NAGALRO is a professional association
for practitioners concerned with the representation of children in both public
and private court proceedings and independent social workers. For
more information click here.
The Association was established in
1990 as a non-profit making organisation to be the national professional agency
for guardians ad litem and reporting officers. NAGALRO is now a company limited by
guarantee. Since 1 April 2001 it has offered full membership to all Children’s
Guardians and Children and Family Reporters. In 2002 NAGALRO opened its
membership to include independent social workers working in the children and
families field.
The aims of the organisation are to promote and enhance the
quality of practice of independent social workers and those concerned with the independent representation of
children’s interests before the courts, throughout England and Wales. These aims
include establishing an ethical base for the work of its members, encouraging high quality standards, and promoting
training and professional development. It is also concerned with the distribution
of information, facilitating communication between its members and links with other organisations and persons concerned with the
welfare of children.
The provision of services to its members includes
advice
and other services which meet the specific needs of those operating in this sphere
of work. NAGALRO offers professional indemnity insurance to all full members through
their annual subscription; it also provides support and representation for members
who may encounter difficulties as a result of a complaint.
The Association publishes a professional magazine four times a year called ‘Seen
and Heard’.
Full members can join the NAGALRO smartgroup which
provides a link to colleagues across the country. This resource offers an
opportunity to share concerns and information.
Full members can apply to join the on-line NAGALRO independent
social work directory.
Other activities. The Association aims to
influence social policy to the benefit of children. In this respect it responds to
central government consultations about a variety of issues. Links to
NAGALRO responses are available on the Documents
page of this website. Other activities include the encouragement and promotion of research,
and the promotion of a high quality service of children’s representation under
Cafcass. More details can be found in the Cafcass
section of this website. The association also organises training courses
and conferences on a regular basis to consider
pertinent issues affecting children. The current NAGALRO
training programme can be found on the training page of this website.
Structure of organisation. NAGALRO
is run by a council elected by members. Council
members are directors of the company. Officers include chair, vice
chair, company
secretary and treasurer. NAGALRO has two service providers: the editor of Seen and Heard, Veronica
Burke and the principal administrator, Karen Harris.
Full membership of the Association is open to all Children’s Guardians, Children
and Family Reporters and independent social workers in the
field of children and families.
Associate membership is available to people who support the aims and objectives
of the Association. Associate members receive 4 issues of Seen & Heard
per year, and reduced fees for training and conferences.
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