This evidence snapshot provides a top-level summary of findings from research published between 2014 and 2023 about multi-agency working and information sharing in children’s social work.

Good multi-agency working and effective information sharing are key to getting the best outcomes for children and their families. Research and reviews have identified key characteristics of good practice, including:

• professionals understanding each other’s roles and responsibilities
• clear communication between all professionals and agencies working with a child
• professionals having access to the information they need to support children and families.

This snapshot looks at some of the barriers and facilitators to effective multi-agency working and information sharing for practice in children’s social services.