Skip to main content

Search for a social worker

  1. Home
  2. Search for a social worker

Find a Social Worker using the search facility below: 

Use of the directory confirms your acceptance of our terms & conditions

Helena Ware

Personal Information

Qualifications: B.Soc Science; Post grad diploma in Applied Social Studies; CQSW; Family Therapy training; PAMS training

Services Offered: Assessments, Consultancy, Expert Witness 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: Private law assessments involving contact and residence as well as leave to remove from the jurisdiction. Public law-parenting assessments. I specialise in mental health issues, Learning difficulties / Special needs

Foreign Languages: English, French and Spanish

Regions available: International, London and South East

Location: London

Email: Ware126@btinternet.com

Mobile: 07768 355704

Telephone: 07768 355704

Profile

I qualified in 1976. I worked in a local authority and as senior psychiatric social worker, in Child and Family and Psychiatry. I am a Children’s Guardian and caseworker for NYAS. I have been an independent social worker for the past 21 years specialising as an expert witness in private law and public law assessments in Children Act proceedings. I undertake independent social work assessments of families in private law matters involving residence and contact as well as leave to remove from the jurisdiction or internal relocation. I have assessed parents and families in public law. I have travelled extensively all over the world for assessments in both public and private law. I have family therapy and PAMs training.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Sophie Latham

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.

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