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Fareena Shaheed

Personal Information

Qualifications: MSc Social Work; DipSW, 1996 BA (Hons)2:1 Social Policy and Administration 1992

Services Offered: Assessments, Chairing, Complaints, Consultancy, Expert Witness and Teaching / Mentoring

Specialism: Adoption and Fostering, Alcohol and drug misuse and Cultural issues

Foreign Languages: English

Regions available: East Midlands, Eastern, International, London, North West and South East

Location: Thames Valley, London

Email: fareena@fareenashaheed.com

Mobile: 07740 404645

Telephone: 07740 404645

Profile

I qualified as a Social Worker in 1996 and commenced work in a local authority, undertaking the full range of statutory intervention. After working with an Independent Fostering Provider I joined Cafcass as a Family Court Adviser, then progressing to Service Manager. I later returned to local authority practice in a QA and Practice Development role. As an Independent Practitioner I provide a broad range of high quality assessments. In addition, I have IRO experience, and contributed the OU SW degree course as an Associate Lecturer. I regularly design and deliver training for practitioners. Find out more or contact me at fareena@fareenashaheed.com or http://fareenashaheed.com/

Maxine Harris

Personal Information

Qualifications: Diploma in Social Work, Diploma in Health and Social Welfare, Diploma in Applied Social Sciences, Diploma in Higher Education, Bachelor of Science Honours degree, Postgraduate Diploma in Childcare Law and Practice

Services Offered: Assessments, Chairing, Consultancy and Expert Witness

Specialism: Adoption and Fostering, Alcohol and drug misuse, Cultural issues, Domestic violence, Immigration and asylum seekers, Learning difficulties / Special needs, Mental Health and Sexual abuse issues

Foreign Languages: English

Regions available: East Midlands, North West and West Midlands

Location: West Midlands

Email: maxih7@virginmedia.com

Mobile: 07956 502477

Telephone: 07956 502477

Profile

After qualifying as a social worker in 1998 I worked in a local authority children and families team mainly in child protection. I commenced independent work in 2003 working initially as a Childrens’ Guardian representing children in public law proceedings. I presently do independent work with local authorities and private fostering agencies. I have prepared numerous reports for court and have acted as an expert witness in family proceedings. I have knowledge of the Islamic culture, dual and mixed heritage families, lesbian and gay partnerships, family assessments, sibling relationships and family contacts. I have chaired child protection and family group conferences and fostering panels.

Niall Rynne

Personal Information

Qualifications: Bachelor Social Work BSW University College Cork; Masters in Social Policy MSocSc UCC Cork

Services Offered: Assessments, Consultancy, Expert Witness, Other and Therapy / Counselling / Direct work

Specialism: Adoption and Fostering, Age Assessments, Allegations of parental alienation, Autism, EHCP (SEN) and Learning difficulties / Special needs

Other Expertise: Tailored professional supports in all areas of Child Welfare and well-being

Regions available: International and Ireland

Location: Ireland

Email: niall@iswc.ie

Profile

As a professional Independent Social Work Consultant based in the Republic of Ireland, I offer qualified, registered, and insured services tailored to meet the needs of UK local authorities and allied professionals. With extensive experience in the placement of children from the UK to Ireland and across the EU, I provide a comprehensive range of assessments, including Connected Persons, Special Guardianship, Kinship Care, Parental and Viability Assessments. Additional services include Contact Supervision, Placement Monitoring, Court Reports, and Expert Witness services. Credentials & Memberships: • CORU Registered No. SW0006566 • Insured by Nagalro UK • IASW Member No. 5168 • NISCC Registered No. 7038894 • BASW Associate Member No. 158792 • Director of Nagalro UK • Member of the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) I deliver evidence-based, child-centered assessments and reports, specifically designed to address the unique requirements of instructing Children’s Services Departments across the UK. My expertise includes international placements, legal frameworks, and post-placement support, such as home visits, contact supervision, and caregiver support. By fostering collaboration, engagement, and effective communication, I aim to achieve high-quality outcomes for children and families. For local expertise and professional Independent Social Work services in the Republic of Ireland, please contact niall@iswc.ie. Phone 00-353-(0)-87-719-8481 www.iswc.ie

Karen Gorbutt

Personal Information

Qualifications: CQSW, Advanced risk assessment training - DVIP (Domestic Violence Intervention Project)

Services Offered: Expert Witness and Teaching / Mentoring

Specialism: Domestic violence

Other Expertise: Knowledge of Judaism

Regions available: London

Location: Greater London

Email: sewvive@gmail.com

Profile

Since qualifying as a social worker in 1994, I worked for Cafcass in private & public law for 12 years & as a Probation Officer. My Local Authority experience is in Early Help & Children's Social Care where I held a specialist domestic violence & abuse post for 7 years. I have worked independently since 2021 as a caseworker when NYAS is appointed as the Rule 16.4 Guardian, as an expert witness in family court proceedings & providing coercive control consultancy & training. I also take direct instructions from parents as a McKenzie Friend in family court proceedings.

Clare Mowbray

Personal Information

Qualifications: BA. CSW / CQSW

Services Offered: Assessments

Specialism: Adoption and Fostering, Alcohol and drug misuse, Mental Health and Sexual abuse issues

Other Expertise: Assessments/Reviews of local authority services

Foreign Languages: English

Regions available: North West, South West, Wales and West Midlands

Location: South West

Email: clare_mowbray@yahoo.co.uk

Mobile: 07771 823 742

Telephone: 07771 823 742

Profile

Clare Mowbray is a self employed Children’s Guardian/Family Court Adviser and Independent practitioner and practice teacher. Clare’s Cafcass work is within Gloucestershire, the independent practice is outside Gloucestershire. Independent work includes assessments in public and private law cases of parents and grandparents etc, assessments of prospective foster cases and file reviews in respect of social services provision. The training of Guardians, social workers and other professionals is carried out through Cafcass and independent assignments. Clare has a particular interest in mental health and adoption issues and markets her own report writing skills course for social workers.

