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Paula Pettit

Personal Information

Qualifications: Masters in Social Work, Psychology Degree, VIG Practitioner, L2 & 3 Counselling

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

Specialism: Adoption and Fostering, Alcohol and drug misuse, Allegations of parental alienation, Cultural issues, Domestic violence, Forced marriages, Learning difficulties / Special needs, Mental Health, Pams Assessments and Sexual abuse issues

Regions available: London, South East and South West

Location: West Sussex

Email: paula.pettit@eastsussex.gov.uk

Profile

I am a Social Worker with 19 years’ experience in children’s services. This includes several years at SWIFT Specialist Family Service where I specialised in domestic abuse, attachment and learning disability. I have extensive experience in specialised risk and parenting assessments, special guardianship assessments and providing expert opinion in family courts. I have worked independently since 2021 and been instructed from local authorities, private fostering agencies, and independent social work agencies. I have a particular interest in domestic abuse, non-accidental injuries, attachment and learning disability. Also have some experience of working with different cultures including Afghan and Pakistani.

Surinder Kumari

Personal Information

Qualifications: BA(Hons); CQSW;Diploma in Theology;PQAward in SW; Practice Teaching Award in SW; AA in SW; CPE Law

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

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

Other Expertise: Pams

Foreign Languages: English and Punjabi

Regions available: East Midlands, Eastern, International, Ireland, London, North East, North West, Scotland, South East, Wales, West Midlands and Yorkshire & Humber

Location: West Midlands

Email: s.kumari@ind-assessor.co.uk

Mobile: 07395 565288

Telephone: 07792 060031

Profile

I have considerable experience of court processes and have undertaken numerous assessments for the courts on different aspects including Parenting, Friends and Family Assessments, Sibling attachment, Core Assessments, Social Work Assessments, Contact and Risk Assessments. Some of these have been complex pieces of work with families where there have been child deaths/torture, surrogacy and forced marriages. I am trained to undertake Parenting assessments using the PAMS assessment tool parents with learning difficulties and undertaken the teachings. I am passionate about working with families and presenting good quality assessments to assist the decision making process for children and their families.

Eibhlin McNamara

Personal Information

Qualifications: B.Soc., University College Cork (2006), M.A. Counselling & Psychotherapy (Munster Technological University) (2022), B.A. Counselling & Psychotherapy (Munster Technological University) (2020), Professional Diplomas: Leadership & Management; Project Ma

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

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

Other Expertise: Clinical supervision; Irish mental health, education and child protection systems (HSE/Tusla) - in depth knowledge

Foreign Languages: Gaelic

Regions available: Ireland

Location: Ireland, remote / virtual assessments nationwide; onsite primarily Munster, travel elsewhere by agreement

Email: eibhlinmcn@gmail.com

Mobile: 0863822263

Telephone: 0863822263

Profile

Independent Social Worker providing court-directed, evidence-based assessments and expert witness reports. I specialise in Section 47 assessments under the Child Care Act 1991 and Section 32(1)(a) and 32(1)(b) child-focused reports for private law proceedings. My work covers parenting capacity, attachment and sibling relationships, children’s needs, contact and risk. Experienced in interviewing children and adults, analysing complex safeguarding information and giving oral evidence. I deliver clear, timely reports with trauma‑informed practice and strong multi‑agency collaboration.

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.

Judi Lyons

Personal Information

Qualifications: MA.BA.CQSW. FETC 730, Dip.Child Protection, Dip.French, FMA supervisor

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

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

Other Expertise: Mediation

Foreign Languages: English, French, Hebrew and Spanish

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

Location: Thames Valley and London

Email: judi.lyons@ntlworld.com

Mobile: 07710 038106

Telephone: 07710 038106

Profile

I have worked as an independent social worker specializing in providing assessments of children and their families, principally involved in Children Act (1989) proceedings since 2004. I have provided reports for local authorities, parents and grandparents in public law proceedings and given evidence in court. I have also conducted parenting assessments in the UK and Europe. Until 2010 I was also a Children’s Guardian, having spent 25 years in this role. I have combined this area of work with being a practice teacher and part-time lecturer in social work. I am a qualified FMA supervisor and work as a family mediator and supervisor in divorce proceedings. I currently train solicitors for the Children Panel.

Tony Macklin

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.

Philippa Hector

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.

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

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/

John Abdullah-Zadeh

Personal Information

Qualifications: DipSW, BSc, CQSW, MSc

Services Offered: Assessments and Expert Witness

Specialism: Adoption and Fostering, Cultural issues, Female Genital Mutilation and Immigration and asylum seekers

Other Expertise: Middle and Far Eastern, Mediterranean and all islamic traditions

Foreign Languages: Arabic, Bangla, English, French, Hindi, Italian, Mirpuri, Punjabi, Spanish and Urdu

Regions available: East Midlands, Eastern, International, Ireland, London, North West, Scotland, South East, South West, Wales, West Midlands and Yorkshire & Humber

Location: UK

Email: abdullah_zadeh@hotmail.com

Mobile: 07860 574063

Telephone: 07860 574063

Profile

Experienced Independent Social Worker throughout England and Wales. Over 40 years Social Work experience, 21 years Local Authority Social Work &Team Manager. International social work, parenting capacity & kinship assessments. Expertise in cultures, ethnicity, faith, and traditions relating to Asian, African, and European families. Immigration and mental health-related issues. Multilingual