FAQs
Who arranges and chairs the meeting?
Any practitioner involved in the person’s care can arrange and chair a MDT meeting. This does not have to be someone from Adult Social Care or the NHS. If you have an established therapeutic relationship and believe a coordinated approach would benefit the person, you are encouraged to take the lead.
We all share responsibility for the safety and well being of the individuals we support. Delaying an initial meeting can lead to rapid changes in circumstances, so timely coordination is essential for both the individual and the practitioners involved.
Meetings should be focused and practical: cover key discussion points such as risks and what is working well and, most importantly, agree an action plan. For templates and guidance, visit our Resources section.
How often should I be holding a meeting?
There is no fixed schedule. The frequency should reflect the person’s needs and the complexity of their current situation.
Regular meetings are good practice, but emergency meetings may be necessary following significant events (e.g., hospital admission). Alternatively, meetings can be postponed if risks have reduced.
Updates should not wait for formal meetings—use live documents and agreed communication channels (such as email or MANTA) to keep the team informed. Remember: though email trails support a robust MDT, they are not a substitute for it.
How does MTAM differ from statutory or safeguarding processes?
Criteria-led meetings (such as MARAC or CROSG), are escalation panels with specific thresholds. These remain an important part of care planning when risks require additional intervention and guidance. My Team Around Me complements these processes by providing an ongoing, collaborative approach for individuals with multiple vulnerabilities.
Safeguarding remains a priority. If concerns arise, submit a referral via Safeguarding adults - Cornwall Council and use the advice line for practitioner guidance
What about consent and information sharing?
Specific consent for the My Team Around Me approach is not required. Agencies should ensure their own information-sharing agreements with individuals are clear and reflected in meetings.
Consent should be obtained before sharing information with other agencies unless safeguarding concerns override this requirement.
In the interest of safeguarding, we are encouraged to share information regarding the safety of the individual if is compromised or they have indicated that others are at risk of harm. Consent should be obtained before sharing information unless safeguarding concerns override. We are all bound by Caldicott Principles which can be found here: The Caldicott Principles - GOV.UK
Any concerns should be discussed with your line manager and communicated to the My Team Around Me group.
Who attends My Team Around Me meetings?
Anyone actively supporting the individual should attend. This includes statutory agencies, commissioned services and voluntary sector partners.
Think creatively: invite those who regularly interact with the person, such as local support groups, day centre staff, or community organisations. Past practitioners with positive engagement experience can also provide valuable insight.
Where extra guidance is required, the Complex Needs Advisory Panel can support the MTAM to make successful progress.
What age range is this approach aimed at?
Currently, this approach is aimed at adults aged 18 and over. However, we recognise that vulnerabilities often emerge earlier. Practitioners are encouraged to adapt MTAM principles for younger individuals where appropriate, ensuring the person’s needs and wishes remain central to goal planning.
We have been having My Team Around Me meetings, but we are struggling to make change and have concerns, how can I escalate for support?
From October 2026 a new Complex Needs Advisory Panel will replace the current High-Risk Behaviour process. This panel will provide specialist input and operational support for complex cases, working alongside existing My Team Around Me meetings rather than as a standalone process.
Additionally, a Senior MDT Panel will enable sign-off for bespoke service requests. This panel will meet on an ad hoc basis dependent on need and will not design solutions but will approve plans developed by front-line practitioners and advisory groups.
Until these processes go live on 1st October 2026, continue to escalate through the High-Risk Behaviour Panel as per current policy.