Complex Case Panel

Complex case panels (formerly VPPs) are a group of professionals who meet regularly to discuss, as the name suggests, complex cases.

These are people who may or may not have care and support needs, often are not supported by the council, and who will require a variety of services to support them. This may include:

• Housing
• Environmental Health
• Police
• Community Nursing Team
• Framework Housing
• Mental Health Support.

The Ashfield Complex Case Panel is a multi-agency meeting that convenes on a monthly basis.

Examples of the reasons for a referral include:

• victims of crime and/or anti-social behaviour
• repeat high-risk perpetrators of crime and anti-social behaviour
• substance misuse
• housing concerns
• mental health
• victims of abuse and neglect.

Membership and attendees

It is the expectation for key partners to attend each meeting to reflect all services who may contribute to improving outcomes for vulnerable/complex residents or those who are at risk. If any members/partners are unable to attend, they will need to ensure another colleague from their agency is able to attend in their absence.

It is advised that you speak to your manager/safeguarding lead from your own organisation before deciding to refer into the panel as per your organisations safeguarding guidance practices. The Complex Case Panel does not replace or negate the need to inform appropriate agencies when issues are identified particularly in cases relating to immediate risk, criminal activity, vulnerable adults and children. In such circumstances the police and Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub, GP, or Crisis Team should be the initial point of contact.

Who attends the Complex Case Panel?

The Complex Case Team has built strong connections with local schools and colleges and we can support you to connect with these services. Attendees can include but are not limited to:

• Complex Case panel chair
• Adults social care
• Mental health services
• Children’s social care
• Complex case workers (ADC)
• Anti-Social behaviour and nuisance officers (ADC)
• Community protection officers (ADC)
• Domestic abuse services
• Nottinghamshire Police
• Department for work and pensions
• National Health Service (NHS)
• Probation service
• Citizens Advice
• Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Centre
• Housing Options (ADC)
• Housing (ADC - Lettings and Rents)
• Substance Misuse Services (CGL)
• Framework (Homelessness Outreach Team)
• Environmental Health
• Revenues and Benefits Team (ADC).

Referring to the Complex Case Panel

Only persons from a professional capacity can refer to the Complex Case Panel.

To make a referral you will need to download the form from the related documents section of this web page, complete it and return it to us. All details and known information including safeguarding matters and any known risks should be included in the form. Any referrals should be sent to the panel no later than 2 working days before the meeting is due to take place. Any referrals sent after this time will be added to the waiting list for the following month's meeting.

Forms should be returned by email to:

• email: ashfieldccp@ashfield.gov.uk

Complex Case Panel meeting dates

The dates of the next Complex Case Panel meetings are:

• 17 September 2025

• 15 October 2025

• 19 November 2025

• 17 December 2025

If you need to speak to someone about the panel before making a referral you can do so by the contact details on this page.