Chronologies

This learning material supports the development and delivery of reflective practice sessions on chronologies.

The session aims to support delegates to:

• Understand the purpose and value of chronologies in social work
• Reflect on current practice and identify areas for improvement
• Explore how chronologies support assessment, planning, and protection
• Strengthen skills in compiling, analysing, and using chronologies meaningfully

Included is a Powerpoint presentation, facilitation notes, and a chronology template.

This guidance has been developed to support practitioners across adult social work services in Aberdeen to use chronologies confidently and consistently. It reflects national expectations, local learning, and reflects the principles of trauma-informed practice.

A number of appendices are included, giving templates, and examples of significant events.

This blog post illustrates how learning partners from the National Chronologies Group shared their experiences of improving chronology practice at a learning session. Partners were at different stages and had taken various approaches to using the tool to inform their work. The session is explained, including the icebreaker and group discussions.

These three learning stories from the National Chronologies Group show how chronology practice was improved through approaches that foregrounded practitioner experience, and focused on increasing the capacity of managers to support their teams. The stories highlight drivers for change, navigating technical issues, and co-designing improvement activity with practitioners.

This provides a snapshot of evidence about chronology improvement based on a quick review of ASP Joint Inspection Reports published between August 2024 and March 2025, plus an Overview Report from 2024. Key messages and examples of good practice are included, illustrating improvements seen in chronology practice, alongside priorities for future work.

This video gives a brief history of the work of the multi-agency National Chronologies Group. It outlines the group's roots and sets out its vision, priorities, and work so far. Some of the issues with chronologies are discussed, alongside what supports improvement, and how the group aims to meaningfully improve chronologies across partnerships.

The group invites you to join the conversation and learn more about its work. They can be contacted at NationalChronologiesGroup@moray.gov.uk.

This interactive e-learning course has been adapted from the Tayside Regional Improvement Collaborative - Priority Group 5 (Safeguarding and Child Protection) e-learning course. It has been developed to support enhanced practice in the use of chronologies when working with individuals and their families.

The course aims to:

This multi-agency chronology template was produced by a working group linked closely with the National Group on Chronologies. Although designed for use with children and young people, its structure can be adapted for use in Adult Support and Protection contexts too.

This podcast captures a conversation between members of the National Chronology Group. Aspects of chronology practice discussed include key challenges, emerging positive practice, helpful tools, improving the analysis of chronologies, and personal reflections. The group discuss how chronologies can contribute to positive and meaningful change in people's lives.

This podcast is a conversation between Vicki Low (Moray) and Ellen Daly (Iriss). Vicki talks to Ellen about the improvement work she led around chronologies. Topics covered include getting started, impact, messaging and measurement, and gaining support.