Generated by All in One SEO v5.0.0.1, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site.

# Kingsley Knight Legal Training

Our training will empower, educate and enhance your legal skills

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Child-Focused Courts: A Radical Shift in Family Justice for Social Care Professionals & CAFCASS officers](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/child-focused-courts-a-radical-shift-in-family-justice-for-social-care-professionals-cafcass-officers/) - April 2026 has already seen significant developments in the family justice system, including a change in leadership and major reforms. The President has retired Sir Andrew McFarlane retired on 14 April 2026 as President of the Family Division, Head of Family Justice, and President of the Court of Protection, after eight years in post. He succeeded Sir
- [A Tribute to a Legal Legend: Sir James Munby](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/a-tribute-to-a-legal-legend-sir-james-munby/) - Re B In Re B, the Supreme Court established the legal hurdle that an adoption order would only be made as a “last resort” ….” when all else fails.” “..before making an adoption order in such a case, the court must be satisfied that there is no practical way of the authorities (or others) providing
- [Series of Children Act Private Law Proceedings Case Law- Part 2: Managing the unmanageable.](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/series-of-children-act-private-law-proceedings-case-law-part-2-managing-the-unmanageable/) - Take away lessons for social workers and CAFCASS officers involved in private law proceedings. This legal blog discusses the case of Re Hesketh (Contempt in the Face of the Court) [2025] that highlights how judges can respond to an aggressive and abusive parent in the family court. With more and more parents acting as litigants in person that
- [Series of Children Act Private Law Proceedings Case Law- Part 1-Tips for a court report writer](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/series-of-children-act-private-law-proceedings-case-law-part-1/) - This legal blog is part 1 of an exploration of a series of private children act case law, highlighting the complexities that can arise in private law proceedings. As a children’s social worker or as a Cafcass officer, have you ever been told this is an easy case, it is only private law relating to contact
- [Legal Publication: The Child's Legal Journey Through Care](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/new-publication-the-childs-legal-journey-through-care/) - To purchase contact us by email: info@kingsleyknight.co.uk This comprehensive guide demystifies the law and illustrates the practical application of the law relating to children’s rights, children’s possible routes through care, the legal stages of the private and public law Children Act proceedings and the impact on the child’s legal journey. Written clearly and concisely, this
- [National Social Work Template: Are your social workers ready to use the new social work template?](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/national-social-work-template/) - Summary This briefing will give an outline of the new national social work template which is to implemented on a national basis for all local authorities within the next 6 months. Each local authority can choose it’s own timetable in the transition from their local template to use of the national template. London local authorities
- [Social Workers, beware - no jargon, use plain language](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/social-workers-beware-no-jargon-use-plain-language/) - One of the great qualities social care workers need is the ability to communicate clearly - without the proper attention, court cases can be severely affected.
- [The Public Law Outline (PLO)](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/the-public-law-outline-plo/) - Virtual Legal Seminars Series The President of the Family Division has expressed a need for a “radical reset,” that is, a change of culture to reduce delay and for proceedings to be issued only after all pre-proceedings steps have been explored. Understand what this means in practice by attending our first legal seminar in this series
- [Social Work Evidence Template Update](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/social-work-evidence-template-update/) - Local authority social workers preparing court statements, are you up to date? Today's briefing gives an update on the national social work template. Practice areas affected Local Authority children’ social workers from the children’s safeguarding teams, children’s guardians and social workers from the fostering and adoption teams. Introduction The national social work evidence template was first
- [Surviving the Witness Box](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/surviving-the-witness-box/) - Does the mere thought of attending court make you fearful or anxious? Come and get some tips on how to become an impressive witness. Does the thought of having to go to court feel like an exciting prospect or does it make you feel uncomfortable, nervous or perhaps frightened, Are your feelings of anxiety because: You
- [The only response to aggressive and resistant behaviour is to manage the situation](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/the-only-response-to-aggressive-and-resistant-behaviour-is-to-manage-the-situation/) - The only response to aggressive and resistant behaviour is to manage the situation. There are practical techniques to manage and diffuse highly charged situations.
- [Court Skills - Surviving the Witness Box](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/surviving-the-witness-box-tips-to-improve-your-court-skills-and-how-to-become-an-impressive-witness/) - As social care professionals you undertake a very difficult job and yet the mere thought of going to court can raise anxieties and fears even in the most experienced professionals
