Personal Information
Qualifications: Expert witness certificate (2010), Post Qualifying Child Care Award (2006), Post Graduate Diploma in Advanced Social Work – Child Care (2006), PQA Part 1 (2003), Dipsw (2001), Diploma in Higher Education (Social Work) (2001)
Services Offered:
Assessments, Chairing, Complaints, Consultancy, Expert Witness, Teaching / Mentoring and Therapy / Counselling / Direct work
Specialism:
Adoption and Fostering, Alcohol and drug misuse, Autism, Cultural issues, Domestic violence, Immigration and asylum seekers, Learning difficulties / Special needs, Mental Health and Sexual abuse issues
Foreign Languages:
English
Regions available:
International, South East, South West, Wales and West Midlands
Location:
Somerset
Email:
Pippa@HectorISW.co.uk
Mobile:
0789 6255180
Telephone:
0789 6255180
Profile
Pippa Hector started Hector Independent Assessments in March 2008 having worked in the statutory sector for over 10 years in Child Protection and Mental Health. She quickly gained a reputation for in-depth assessments and as demand has grown established a small team of Social Workers who offer a comprehensive Parenting and Kinship Assessment service. We have developed a framework for parenting assessments that gives a flexible range from snap shots of parents knowledge to in depth assessments over 12 weeks to analyse not only parental understanding but ability to change patterns of behaviour and promote the needs of their children.
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: Doctor of Social Work awarded 2025; Master of Social Work, 2013; BA (Hons) Social Studies, 2011
Services Offered:
Assessments, Consultancy, Expert Witness and Teaching / Mentoring
Specialism:
Alcohol and drug misuse, Allegations of parental alienation, Cultural issues, Domestic violence, Female Genital Mutilation, Forced marriages, Learning difficulties / Special needs, Mental Health and Sexual abuse issues
Other Expertise:
Child abduction; Wardship, Relocation; International family issues; SW research, supervision
Regions available:
London, South East and South West
Location:
South West
Email:
lhdoyleisw@outlook.com
Profile
Since qualifying over ten years ago, I have gained a range of experience within social work in Ireland, Wales, and England. Alongside my practice, I have conducted research achieving a Doctorate in Social Work. My strengths lie in direct work with children, risk assessment, and decision making. I complete child and family assessments which feature complex factors and international issues. I am confident in raising the voice of children within their proceedings and advising the court on the living arrangements that are in their best interest. Through my employment with Cafcass, I developed expertise in private law family court proceedings, comprehensively analysing family issues under the Child Arrangements Programme and within the High Court. I am also licensed to provide CUBAS parenting assessments focused toward families where Care Proceedings may be necessary. I can be relied upon to provide expert written and oral evidence.
Personal Information
Qualifications: Msc in Social Policy and Social Work Studies; DipSW Social Work Diploma. Also registered on the professional body of SWs in Italy.
Services Offered:
Assessments, Teaching / Mentoring and Therapy / Counselling / Direct work
Specialism:
Adoption and Fostering, Alcohol and drug misuse, Allegations of parental alienation, Cultural issues, Domestic violence, Immigration and asylum seekers, Mental Health and Sexual abuse issues
Other Expertise:
Parental Coordination / Child-Inclusive Mediation services tailored to both Italian and English-speaking families residing in the UK or Italy, and in cross-border cases involving both countries.
