Slide 1

Hello. Thank you for joining us for a 7 minute topic video

Today we are looking at VARM meetings

So, What is a VARM?

You may have heard of the multi-agency Framework VARM but be wondering what is it? Is this something I can use?

Lets get into it.

Slide 2

So, what does VARM mean?

It is an acronym meaning Vulnerable Adult Risk Management. It is a multi-agency meeting in which agencies can facilitate the early management of cases with adults who are deemed to have capacity and make decisions for themselves and are experiencing a concerning and unmanageable level of risk. 

And there have been a number of benefits to this such as:

• A sharing a responsibility and breaking down of silo working
• Joint multi-agency risk assessment is completed within the meeting which everyone (including the adult) agrees
• Sharing information for a fuller picture of the adults lived experience and wishes
• There is opportunity to engage with the adult in a respectful environment
• And key- improving an adult’s wellbeing.

Any partner agency can convene and facilitate a VARM

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When should I consider a VARM meeting?

The simple answer is when you as a professionals have high levels of concern that an adult is at risk, because of the choices they are making could lead to imminent serious harm. Whether this be physical injury that is life threatening, or that could reduce quality of life, psychological harm, or even risk of death.

Of note is If the adult is being abused or neglected by the actions of a 3^rd party or the adult is deemed to not have capacity to make their own decisions, then a VARM meeting would not be appropriate as they would meet the criteria of other processes.

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What sort of circumstances could lead to convening a VARM meeting?

There are often a number of combined factors that lead to convening a meeting which often are, but is not limited to:

• An adult is self-neglecting to the point that it is having a detrimental risk to their life.
• Their home or where they are sleeping is presenting as a fire risk (click) with lack of escape route
• The adult is experiencing drug or alcohol dependence combined with other complexities or risk-taking behaviour
• The adult disengages or is declining support from services at that time
• High level of concern from multiple agencies

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Who leads on a VARM meeting?

Convening and chairing the meeting is led by the agency referring the VARM.

However – do not be put off by this!   A toolkit with guidance, all templates, flowcharts and a step by step crib sheet are available to support you.

The WSAB Business Team are also always an email away if there are any questions.

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How do I involve the adult?

The meeting is person-centred and every effort should be made to involve the adult from the very start and throughout. The ‘What to Expect’ leaflet is an aid to conversations to help them understand and take part in the meeting. And within is opportunity for the adult to express what they think is work / what’s not working.

Offering the adult support to participate in the meeting is key and this could include bringing a trusted person or an advocate or the meeting.

 If they do not want to attend the meeting, the adult could be encouraged to engage in a written or recorded voice response.

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Convening the meeting

Let’s break this down step by step:

1. Have a conversation with your agency safeguarding lead or line manager
2. Complete the referral form and have this agreed by your line manager 
3. Email the WSAB business team the signed form for a unique reference number (as part of this process it is also checked that criteria is met, and as a Board understand themes and demographics to support future work)
4. Identify who is going to chair the meeting from your agency, (there is also guidance in the toolkit on how to do this) who will be filing in the risk management assessment during the meeting and who will be taking notes.
5. Where the meeting is going to be held and if in person; is it accessible for the adult.
6. Identify agencies that have been working with the adult and invite them to the meeting, along with the referral form and confidentiality form (certain agencies do need to attend the meeting to meet quoracy and these are health services, social care and support, mental health services and if appropriate, the police)
7. Complete an agenda and ensure that attendees have received any papers at least 1 week prior to the meeting.

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What is the aim to achieve in the meeting?

Within the meeting the aim is to mutually

• Gain the views of the adult and agencies through open and respectful conversations
• Agree agency responsibilities, actions and timeframe to manage risks
• Record, monitor and review a risk management plan
• Agree when risks have been sufficiently managed and record the outcome

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What happens next?

If risks have been reduced significantly and all agencies agree that no further meetings are needed, an outcome form should be completed and returned to the WSAB business Team.

If the adult does not want to engage, support should continue to be offered and all agency views regarding agreed actions that will continue should be documented

It is essential to take all reasonable steps to address the concerns and risks identified and not allow the case to be closed simply because the adult is not accepting the plan.

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Where do I find the guidance documents, crib sheet and templates?

There is a dedicated page on the Warwickshire Safeguarding Adult’s Board website

Or if you are a bit stuck –  email the Business Team on WSAB@warwickshire.gov.uk