WillisPalmer has been a specialist provider of independent social work services for over 20 years. We work to promote the welfare and safety of children, adolescents and adults, and to support frontline practitioners and managers in making informed decisions in complex safeguarding situations.

Our team of highly experienced Social Workers understand that risk presents differently across individuals, families and systems. They bring a nuanced understanding of safeguarding, child development, family dynamics and abuse-related harm, alongside extensive experience of working within statutory, legal and multi-agency contexts.

All assessments are completed by qualified and experienced Independent Social Workers and include a comprehensive written report that is balanced, evidence-based and provides clear recommendations.

Our Social Work Risk Assessments

Our Independent Social Workers can undertake a broad range of specialist assessments to support child safeguarding and decision-making. These assessments draw on recognised social work and multi-disciplinary frameworks, research-informed practice and professional judgment.

We provide the following assessments:

Domestic abuse risk assessment

Sexual abuse risk assessment (alleged and non-convicted perpetrators of abuse)

Resolution approach risk assessment (denial of allegations of / findings of non-accidental injuries)

AIM3 assessment (harmful sexual behaviour in adolescence)

Child sexual exploitation risk assessment

Child criminal exploitation risk assessment

Forced marriage and honour-based abuse risk assessment

Expert Advice

In addition to our assessment services, WillisPalmer Social Workers work alongside professionals to provide clear, practical advice that supports safeguarding planning and intervention.

This may include:

• Advising on risk management and safety planning
• Supporting decisions about contact, supervision or  reunification
• Providing guidance on protective behaviours and boundary setting

Our Independent Social Workers can also provide structured consultation on input to families or carers to support safer caregiving environments and informed decision-making.

When Are Social Work Risk Assessments Beneficial?

Our Social Work Risk Assessments are suitable in a wide range of safeguarding and legal contexts, including public and private law proceedings.

Our Social Workers can assess:

• Children and adults at risk of harm within family or community settings
• Parents or carers where there are concerns about their capacity to protect
• Families experiencing domestic abuse or sexual harm
• Children and young people displaying concerning or harmful behaviours
• Individuals involved in complex safeguarding, neglect or abuse cases
• Situations involving disputed or denied allegations
• Cases requiring independent, specialist social work analysis

Process

Enquiries can be made to WillisPalmer on 01206 878178 or email enquiry@WillisPalmer.com .

Please tell us which assessment is required, who is to be assessed, the location, and any background information you believe will be helpful. This tends to be details of convictions or allegations, police records, information regarding anyone else involved such as a new partner and his/her capacity to protect any child involved.

We will provide you with the CVs of suitable experts, fees and timescales. We endeavour to respond within the hour and certainly the same working day.

Our experts are available to begin immediately upon receipt of a letter of instruction.

Quality Assurance

WillisPalmer has a team of Consultant Social Workers and Forensic Risk Experts to quality assure all reports before they are filed with the instructing party. The team have significant experience in both undertaking specialist reports, and managing the quality of reports over many years. Read more about our QA process.

Why Choose WillisPalmer?

• Our experts are highly experienced, knowledgeable and have a broad range of expertise in abuse risk factors
• All reports are quality assured by an experienced WillisPalmer independent social work or forensic risk expert
• Dedicated case handler to ensure the highest standards of professionalism
• GDPR compliance and secure IT infrastructure
• Professional Indemnity and Public Liability Insurance
• Entirely independent organisation specialising in multi-disciplinary services
• We work with a wide range of local authorities, solicitors and independent organisations