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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

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.

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.

Angela Adams

Personal Information

Qualifications: MSC Social Work Studies and Diploma in Social Work

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

Specialism: Adoption and Fostering, Alcohol and drug misuse, Allegations of parental alienation, Domestic violence, Female Genital Mutilation, Forced marriages, Mental Health and Sexual abuse issues

Regions available: London and South East

Location: London

Email: angelaadams99@icloud.com

Profile

I am an Independent Social Worker and expert witness with over 30 years’ post-qualifying experience in Cafcass, the Probation Service, and independent practice. I specialise in family law proceedings, safeguarding, and domestic abuse, with extensive High Court and international expertise. My background includes adoption, fostering, Special Guardianship, and complex risk assessments. A former Service Manager and High Court Team member with Cafcass, I bring nationally recognised expertise, including award-winning work with children and families. I provide clear, evidence-based assessments and oral evidence, underpinned by a relational, trauma-informed approach that ensures children’s voices and safety remain central.

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.

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.

Lauren Doyle

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.

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.

Marie-Louise Perkins

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).

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.