At its most simple, inter-agency involves two or more agencies deciding to work together in partner- ship. It originates in the recognition by these agencies (or by policy makers at a higher level) that they have a common concern and / or that they are often working with the same people.

Why is Inter-agency important?

Multi-agency working enables different services to join forces in order to prevent problems occurring in the first place. It is an effective way of supporting children, young people and families with additional needs and helping to secure improved outcomes.

What is inter-agency working in healthcare?

In this work, the terms 'multi-agency', 'interagency', 'interdisciplinary' or joint working' are all used interchangeably to refer to any collaboration between agencies or between professionals from different agencies.