The Social Exclusion Task Force, along with the PSA 16 partner departments, has published two documents regarding lead professionals.

The first document, Taking the Lead, briefly summarises the important role lead professionals can play in delivering PSA 16 and sets out proposals for how they and other partners involved can strengthen the lead professional role.

This was produced in response to the second document, a report by the National Centre for Social Research, Lead Professional Roles to Improve Outcomes of Socially Excluded Adults. This more detailed research report provides new insights into the role that lead professionals can play in ensuring that all of a vulnerable person’s needs are assessed and met. It highlights challenges faced by lead professionals and how these can be overcome.

Both documents will be extremely useful if you carry out a lead professional role, if you manage or commission lead professionals, or are involved with the role in any other way. 

• Lead Professional Roles to Improve Outcomes of Socially Excluded Adults (PSA16) Final Report
  This is a summary of the findings of a study commissioned by seven government departments (Cabinet Office, Department for Work and Pensions, Communities and Local Government, Business, Innovation and Skills, Ministry of Justice, Department of Health and Department for Children, Schools and Families) aimed at understanding what factors contribute to good lead professional practice in delivering PSA16 outcomes
• Taking the Lead - Supporting the Lead Professional Role in Tackling Social Exclusion
  This summary document highlights the considerable role lead professionals can play in the lives of socially excluded people. It provides suggestions for how they can strengthen their role and help vulnerable adults into homes and jobs. It also sets out proposed actions for other partners who are able to influence and support the lead professional role.