Charles Plummer

Personal Information

Qualifications: CQSW, Dip SW, Licensed SW (Idaho, USA)

Services Offered: Assessments and Expert Witness

Specialism: Adoption and Fostering, Alcohol and drug misuse, Domestic violence, Learning difficulties / Special needs and Pams Assessments

Other Expertise: British Sign Language and Judaism/Jewish culture (some knowledge)

Regions available: East Midlands, South West, Wales and West Midlands

Location: Bristol/South West

Email: charlesplummeriswp@gmail.com

Profile

I have 35 years’ experience of social work practice with children and families in a variety of settings, encompassing statutory children & families work within local authorities, residential work, family counselling, education, and latterly fostering and adoption. I have held the positions of Senior Practitioner, Practice Supervisor, and Team Manager, and have worked as a Children’s Guardian since 2005. I can undertake assessment of parents who have additional needs/challenges/vulnerabilities, for example, mental health issues, substance misuse issues and learning disabilities. (Parent Assess trained) Section 7, Section 37, & Specific Issues Reports Special Guardianship/Kinship/Connected Carers Reports Sibling Together & Apart assessments

Nicci Levy

Personal Information

Qualifications: Diploma in Social Work, BA(hons) Child and Adolescent Studies, PQ1

Services Offered: Assessments, Chairing, Complaints, Consultancy, Expert Witness, Teaching / Mentoring and Therapy / Counselling / Direct work

Specialism: Adoption and Fostering, Alcohol and drug misuse, Domestic violence, Learning difficulties / Special needs, Mental Health and Sexual abuse issues

Foreign Languages: English

Regions available: South East and South West

Location: South East, Kent

Email: nicci.levy@avocetisw.co.uk

Mobile: 7818415633

Telephone: 7818415633

Profile

My background is in residential social care settings, working with children with emotional and behavioural difficulties and then I went on to specialise in child protection; working in local authorities as a Social Worker, Deputy Manager and Independent Reviewing Officer. Practising as an ISW since 2006 I undertake assessments for the Court in public and private law proceedings including PAMS Assessments. I carry out the role of Investigating Officer and Independent Person in the Stage Two complaint process as well as Stage Three Review Panel Member and I chair Foster Carer Annual Reviews of Approval. CV available on request.

Carole Littlechild

Personal Information

Qualifications: CQSW 1976; NVQ5 Manageme4nt 2005

Services Offered: Assessments, Chairing, Complaints, Consultancy, Expert Witness, Other and Teaching / Mentoring

Specialism: Adoption and Fostering, Alcohol and drug misuse, Domestic violence, Mental Health and Sexual abuse issues

Foreign Languages: English

Regions available: East Midlands, Eastern, London, South East and West Midlands

Location: Hertfordshire

Email: carolelittlechild@yahoo.co.uk

Mobile: 07976 529604

Telephone: 07976 529604

Profile

Whilst working with families to develop & maintain parenting skills, understand traumas associated with neglect & abuse, disrupted care through to alternative permanent parenting - understanding & representing children’s needs throughout has been my focus, as a social worker & manager in front line & adoption, in Court reports, as family mediator, as Children’s Guardian & Adoption Panel Advisor. Latterly I have specialised in developing my understanding of trauma and attachment needs in children. I have over 30 years of providing consultancy, practice supervision & training. I have extensive experience in all matters relating to adoption in England & Wales.

Barbara Lockhart-Gleeson

Personal Information

Qualifications: CQSW 1981 . Advanced Social Work Programme Tavistock Institute 1989

Services Offered: Assessments, Consultancy, Expert Witness and Therapy / Counselling / Direct work

Specialism: Adoption and Fostering, Learning difficulties / Special needs, Mental Health and Sexual abuse issues

Foreign Languages: English

Regions available: Eastern, London and South East

Location: London

Email: barbara.lg@blueyonder.co.uk

Mobile: 07751306907

Telephone: 07751306907

Profile

I have been a qualified social worker since 1981 and currently work part time in child mental health services in a national specialist team. I have worked regularly as an independent social worker providing reports to the courts since 2007, and have experience in both public and private law proceedings. I have also provided reports in the Netherlands. I have particular expertise in children with neuro-psychiatric disorders and mothers with mental health difficulties. Occasional availability at short notice in London and South East.

Alison Austin

Personal Information

Qualifications: BSc Sociology, CQSW

Services Offered: Assessments, Chairing and Expert Witness

Specialism: Adoption and Fostering, Alcohol and drug misuse and Mental Health

Foreign Languages: English, French and Italian

Regions available: Eastern, International, London and South East

Location: Surrey

Email: alison_austin_woodman@yahoo.co.uk

Profile

My early career was spent working at a psychiatric hospital and then as a social worker in a busy London Borough where I was a Fostering and Adoption Officer. I have been a Children’s Guardian since 1984 and more recently I have been writing independent reports as an expert witness in family proceedings. I have also carried out many Home Study Assessments for both Inter-Country and Domestic Adoptions and have experience of guiding applicants through the Court process and preparing Rule 29 Reports.