Homeless Mortality Reviews (HMRs)
In November 2020, Oxfordshire Safeguarding Adults Board (OSAB) received the report on the Thematic Review into Deaths of Homeless People. The OSAB commissioned the review to focus on the deaths of 9 people in Oxford that occurred between November 2018 and June 2019.
This Safeguarding Adults Review (SAR) recommended all deaths in the homeless community be reviewed, regardless of cause of death, much like is done for all adults with a learning disability (LeDeR process).
The Homeless Mortality Review (HMR) process is used throughout Oxfordshire and is overseen by the OSAB and a dedicated Officer who is part of the Board Support Unit. There is full co-operation of the OSAB member organisations as well as other organisations who operate in the area of homelessness within the county. This includes their provision of written records and agreement to working collaboratively in multi-agency review meetings for each case.
The purpose of the HMR is for organisations to review the case fully, to better understand what happened and to consider if there could be changes made to the system, to improve outcomes for the future. Any learning and actions are shared amongst all partner agencies.
The following documents explain the criteria for a Homeless Mortality Review and the steps taken to complete it. The Procedure Document and Flowchart give an overall summary.
HMR Procedure Document_Nov 2023
HMR Procedure Flowchart_Nov 2023
Agencies looking to report the death of a person who was rough sleeping or living in temporary homeless accommodation, should use the Guidance document to ensure the HMR Referral Form is completed fully.
Guidance for completing the HMR Referral Form – Nov 23
The Guidance Document below, is for anyone who may be attending a HMR Multi-agency Meeting. This is to clarify what is expected from attendees and purpose of the meeting.
Guidance on attending the HMR Multi agency Meeting – Nov 2023
Themes and Learning Document_Jul 23
Reflective Questions for Senior Managers July 2023
Reflective Questions for Managers and Team Leaders July 2023
Reflective Questions for Practitioners July 2023
For further learning information please see our page on 7-Minute Briefings HERE
Due to it’s importance to current work, the Thematic Review of Homeless Deaths is remaining on the OSAB Website beyond the standard removal period.