This article presents a rationale for the use of a qualitative research methodology, along with an outline of the data-gathering processes involved. It spotlights the benefits of using focus groups and individual interviews to gather qualitative data from professionals who are directly involved in the joint investigation of abuse of adults in need of protection. The data analysis process is discussed and demonstrates how themes were developed regarding decision making at key points within a protocol between social worker services and a policing service for the joint investigation of the abuse of an adult. These include thresholding decisions at the point of referral into the police service, the pre-interview assessment of the need for special measures to be provided to support the witness in court and decision making regarding the mental capacity of the adult vulnerable witness. The research was undertaken as part of a PhD study and evidenced inconsistent decision making during the thresholding consultation with the police service and the importance of the broader social work role when supporting the adult in need of protection to make decisions about their own protection plan(s). The article considers how the chosen qualitative methodology supported the development of relevant, achievable and evidence-informed recommendations for training and provides knowledge for reviewing the inter-agency protocol.
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Todd et al. (2025) studied this question.