Harnessing personal judgement for effective impact as a Panel Chair

Most of us would say we’re not biased and that we always look at situations fairly and without prejudice, but it’s this misguided bias that adversely impacts decisionmaking. The research of Dr Arlene Weekes proves that utilising the ‘Effective use of Personal and Professional Judgement’ (EPPJ) framework to increase personal awareness has a positive impact on professional effectiveness, particularly for panel chairs.

Changes to the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund

The Government have announced this week that there will be changes to the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund. Whilst the commitment to sustain the fund for 2025-26 announced earlier this month was welcome, it is disappointing to see that as more children are coming forward, their access is being further limited.

Re-thinking domestic abuse in child protection: A call for change

At a recent Quality Circle meeting, chaired by Gemma Taylor KC and featuring Professor Brid Featherstone, over 160 participants came together to explore ways to improve how child protection systems address domestic abuse. In this summary, Kinship Consultant Clare Seth shares key findings, lessons, challenges and actions from the discussion.

Reflections from CoramBAAF’s first panel conference: Courageous and curious conversations – the role of panel

CoramBAAF’s inaugural panel chairs and advisers conference brought together over 110 professionals to discuss collective decisionmaking, child-centred recommendations, and the role of personal judgement in panel work. Elaine Dibben reflects on how the conference encouraged meaningful networking, highlighted key challenges and insights from experts, and reinforced the value of panels in safeguarding and supporting children’s welfare.

The new CPR (Child’s Permanence Report): The importance of planning for a child's future

The Child Permanence Report (CPR) plays a crucial role in helping adoption agencies plan a child's future. As part of their legal rights, adopted adults are entitled to access the full, unredacted document. Jane Poore, our Adoption Consultant, shares everything you need to know about the launch of the new CPR - including briefing sessions, training and more.

Major NHS England changes to improve health services

Changes to NHS England have been announced in an attempt to improve health services. In these reforms it is vital that the needs of vulnerable children, children in care and adopted children, are not forgotten.