Standard: The RA and DTC agencies have a Memorandum of Understanding in place setting out how they will co-operate.

3.13 S.325(5) of the CJA 2003 requires the RA and each DTC agency in each area to draw up a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) setting out how they are going to co-operate. Areas should use the template on the MAPPA website at DTC MOU Final - General - MAPPA. Any changes to the standard text in the template must be authorised by the SMB and the rationale recorded. The MoU will articulate the practical arrangements for local co-operation and information sharing and fulfil the requirement for a data sharing agreement. It should include the following:

• The statutory basis for MAPPA and information sharing under MAPPA.
• A summary of the roles and responsibilities of RA, DTC and Associate agencies.
• Arrangements for information sharing and ensuring data security.
• An outline of local MAPPA policy and procedures, including the constitution of the SMB, level setting and referral, and Level 2/3 meetings.
• A commitment to equality and diversity.
• An endorsement at a senior level from each RA, DTC and Associate agency.

3.14 The main areas in which co-operation is likely to be needed are as follows:

• Notification of when individuals enter the MAPPA system.
• Invitations to meetings when cases of interest to the DTC agency are to be discussed.
• Notification of changes in the MAPPA managed individual's status.
• Provision of an up-to-date risk assessment and other information to ensure that the individual is managed effectively.
• Sharing of any information that may be relevant to the assessment and management of the risk presented by a MAPPA managed individual both proactively and upon request.
• Provision of general advice about an agency's role and the type of services it provides (including advice about how services can be accessed).
• Co-ordination of activities in a way that complements rather than undermines other agencies.
• Provision of training and MAPPA resources.

Standard: Each MAPPA Area and DTC Agency identifies a SPOC

3.15 For co-operation to work effectively, the RA and the DTC agency need to establish clear channels of communication so that they can contact each other in both routine and urgent cases. Each MAPPA area should identify a single point of contact (SPOC) for all agencies in the area. This will usually be the MAPPA Co-ordinator (see Chapter - 28 MAPPA Co-ordination). Each DTC agency should also provide a SPOC to receive information and requests from other agencies.