Robiquity and Durham Constabulary Collaborate to Reimagine Safeguarding Case Management
September 2024 - Manchester, UK – In an innovative collaboration aimed at driving positive change within safeguarding, Robiquity has partnered with Durham Constabulary to reimagine how safeguarding cases are managed. Leveraging the power of the Microsoft Power Platform, this partnership has delivered significant advancements in case management solutions that will drive efficiencies to support public protection and reduced safeguarding risk.
The project was founded through a successful joint bid to the Durham Police & Crime Commissioner, securing funding from the Violence Prevention Fund. The fund, which was created by the Durham and Darlington Serious Violence Duty Partnership and supported by Police Crime Commissioner Joy Allen, focusses on areas which have seen the highest levels of violence, with the aim of providing greater support for those at risk or already involved or affected by serious violence.
The initiative at Durham Constabulary, led by Detective Inspector (DI) Andy Phillips, Safeguarding Manager (MASH), looks to enhance public safety and streamline operations by addressing in the way the force approaches case management in three critical areas; the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (otherwise known as Clare’s Law), Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme (otherwise known as Sarah’s Law) and multi-agency risk assessment conferences (MARAC) for high risk domestic abuse cases.
The initiative is rooted in the need to improve the management of cases under Clare’s Law, Sarah’s Law, and MARAC, ensuring that crucial information about individuals with criminal backgrounds, especially those with a history of violence or sexual offenses, is managed efficiently and shared responsibly.
Clare’s Law,Sarah’s Law & MARAC
Clare Wood (36) was tragically murdered in 2009, prompting her father, Michael Brown, to campaign successfully for a law allowing police to disclose the criminal background of individuals to their partners.
Sarah Payne (8) was murdered in 2000, leading to the Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme (CSODS), which enables police to inform parents, carers, and guardians about individuals with child sexual offense records.
A MARAC is a meeting where information is shared on the highest risk domestic abuse cases. There are 270 Maracs operating across the UK. They are attended by representatives from police, health, child protection, housing, independent domestic violence advisors (Idvas), probation and other specialists from the statutory or voluntary sectors. They share all relevant information they have about a victim, discuss options for increasing the victim’s safety and create a co-ordinated action plan.
The project focuses on the use of low code and intelligent automation technology to reimagine the way that the Durham Constabulary safeguarding team currently work, creating case management solutions that are robust, flexible, future-proof solutions and that are designed to improve case processing times in light of rising demands and reduce safeguarding risk.
The project and benefits seen to date have also received support from Clare Wood’s Aunt, Carol Whicher who said “This is an amazing breakthrough & I applaud all involved in this innovative project. Time is of the essence when processing disclosure applications. This will therefore improve the safeguarding of victims & potential victims of Domestic Violence and ultimately will save countless lives.”
Utilising the Microsoft Power Platform, Robiquity delivered three pivotal case management applications. These applications were developed using an agile and iterative approach, ensuring that they were tailored to meet the specific needs of the Durham Constabulary safeguarding team to ensure improved outcomes for the public
The collaboration resulted in the creation of three core solutions centred around Application, Automation, and Data:
Application: A single, central source of truth to manage cases and workload, ensuring consistent and reliable information access.
Automation: Enhanced task management, notifications, and auto-document generation to streamline workflows and reduce administrative tasks.
Data: Secure storage and intuitive reporting capabilities to ensure data integrity, improve visibility and auditability, and support informed decision-making.
Through this partnership, Robiquity and Durham Constabulary have not only addressed immediate operational challenges, with the force already seeing direct benefit to case processing times but have also set the foundation for continuous improvement in safeguarding case management. The successful deployment of these solutions underscores the potential of low-code and intelligent automation technologies in driving significant positive changes in critical areas across blue light operations.
Detective Inspector, Andy Phillips, Safeguarding Manager (MASH), said “All three case management systems have significantly improved the way that we manage and deliver in these important areas of safeguarding. It is easy for staff to progress a case and the automation of some of the functions brings time saving benefits. Any new IT system usually presents a challenge to staff whilst they get used to a new process. This has not been the case on this occasion and feedback from the teams that use the systems is extremely positive. There are key features which make each application easy to audit and manage and I now have confidence in the delivery of all three processes. This is vital when dealing with the safeguarding risks surrounding each of the applications.”
For more information, please contact:
Charlotte Pickering
Senior Media Officer @ Durham Police & Crime Commissioner’s Office
Justice and Emergency Services Programme activities
The techUK Justice and Emergency Services Programme represents tech firms operating in the public safety, criminal justice, and blue light markets. We create strong relationships between members and public sector customers, encouraging industry engagement, and unlocking innovation. Visit the programme page here.
2024 Highlights and 2025 Vision: Reflections and Roadmaps for AI, Skills and Procurement
To wrap up the year, the Justice and Emergency Services (JES) Programme is excited to host an afternoon of insightful fireside chats, powered by the Justice and Emergency Services Management Committee (JESMC).
Our members develop strong networks, build meaningful partnerships and grow their businesses as we all work together to create a thriving environment where industry, government and stakeholders come together to realise the positive outcomes tech can deliver.
Georgie joined techUK as the Justice and Emergency Services (JES) Programme Manager in March 2020, then becoming Head of Programme in January 2022.
Georgie leads techUK's engagement and activity across our blue light and criminal justice services, engaging with industry and stakeholders to unlock innovation, problem solve, future gaze and highlight the vital role technology plays in the delivery of critical public safety and justice services. The JES programme represents suppliers by creating a voice for those who are selling or looking to break into and navigate the blue light and criminal justice markets.
Prior to joining techUK, Georgie spent 4 and a half years managing a Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP) in Westminster. She worked closely with the Metropolitan Police and London borough councils to prevent and reduce the impact of crime on the business community. Her work ranged from the impact of low-level street crime and anti-social behaviour on the borough, to critical incidents and violent crime.
Cinzia joined techUK in August 2023 as the Justice and Emergency Services (JES) Programme Manager.
The JES programme represents suppliers, championing their interests in the blue light and criminal justice markets, whether they are established entities or newcomers seeking to establish their presence.
Prior to joining techUK, Cinzia worked in the third and public sectors, managing projects related to international trade and social inclusion.
Ella joined techUK in November 2023 as a Markets Team Assistant, supporting the Justice and Emergency Services, Central Government and Financial Services Programmes.
Before joining the team, she was working at the Magistrates' Courts in legal administration and graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2022. Ella attained an undergraduate degree in History and Politics, and a master's degree in International Relations and Security Studies, with a particular interest in studying asylum rights and gendered violence.
In her spare time she enjoys going to the gym, watching true crime documentaries, travelling, and making her best attempts to become a better cook.