Foreign Languages:
French and Italian
Regions available:
East Midlands, Eastern, London, Scotland, South East, South West, Wales and West Midlands
Location:
UK/Italy
Email:
angelarusso.ituk@gmail.com
Telephone:
+44 (0)7957381927;
Profile
As a bilingual (Italian/English) social worker registered in UK and Italy, I bring over 25 years of experience in social and criminal justice. I specialize in cross-border assessments between the UK and Italy, including Special Guardianship & Connected Person, Kinship, Viability, and Parenting Assessments. My experience covers navigating complex issues and be-spoke support in cross-border kinship care. With a background as a Family Court Advisor for Cafcass and a Probation Officer (in the UK and equivalent in Italy), I have developed particular interest and strength in addressing challenges related to alcohol/drug misuse, mental health, domestic violence, parental conflict, alienation allegations, sexual abuse, and Immigration/asylum. Based primarily in Italy, I collaborate with UK Local Authorities and Italian Social Services to facilitate transitions from the UK to Italy, arrange post-placement support, and secure legal permanency for children with kinship carers in Italy. Additionally, I work as a court expert with high-conflict bilingual families, in the Italian family courts and participate in conferences and training, that contribute to social work education in Italy.
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
Personal Information
Qualifications: Bsc(Hons) Sociology, PG Diploma in SW, Teaching
Services Offered:
Assessments, Expert Witness and Teaching / Mentoring
Specialism:
Adoption and Fostering, Alcohol and drug misuse, Allegations of parental alienation, Autism, Immigration and asylum seekers, Mental Health and Sexual abuse issues
Other Expertise:
Northern Ireland Practice Teacher Award
Regions available:
Ireland
Location:
Belfast
Email:
t.maclan@outlook.com
Profile
I have 34 years experience as a qualified Social Worker. I provide Independent Parenting Capacity Assessments and Kinship Assessments in Ireland and the UK. I have provided Guardian ad Litem Assessments to the Family Proceedings Court, Family Care Centre and High Court in Belfast since 1996 and District Court and High Court in Dublin since 2006. I also provide reports for legal proceedings in respect of children/adults abused in care and unaccompanied minors. I have acted as a Practice Teacher for several students and tutored on the Courtroom Skills Module for the Social Work Course at Queens University Belfast.
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, 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
Personal Information
Qualifications: CQSW
Services Offered:
Assessments, Chairing, Consultancy, Expert Witness, Teaching / Mentoring and Therapy / Counselling / Direct work
Specialism:
Alcohol and drug misuse, Cultural issues, Domestic violence, Immigration and asylum seekers, Learning difficulties / Special needs and Sexual abuse issues
Other Expertise:
International Assignments
Foreign Languages:
English and Italian
Regions available:
East Midlands, Eastern, International, London and South East
Location:
London
Email:
elenasandrini13@gmail.com
Mobile:
07768 352551
Telephone:
07768 352551
Profile
I have 38 years experience of working with children and families gained in England, mainland Europe and some third world countries. I specialise in undertaking complex risk and kinship assessments in the UK and abroad, especially in third world states. I have considerable experience in assisting parties to identify common grounds and to enable conciliation when to do so is realistic and appropriate. I have a proven ability to work with those whose ability to care for them is impaired by learning disability of by the effect of substance misuse. I am a strong and effective motivator. I am a trained mediator, I am fluent in Italian and I am approved by the Italian Consulate to undertake assessments in Italy and my work is recognised by the Italian Courts. I have undertaken training as a coach with animas and I available to coach and mediate in English and Italian.
Personal Information
Qualifications: DipSw; BA (Hons) Community Care Management
Services Offered:
Assessments and Consultancy
Specialism:
Alcohol and drug misuse, Domestic violence, Mental Health and Sexual abuse issues
Other Expertise:
Training
Foreign Languages:
English
Regions available:
East Midlands, Eastern and International
Location:
South East
Email:
mpassessmentsltd@gmail.com
Mobile:
07714 706972
Telephone:
07714 706972
Profile
Qualified for 14 years, with 12 years frontline child protection and Court proceedings work including Team Manager roles in a Local Authority. Most recently I have been the PLO manager whilst providing staff training around court proceedings and involved in several High Court cases. I have completed Fostering assessments (Form F and reg 24) sibling assessments, parenting assessments (including for parents with addition, domestic abuse and mental health concerns), viability assessments for connected persons as well as working as a Cafcass Associate particularly in private law proceedings (Section 7 reports).