Understanding the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)

Sometimes families need extra support to keep children safe and well. If there are serious worries about a child's safety or wellbeing, professionals across Oxfordshire work together to respond quickly and make sure the right help is in place.

The Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) is where this happens.

MASH brings together professionals from different agencies in one place so they can share information, understand what is happening, and decide what support is needed. This helps make sure children and families get the right help at the right time.

Why MASH might be involved

A referral to MASH is made when someone is worried about a child's safety or wellbeing.
This could include concerns about:

• a child being at risk of harm or neglect
• serious concerns about a child's health, development or behaviour
• domestic abuse in the home
• mental health difficulties
• drug or alcohol misuse
• crime or exploitation

These situations can be upsetting and worrying. MASH is there to make sure concerns are taken seriously and responded to quickly.

A professional, such as a teacher, midwife, doctor, or police officer, may contact MASH if they are worried about a child.

They will:

• share information about what they are concerned about
• explain why they believe support may be needed

In MASH, different professionals work together in one team.

This may include:

• children's social care
• police
• health services
• education
• other specialist services

They share relevant information they already hold to build a clearer picture of what is happening.

This means families do not have to repeat their situation to lots of different services.

The professionals in MASH look carefully at all the information.

They will:

• consider how safe the child is
• identify any risks or concerns
• think about what support would help the child and family

Their focus is always on keeping children safe while supporting families where possible.

After reviewing the information, MASH will decide the best next step.

This could include:

• no further action if there are no safeguarding concerns
• early help support for families who need extra help
• a social work assessment for more serious concerns

If further support is needed, this will be explained clearly and sensitively.

What this means for families

We understand that hearing from social care or MASH can feel worrying.

At every stage, you can expect:

• clear explanations about what is happening
• honesty about any concerns raised
• respectful and supportive communication
• opportunities to ask questions

Where possible, professionals will work with you and involve you in decisions about support. 

The aim of MASH is to make sure children are safe and families get the right support as early as possible. You are not alone – support is available, and people are here to help.