consideration of so‑called ‘lifestyle choices’ to avoid escalating vulnerability; holistic, preventive and early‑intervention approaches; shared responsibility, decision‑making and accountability; proportionate person‑centred planning; defensible decision‑making and accurate recording.
Who can initiate a MARM?
Any partner agency can initiate a MARM process. A responsible manager from the initiating agency should be involved in the decision and that agency takes the lead role to convene and chair the first meeting.
How should the adult be involved?
The process is person‑centred and therefore adults should be encouraged to participate in risk assessment and planning, attend meetings where appropriate, and receive personalised information, advice and advocacy to support informed decision‑making.
What if there are immediate risks?
Immediate risks must be addressed without delay before or alongside initiating the MARM process.
How does the Mental Capacity Act (2005) apply?
If there is cause to doubt a person’s mental capacity for any specific decision related to the risk, apply the MCA’s five principles and complete and record a formal decision‑specific mental capacity assessment. Consider the person’s executive functioning, fluctuating capacity and who is best placed to assess.
Do I need consent to share information?
Seek informed consent where appropriate. However, you may share without consent if it is necessary and proportionate to protect the individual or others from harm, in line with relevant legal duties. Always record your decision and rationale.
Who should chair a MARM meeting?
A senior member of staff from the initiating agency (e.g., senior practitioner, Band 7 nurse, substantive police sergeant, registered manager, or equivalent).
How do we prepare for a MARM meeting?
Agree how the adult will be involved and supported; consider a neutral venue; brief the adult on purpose, confidentiality and attendees; confirm any communication/access needs; and ensure the right partner representation and minute‑taking are arranged.
What is covered in a MARM meeting?
Confirm information‑sharing arrangements; outline identified high risks; capture the adult’s views/wishes; summarise current care/support; consider relevant legislation; produce a shared, holistic risk assessment; agree SMART actions (with leads and timescales); set review arrangements if required and how the plan will be communicated to the adult.
Is there a standard agenda and minutes template?
Yes. Use the MARM Meeting Agenda and the MARM Minutes templates provided in the guidance to ensure consistent recording.
What tool should we use to assess risk?
Use the MARM Risk Assessment Tool to evaluate foreseeable harm (including increasing/reducing factors) and probability across domains (physical, psychological, environmental, public safety, etc.), and to generate a proportionate, shared action plan.
When and how often should we review?
Hold follow‑up MARM review meetings where needed to monitor whether risk is reduced to an acceptable level, update assessments and consider flexible/creative options if significant risk remains. Frequency depends on risk, complexity and the adult’s needs and wishes.
What governance and escalation is in place?
TDSAP provides strategic oversight and must be notified when a MARM meeting is convened. Each partner agency has a MARM champion (with deputy) for awareness and escalation contactable via the TDSAP mailbox.
Where do I access the MARM guidance and principles?
You can access the guidance from the TDSAP website at TDSAP MARM Framework guidance and principles.
For governance, notifications and escalation to MARM champions, contact safeguardingadultsboardsecure-mailbox@devon.gov.uk