the UK’s leading independent provider of psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers and paediatricians

over 4,000 reports each year for solicitors, Courts, local authorities, panels and organisations

With over 500 experts, across the disciplines of psychiatry, paediatrics, psychology and social work, we are able to offer a variety of assessments within legal proceedings at legal aid rates. Most assessments are completed within 6 weeks of instruction, although shorter timescales can often be secured.

For Local Authorities, Courts, Independent Fostering Agencies and Voluntary Adoption Agencies we provide a full range of independent assessments from parenting assessments to assessments of alternative carers, including prospective foster carers and adopters.

EXPERT WITNESS FAMILY-BASED ASSESSMENTS

We have 20 years’ experience in delivering family law assessments to courts nationwide. Both our teams and expert base have a excellent working knowledge of the challenges facing children and families, as well as professionals who are supporting them through the court process and is underpinned by a thorough understanding of the relevant legislation and guidance. We therefore understand the need for timely, robust, evidenced assessments and are able to provide a fully managed, supportive and seamless service from referral to report.

local authority assessments

We work directly with a number of local authorities nationwide, providing assessments through early intervention, edge of care, pre proceedings, care proceedings, carer recruitment and beyond. We are able to offer a range of assessments to support decision making and intervention at each stage, and can offer both fixed fee and legal aid rates dependent on this. Our teams and experts work closely with our local authority partners to understand their individual needs, to ensure that the assessments and service we provide is tailored to this.

Independent Fostering Agencies and Voluntary Adoption Agencies' assessments

Our experience in working with Independent Fostering Agencies and Voluntary Adoption Agencies to provide Form F and PAR assessments spans a number of years and we understand the importance of completing robust, evidenced based and supportive assessments of prospective carers, which assesses and demonstrates their ability to be resilient, caring and adaptable.

ADULT MENTAL CAPACITY ASSESSMENTS

Our nationwide network of experienced Mental Capacity and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguarding [DoLS] assessors are appropriately trained and qualified, all either approved under section 12 of the Mental Health Act 1983 or registered medical practitioners with at least three years’ post-registration experience.

Additionally, our Best Interest Assessors [BIA] all have at least two years’ post-qualification experience and have completed approved training to be a BIA.

Criminal Law Assessments

Our highly skilled psychologists, psychiatrists and paediatricians have a wealth of knowledge and experience in undertaking assessments of those within criminal law. They are able to assess both adolescents and adults at various stages of the criminal justice system, including pre-trial, pre-sentencing and for parole. All assessments are completed at Legal Aid rates.

we ensure a rigorous recruitment process

Security and expertise

Our experts have minimum number of years’ post qualification relevant experience and necessary references, as well as DBS checks, professional registration and insurances.

Referral management

We manage each referral individually, matching the needs of your assessment to the expertise and experience of our experts to ensure the best outcome.

Wide expert choice

We offer a wide choice of experts at the beginning of the referral stage, with copies of their CVs and any further information you require in order to make your decision.

Quality assurance

Our in-house quality assurance team of experts review each report prior to filing so it meets court and panel standards, so our clients can be assured of the quality of all reports.