A little more about me...

Social workers have historically been portrayed badly in the press and are often sidelined by health colleagues who receive a much better public reception.  The role is often misunderstood, and so diverse people don’t know what the work involves. One of my previous jobs included raising the profile of social workers locally, regionally and nationally.  

I would like to share a conversation I had once had with my mother which sums it up.

“I would lovingly describe my mother as an extremely blunt, talk before you think type of person.  When talking to her about how I thought nurses received a much higher profile than social workers she turned to me and said, ‘I didn’t want you to be a social worker so don’t moan to me about it now, you should have been a nurse instead’. 

I remembered my school careers interview, many moons ago, where I had first spoke about a possible career in social work.  My mother and the career advisor both provided some negative thoughts about how difficult it could be to be in the ‘helping professions”.  

Despite this I have excelled in my social care career and have been a qualified social worker for over 28 years.  I have met lots of great people along the way both in the workplace and as part of my social work role.  Social work is not for the faint hearted, but it is extremely rewarding and heartwarming.  

I believe I was destined to be a social worker.  My early life helped shape my personality and I had great personal role models who showed me the way before I entered my professional career. 

Who I Am
I’m a passionate and dedicated qualified social worker with over two decades of experience, dating back to 1996. I thrive on problem-solving, as social work is ever evolving and requires adaptability and creative solutions. 

What I Do
I offer independent social work services to private clients and their families, providing specialist support and advice to organisations and professionals on social work matters.

Specialist Areas
I have specialist knowledge in mental health and mental capacity, alongside experience in safeguarding adults and writing reports for the Court of Protection. 

How am I different to a local authority social worker

As an independent, self-employed social worker, I offer personalised support that goes beyond what local authorities can provide. While local authority social workers work within government-set criteria and resources, I assist clients who may not qualify for statutory services or need extra help navigating health and social care systems. With extensive experience, I offer flexible, tailored support, supplementing local authority services and helping clients plan for the future.

I understand the pressures within health and social care and why individuals may need more support than the local authority can offer. I can complement the services provided by local authorities and assist private clients who do not meet eligibility criteria, helping with future planning and ensuring they receive the support they need.

Why you should choose me

With decades of hands-on experience since qualifying as a social worker in 1996, I’ve worked across the Northeast in a range of roles. I have specialist knowledge in mental health and worked at the highest level as a Principal Social Worker, advising senior management on social work and social care standards to drive continuous improvement.

Since 2007, I’ve specialised in the Mental Capacity Act, completing numerous assessments in this complex area, publishing articles, and delivering training to professionals. I also have extensive experience in safeguarding adults, having previously served as a Safeguarding Lead Officer.

Passionate about my work, I am committed to delivering the highest standards of care to my private clients, guided by strong social work values.

Independent Social Work

I frequently meet people who have no idea that social workers can be independent and assumed that they were all employed by the Local Authority.  There are lots of independent social workers in the UK offering different services to private clients, organisations and professionals.  Being independent means exactly that- Independent of the local authority.  

I decided to work independently in the summer of 2020, during lockdown.  Crazy some might say, but although it was tough to get started, I have no regrets and love my work.  I have always worked autonomously even when in local authority employed roles and enjoyed learning new things, which is vital in social work, because nothing stays the same and there are always new societal problems to tackle. 

Key Benefits of an Independent Social Worker

• Extensive Expertise: I am not employed by a Local Authority but bring deep knowledge and experience of social care systems and processes as a qualified social worker since 1996.
• Second Opinion: I can provide an impartial second opinion to that provided by the local authority, offering clients a broader perspective.
• No Bureaucracy: Free from the red tape and eligibility criteria typically associated with local authority services.
• Flexible Service: Able to adapt to the specific needs and preferences of clients, offering a tailored approach.
• Dedicated Time: I. have the time to focus on working closely with clients, providing them with the attention they deserve.
• Filling Service Gaps: I can step in to fill gaps in existing social care services, ensuring clients receive the support they need.
• Bespoke Support: I offer individualised, bespoke services for private clients, addressing unique needs and situations.
• Proactive Planning: I help clients plan for their future needs, preventing crises before they require social services intervention.
• Guidance for Beginners: I assist clients who are unsure where to start with navigating social care services, offering step-by-step support.
• Research Support: I can conduct research on behalf of clients, identifying the best resources and options to meet their specific needs.
• Support for Challenges: I provide assistance in challenging decisions or support
• offered by health and social care services, when appropriate.
• Objective Advocacy: I can act as an unbiased advocate for clients, ensuring their voice is heard and their interests are represented.
• Personalised Care Plans: I can provide highly individualised care plans based on the client’s unique circumstances, goals, and preferences.
• Holistic Approach: I take a holistic view of a client’s situation, addressing not just immediate needs but also long-term well-being and sustainability of care.
• Specialised Expertise: I offer specialised support in areas such as disability, elderly care, mental health, or complex family dynamics.
• Independent from the Local Authority: Not restricted by local authority policies, meaning I can offer more flexible and creative solutions.
• Stress Reduction for Families: I can ease the burden on family members by providing expert guidance and practical support, helping them navigate the often-complicated social care landscape.
• Confidentiality and Trust: I offer a high level of confidentiality, building trust with clients who may be wary of local authority involvement.
• Support for Legal Processes: I can assist clients in understanding their legal rights and options, helping them navigate any legal aspects of care or support.
• Monetary Benefits: I can help clients access monetary benefits.
• Crisis Prevention: I work proactively with clients to help prevent crises, managing situations before they escalate into urgent needs.

Explore my case studies to see how I can support private clients with a variety of issues. Please note that all case studies have been anonymised to protect client confidentiality.