Assessor/Trainer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I'm Matt, a Registered Social Worker with over 25 years of experience in children's services, specialising in work with unaccompanied asylum-seeking children.

My career has spanned frontline child protection, fostering services, safeguarding management, and strategic leadership. I spent 10 years with a local authority Children's Asylum Team - first as a Senior Social Worker, then as Team Manager for 8 years, leading a multidisciplinary team. 

I established Independent Migrant Services to provide specialist age assessments, training, and consultancy to legal firms and local authorities across the UK.

I combine extensive frontline experience with strategic leadership background, delivering evidence-based assessments and training that prioritise the welfare and best interests of vulnerable children and young people. All work is conducted in accordance with Social Work England Professional Standards, statutory guidance, and established case law.

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Associate Assessor/Trainer

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​I'm David, I have over 25 years' experience in youth, community and social care. My qualifications include a Diploma in Youth and Community Work, BA (Hons) in Community Education (University of Kent), Diploma in Social Work (University of London), Post-Qualifying Award in Social Work, Child Care Award, and Graduate Certificate in Practice Assessing (Chichester University).

My career has focused on child protection, children in care, and care leavers. I have 15+ years' experience working with children from diverse backgrounds, including unaccompanied asylum-seeking minors and children from abroad, conducting age assessments and developing targeted interventions.

As a qualified practice educator, I have supervised and mentored student social workers throughout their training. I also worked as an associate lecturer at Chichester University, teaching and assessing aspiring social work students.

I currently hold an Advanced Social Worker role within a local authority Child Asylum Team, where I continue to develop expertise in this specialist field.

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​Therapist

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​​​​​I'm Naomi, an experienced Psychological Therapist and Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapist with over two decades of practice. I hold a BSc (Hons) in Psychology, a Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling, an MSc in Applied Psychology, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy. Additionally, I've completed specialised training in Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) for both adults and children.

My career spans various psychology positions since 1995, including 10 years working for the NHS. I provide counselling and psychological therapy for looked-after children and care leavers, understanding the unique challenges and trauma they face as they navigate their journey towards independence.

I am passionate about facilitating meaningful change and supporting personal growth in the young people and adults I work with.