Welcome to the first edition of the Torbay and Devon Safeguarding Adults
Partnership (TDSAP) newsletter.
This newsletter aims to provide you with key information and resources in relation to the work of the TDSAP and its partner organisations.
Latest news from the partnership board
The TDSAP Board met on 24th June 2025. A number of items were discussed relating to the partnership’s strategic priorities, which can be found here
As the Independent Chair of the Partnership, I continue to be impressed by the commitment and enthusiasm shown by all the agencies to work together to improve the standards of care and support to those living in our communities.
This newsletter enables us to provide you with a snapshot of what professionals have achieved through the work that has been driven by the Partnership and those who assist us to co-produce improvements to policy and practice on the frontline. Moving forward, we would like to use this newsletter to highlight the personal stories of those who use services in Devon and Torbay and good news stories from staff. We would like you to shape the content of future issues, and we therefore want to hear from you via our mailbox at (safeguardingadultsboardsecure-mailbox@devon.gov.uk
Multi-agency risk management framework
The MARMM is a proactive approach focusing on prevention and early intervention, with professionals often responding to chronic or entrenched behaviours as part of their day-to-day work. Quite often the risk presenting does not meet the criteria for a Section 42 enquiry, however by sharing information at an early stage, support could be coordinated to prevent escalation of risk. By cross-referencing information held by partners we will be able to build a better picture of how best to jointly support the adult concerned.
A ‘test and learn’ phase began on 1st April within two projects – Brave Spaces | Encompass and STAR — CoLab Exeter. Early feedback has been positive, with multi agency partners willing to engage and meet to discuss complex risks identified, share information and agree actions to avoid escalation.
The MARMM Implementation Group, made up of a cross reference of partners, meets regularly to assess progress and review the benefits from the test and learn sites. The aim is to roll out MARMM wider across Torbay and Devon in due course.
Self-Neglect Conference
The Partnership held a Self-Neglect Conference on 3rd June 2025 at the Future Skills Centre in Exeter. The conference was attended by over 100 operational practitioners from partner organisations across Torbay and Devon.
Attendees benefited from presentations and discussions relating to the theme of self-neglect in practice. Safeguarding Adults Review (SAR) case studies formed the basis of breakout group discussions.
Natasha Round, Experienced Social Worker from the Devon Safeguarding Adults Service, presented a personal story where she by adopting a ‘Solution Focussed Approach’ to work with an adult who was severely self-neglecting
resulted in positive outcomes for the adult.
The conference also had interactive presentations and discussions relating to ‘Professional Curiosity’ and ‘Trauma Awareness’.
Geraldine Nosowska, Director at Effective Practice gave a presentation of the importance of Professional Curiosity in practice and how it supports practitioners to look beyond surface level presentations, thus enabling a deeper understanding of situations, identify potential risks and vulnerabilities, and enhance more informed decisions.
Amber Canham, Trauma Informed Practitioner from the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, led a presentation and room discussion on how an understanding of an adult’s trauma journey can assist practitioners to tailor their approaches and empower adults to effectively engage with support services.
Breakout Groups, to review themes associated to the case studies, were led by Vicky Brooks Trauma Informed Practice Lead from the Zebra Collective, Mark Barnett and Katie Viggers solicitors from Browne Jacobson, Helena Riggs, Principal Social Worker Commissioning, Devon County Council and Emma Read Designate Nurse Safeguarding Adults from NHS Devon.
A huge thanks goes out to all those that attended the conference, your engagement and participation was superb throughout the day.
Also, a massive thank you to our guest speakers and breakout leads, it was a pleasure working with you to deliver such a successful day.
Safeguarding Adult Reviews (SARs)
The partnership are currently progressing a SAR in relation to an individual
who was homeless and rough sleeping at the time of his death. A SAR panel and a lead reviewer is in place to identify key learning, to be fed back into the system. We hope to have the final SAR report and key recommendations signed off by the TDSAP Board in September. It is anticipated that publication will follow soon after.
To view our previously published SARs and practitioner briefings please click here
Practice resources
The TDSAP recently published multi agency guidance to support practitioners across partner organisations to work with people who present with self-neglect and hoarding behaviours. To access this and other useful resources, please see this link – Policy and Guidance – Torbay and Devon Safeguarding Adults Partnership
Key dates
The next TDSAP Board meeting will take place on 16th September and a further newsletter will follow shortly after this.
Safeguarding Adults Training is available for anyone who works or comes into contact with adults at risk of abuse. For further information on the training offer, charging policy and cancellation policy please check out our Training and Resources page on our website Training and Resources – Torbay and Devon Safeguarding Adults Partnership