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.
Personal Information
Qualifications: BSc (Hons) – Psychology: University of Kent – 2008. BA (Hons) – Social Worker: The Open University – 2013. Currently studying a Masters degree at Staffordshire University (not specifically related to Social Work)
Services Offered:
Assessments and Therapy / Counselling / Direct work
Specialism:
Alcohol and drug misuse, Allegations of parental alienation, Autism and Domestic violence
Other Expertise:
Domestic violence / abuse
Regions available:
East Midlands, Eastern, London, North West, Scotland, South East, South West, West Midlands and Yorkshire & Humber
Location:
Kent, London
Email:
sophielatham121@gmail.com
Profile
I have undertaken a vast number of Section 7 reports and also been appointed as a Children’s Guardian under rule 16.4. I have extensive experience giving evidence in court proceedings. I am committed to delivering the best possible service to children and families, whilst undertaking thorough assessments of risk. I have been directly involved in transfer of residence cases when significant concerns are raised about the inability of one parent to promote the relationship between the child and the other parent. I have experience working with young people with ASD, as I worked in a ASD unit of a school during my Psychology degree.
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.
Personal Information
Qualifications: BSoc Sc; MSW; MSc Mental Health; MII Mediator
Services Offered:
Assessments, Complaints, Consultancy and Teaching / Mentoring
Specialism:
Adoption and Fostering, Alcohol and drug misuse, Cultural issues, Domestic violence, Mental Health, Sexual abuse issues and Traveller / Roma Families
Other Expertise:
Will supervise access visits; Housing assessments for sex offenders
Foreign Languages:
Gaelic
Regions available:
Ireland
Email:
psweeney@swmc.ie
Profile
I have been a Senior Social Worker working in Ireland’s largest local Authority where I assisted individuals and families to live independently whilst encouraging safe and secure communities. During this time, I completed a Masters in Mental Health, with a particular focus on forensic mental health and housing (published) and have also undertaken research for the Dublin Region Homeless Executive. I’ve worked with multiple internal and external stakeholders in developing and completing housing assessments for sex offenders. I am currently practicing as a mediator in community mediation. With over 20 years’ experience in social work, I am a member of CORU and the IASW (Irish Association of Social Workers). My current work includes Special Guardianship and Fostering Assessments, Financial Assessments, Supervision and Mentoring and Social Reports for Court.
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
Qualifying 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 abuse post for 7 years. I have worked independently since 2021 as a NYAS caseworker in Rule 16.4 Guardian proceedings, as a Section 7 report 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. I was awarded the Certificate in Chairing a Domestic Homicide Review in November 2025.
Personal Information
Qualifications: BSc Psychology, PG Diploma and MSc in Social Work
Services Offered:
Assessments, Chairing, Expert Witness, Teaching / Mentoring and Therapy / Counselling / Direct work
Specialism:
Sexual abuse issues
Other Expertise:
CPD Trainer, offering online and bespoke training to professionals including: Working with families following CSA/E; Understanding Trauma; CSA/E and it's impact. I also offer workshops to young people in relation to Healthy Relationships.
Regions available:
Ireland
Location:
Derry, N Ireland
Email:
shconsultancy19@gmail.com
Profile
I was employed by NSPCC in Derry from 2004-2021, initially as a practitioner, then Team Manager, before becoming Service Manager in 2018, specialising throughout in Sexual Abuse recovery work, but also working with families in which there had been domestic abuse. NPSCC made the Service Manager post redundant in late 2021, at which time I became an Independent Therapeutic Social Worker. I am experienced in developing and delivering training in all aspects of this work to statutory and voluntary organisations, and offer training online, I accept referrals from all agencies as well as families/self referrals.
Personal Information
Qualifications: BSc Psychology, MA Social Work, Parent Assess Trained
Services Offered:
Assessments and Expert Witness
Specialism:
Alcohol and drug misuse, Allegations of parental alienation, Autism, Domestic violence, Learning difficulties / Special needs and Mental Health
Other Expertise:
Orthodox and secular Judaism - indepth knowledge; Parent Assess Assessments
Foreign Languages:
English
Regions available:
London
Location:
London
Email:
naomi@naomiruben.co.uk
Mobile:
07968 593720
Profile
Naomi qualified in 2007, after completing the Graduate Training Scheme with Barnet Council. She worked for the Local Authority for a total of 13 years, covering a range of roles from frontline assessments to child protection and children in foster and kinship care. Having focused on Court Proceedings for several years, Naomi became an ISW in 2017. Since that time, she has completed a wide range of assessments, specialising in Parenting Assessments and SGO reports. Naomi also completes Private Law assessments where there are issues around residence and contact. Naomi is trained in completing Parent Assess assessments where there are known or suspected learning difficulties
Personal Information
Qualifications: MA AASW Diploma (Child Protection) CQSW B.Ed, Expert Witness Certificate accredited
Services Offered:
Assessments, Expert Witness, Teaching / Mentoring and Therapy / Counselling / Direct work
Specialism:
Adoption and Fostering, Cultural issues, Domestic violence, Mental Health and Sexual abuse issues
Foreign Languages:
English
Regions available:
East Midlands, Eastern, International, London, South East and South West
Location:
South East
Email:
gill_timmis@outlook.com
Mobile:
0771 1948658
Telephone:
0771 1948658
Profile
I am an independent social worker with over 25 years experience of children and families social work. My expertise is in the following areas: independent parenting and risk assessments; assessments of prospective adopters and kinship assessments; representation of children as CAFCASS Children’s Guardian and in private law disputes concerning contact, residence and removal from the jurisdiction, appointed by the National Youth Advocacy Service. I have trained social workers and CAFCASS practitioners in child care legislation and practice, adoption and children’s rights and participation. I have published research and professional articles. I have worked in Bulgaria and Ethiopia running workshops in child care practice and legislation. I have knowledge of practice and have social work and legal contacts in Bulgaria and Ethiopia to enable me to provide advice in relation to international cases.
Personal Information
Qualifications: Certificate Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Post Graduate Diploma in social work, CQSW, Advanced Award in Social Work, CCETSW Practice Teaching Award, Post Graduate Diploma Advanced Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy Practice
Services Offered:
Assessments, Teaching / Mentoring and Therapy / Counselling / Direct work
Specialism:
Adoption and Fostering, Autism, Learning difficulties / Special needs, Playtherapy and Sexual abuse issues
Foreign Languages:
German
Regions available:
East Midlands, Eastern, London, South East and South West
Location:
South West London
Email:
julia_hughes_gal@hotmail.com
Mobile:
07770 347660
Telephone:
07770 347660
Profile
I am black of Afro-European heritage. I have worked as a Children and Families social worker for the London Borough of Ealing and Staffordshire social service departments. Between 1995 - 2020 I have worked as a Children’s Guardian. I undertake independent Social Work Parenting Assessments, Special Guardianship assessments and Fostering assessments and therapeutic life story work with children who are experiencing trauma as a result of abuse or parental disputes. My specialisms are: West African Culture, Race and Identity. I also undertake International assessments in Germany and Nigeria. I am an integrative psychotherapist and have a small private practice where I work with adults and young people. www.JIH-Counselling.co.uk.