Organised and Complex Abuse Multi-Agency Procedure and Practice Guidance

The Organised and Complex (or multiple) Abuse Multi-Agency Procedures and Practice Guidance have been reviewed and refreshed by Darlington Safeguarding Partnership and signed off by the Strategic Management Group in September 2025.

Introduction

This multi-agency procedure and practice guidance is to support agencies with the investigation of complex and organised abuse and the action that should be taken if they suspect such abuse. All agencies, statutory or non-statutory, including voluntary and community sector, who may be asked to contribute to complex abuse investigations, need to ensure that they understand and follow this procedure.

Each investigation of complex and organised abuse will be different, according to the characteristics of each situation and the scale of complexity of the investigation. But all will require thorough planning, collaborative inter-agency working and attention to the needs of the child victims involved.  You will find information below which outlines the process and procedures to be taken.

You can find additional information and guidance by clicking on the links below:

Darlington Safeguarding Partnership Multi-Agency Child Protection Procedures

Managing Allegations Against People who Work with Children

College of Policing: Managing Complex Abuse Investigations 

DSP Harmful Sexual Behaviour Practice Guidance and Protocol

Peer on Peer Abuse – Ofsted: Education