505.1.4

505.1.4 One of the difficulties of partnership working is ensuring that people actually do get together to have these discussions. It is good to invite outside professionals to staff meetings, and a good use of time as to have visiting professionals meet with as many staff as possible saves time and maximises the exchange of knowledge and learning; this is easier in accommodation based services as staff are there already, and as has been mentioned already, all work with all clients in the scheme. In services which work with clients in their own homes this can be more difficult, but again, regular staff meetings and invitations to others to attend from elsewhere are a vital part of information sharing in order to maximise client outcomes and ensure continued learning for staff.
Working with friends and families can present difficulty in that, although they may be a valuable source of information about how the client may be supported to achieve what they want, clients may not agree to meet with them, or indeed agree to their input at all, dependent upon previous relationships and experiences. Staff should work to improve these relationships where possible, after working with the client, and seeking advice from other professionals who know the situation, to ascertain if this is the best course of action; including them in the clients’ lives may cause more friction however, or there may be safeguarding issues for example.
Another potential difficulty may be a lack of others to meet in partnership with. This may be within the organisation, in that restructures have reduced staffing levels, and they have little time to do anything other than their basic job; this of course can apply to those outside the organisation too. It may also be that management within an organisation are reluctant for staff to liaise with others outside, dependent upon what issues may be involved, and maybe their own personal agendas. Overcoming this kind of barrier can be difficult, and the