Chronologies

Chronologies are a core component of social work. They are a key way of recording and understanding the sequence of a person’s life, their support and the decisions they have taken (and the decisions others have taken about them). Improving chronology practice is important across all areas of social work and therefore, the resources in this section might have wider relevance than Adult Support and Protection alone.

National Chronologies Group - history, vision and priorities

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.

 

Adult chronologies (e-learning)

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:

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My multi-agency chronology (Moray)

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.

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Chronology conversations: Podcast (National Chronology Group)

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.

Leading chronology improvement: Podcast (Moray / Iriss)

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.

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Leading chronology improvement: Reflection and self-assessment tool

This tool aims to help leaders assess their current understanding of and practices related to chronologies. Challenges with chronologies are complex and connected, so this tool supports leaders to recognise readiness for change and find a place to start. It will support leaders to identify incremental, manageable changes and take meaningful actions for improvement. The tool poses questions across a number of themes to support reflection and help leaders think through the supports and barriers in their own context. It also offers prompts from research and ideas for activities.

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Improving chronology practice in Adult Support and Protection: Case studies

Following the report Chronologies in Adult Support and Protection: Moving from current to best, these case studies highlight good practice. They cover changes in the system (recording, training, guidance, analysis, risk assessment), exploring these as levers to affect change. By sharing these examples (and building more over time), the intent is inspire others to try different approaches to chronologies.

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Chronologies in Adult Support and Protection: moving from current to best

Chronologies are consistently identified across inspection reports and reviews of Adult Support and Protection activity as an area for improvement. This report scopes the existing research on chronologies, including joint inspection reports, collated initial case reviews and significant case reviews as well as individual significant case reviews. Furthermore, interviews and a survey were used to collect views and experiences from a range of stakeholders.

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Chronology guidance (Renfrewshire)

This guidance provides organisations and practitioners in Renfrewshire with information to support the effective Adult Support and Protection chronology practice. This includes initiation, maintenance and application of single agency and/or a multi–agency integrated chronology. It also includes guidance on what should be in a chronology, some do's and don'ts, and information sharing. Templates are included.

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The ASPire Hub is a place for everyone working in Adult Support and Protection in Scotland to access and share resources. It is regularly updated and we welcome feedback and new additions!