Nottingham review

As with many DHRs, the issue of recording of relationships on systems requires further action. How agencies record information – names, dates (who, when, what, why) and the linking and recording of relationships by all agencies requires review. The CDP Board and Safeguarding Partnerships should provide the steer for this.

A significant factor within this DHR has been that of professional curiosity. This should be embedded within the local failure to engage framework and a briefing note disseminated across agencies within the City.

Those women without dependent children who do not meet the criteria for adult social care are slipping through the net in terms of domestic abuse support. Older survivors are even less likely to engage with support services. A review of this cohort and a needs analysis should be completed on a local and national level.

The CCG to undertake further analysis into barriers for GPs in completing details of family groups and relationships to identify ways of improving practice.

All staff engaged in the domestic abuse process should be reminded the DVDS has an element of right to know as well as right to ask.

Nottinghamshire Police include DVDS questions within the risk assessment process. This will ensure staff consider both elements of the DVDS in each case of Domestic Abuse.

Ensure that all information available on NDelius/from Court/from Police is acted upon appropriately and ensure all relevant checks are undertaken where there is evidence of any domestic abuse.

Ensure that all decisions linked to a case are fully documented – demonstrate how and why a case decision has been made – this should include changes to planned interventions.

Use Professional Curiosity to challenge and investigate information provided by the service user particularly in relation to safeguarding issues and share such information with relevant agencies.

Ensure OASys assessments detail all known concerns and reflect any other assessment made for interventions.

Review OASys assessment when new information is provided

Ensure that recent attendance on the Domestic Abuse and Safeguarding Refresher training is transferred into practice and any learning is discussed in Supervision.

Use of Supervision and Management Oversight recording in NDelius to demonstrate discussions with line manager about domestic abuse and safeguarding concerns.

An analysis into the knowledge and understanding of staff of interfamilial abuse and links to partner abuse and an action plan if any learning needs are identified.