Experience, expertise and passion
about safeguarding and care services

The two principle associates are Peter Maddocks MA, CQSW, BIA and Jane Shepherd BA(Hons), BIA. Between them, they have over 50 years knowledge and expertise in children’s services.

Peter has over thirty-five years experience of social care services the majority of which has been with services for children and families. He has experience as a practitioner and senior manager, working in local and national government services and in the voluntary sector. He has a professional social work and BIA qualification and MA and is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council.

He undertakes work throughout the UK as an independent consultant and trainer. He has led or contributed to several service reviews and inspections in relation to safeguarding children. He has undertaken many agency reviews and provided overview reports for serious case reviews and domestic homicides in England and Wales.

Jane has over 30 years experience of work with children and their families and adult services. She has a particular interest and knowledge of working with disabled children and adults. She is currently working on the development of personalised approaches, self-directed support and personal budgets. She is working with several local areas to develop their commissioning arrangements for services. Jane is a Fellow of the Centre for Welfare Reform.

Jane has worked on a number of Aiming High for Disabled Children programmes including the development of short breaks, and is working as an adviser on the National Transition Support Programme.

Jane has worked in both local authorities and health services. She has also worked with a number of regional partnerships including the Special Educational Needs (SEN) Regional Partnerships, the SEN HUBs and the Regional Improvement and Efficiency Partnership.

Jane has also contributed to research on the use of out-of-authority placements. She has experience of developing protocols, eligibility criteria and decision making arrangements particularly across integrated local authority social care, education and health for children and young people with complex needs. She also has experience of tribunals and complaints procedures.

Jane has a professional social work qualification and BA (hons) and is an Approved Social Worker and Best Interest Assessor. She is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council.

We also work with other associates who bring a wealth of real experience and professional knowledge and share a passion for working with people.