- [Independent Review of Children’s Social Care calls for a radical reset.](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/independent-review-of-childrens-social-care-calls-for-a-radical-reset/) - “This is the start of a journey to change the culture and dramatically reform the children’s social care system”, Nadhim Zahawi, Education Secretary. The independent review led by Josh McAlister is seen as an opportunity to reset children's social care that: Provides intensive help to families in crisis Acts decisively in response to abuse Unlocks
- [Adult social workers- helpful guidance for mental health aftercare services](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/adult-social-workers-helpful-guidance-for-mental-health-aftercare-services/) - Councils and CCGs have a joint responsibility to provide or arrange free aftercare for adults, young people, and children until they are satisfied that the person no longer needs it. These responsibilities are set out in the Mental Health Act Code of Practice. They aim to reduce the risk of worsening the person's mental health
- [National review into the murders of Arthur Labinjo-Hughes and Star Hobson](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/national-review-into-the-murders-of-arthur-labinjo-hughes-and-star-hobson/) - The tragic deaths of Arther Labinjo- Hughes and Start Hobson created a public outcry. From these tragedies, lessons need to be learnt. To assist in this process, the national review has recently published a report by The Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel -Child Protection in England https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1078488/ALH_SH_National_Review_26-5-22.pdf following both children’s murders. The report’s primary purpose
- [The Age Assessment Process](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/the-age-assessment-process/) - A young person’s age is a key part of the information needed when assessing needs and ascertaining the appropriate provision of services. An age assessment is required when the age of a purported unaccompanied asylum seeking child (UASC) is disputed and needs to be determined. This type of assessment is required to be undertaken by
- [Plain Language in the Court process](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/plain-language-in-the-court-process/) - Those of you who have attended our effective court report writing training you will be familiar with the need to use clear understandable language in court documents and when communicating with parents, prospective carers, or service users. This is vital as parents/carers/service users being assessed need to understand: -the evidence against them or -the risks
- [Legal Training Needs - Time to Assess and Plan](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/legal-training-needs-time-to-assess-and-plan/) - Do you have any legal or social care training needs, to be delivered before the end of the financial year? Or for the new financial year. Then can Kingsley Knight Training help empower, educate and enhance your social care practitioners’ legal and social care skills. We have over 25 years experience in making legal and
- [Safety measures for hearings in the family court and mental health hospitals](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/safety-measures-for-hearings-in-the-family-court-and-mental-health-hospitals/) - Read about the steps which have been introduced to safeguard judges, staff and panel members. The Family Court and Safety Measures Family judges or lawyers do not usually wear formal wigs or robes and in fact lawyers have not been required to wear wigs or wing collars since 2007. However, if you attend the Central
- [Parental Responsibility, can it be revoked?](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/parental-responsibility-can-it-be-revoked/) - In training, the question has arisen from time to time as to whether a father who has been granted parental responsibility for a child and therefore has the legal right to make decisions for the child in conjunction with others who also have PR, can that right taken away? Legal Framework S.3(1) Children Act defines
- [Safety measures in the coroner’s court](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/safety-measures-in-the-coroners-court/) - June 2024 Inquest hearings are open to members of the public, and when I have attended always noted that those in the public area have always demonstrated a high level of respect of the process. I was therefore surprised to read in the law gazette read here the need for safety measures in the coroner’s
- [The Mental Capacity Act is a cornerstone of social work practice](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/the-mental-capacity-act-is-a-cornerstone-of-social-work-practice/) - Whenever I am in a social work training session, it doesn’t take long before this question comes up: “What happens if someone doesn’t have capacity?” Every aspect of social workers’ practice with people becomes complex when there is a question about the person’s ability to make a decision. The world is set up for us
- [Strengthening SGO Reports in Court and hearing the Child's Voice.](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/strengthening-sgo-reports-in-court-and-hearing-the-childs-voice/) - A recent case I read relating to an Ukrainian child felt very timely further to the recent visit on 01 March 2025 by the Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, to Sir Keir Starmer. The Ukrainian President told Sir Starmer, Prime Minister, he was happy his country had "such friends" after arriving in the UK. This was further to the Ukrainina
- [10 Top Tips on presenting robust evidence](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/test/) - Follow these top tips to assist in writing robust court reports that includes all the significant and relevant evidence.
- [Legal Case Law Update on the importance of complying with the statutory court timescales.](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/legal-case-law-update-on-the-importance-of-complying-with-the-statutory-court-timescales/) - The case of London Borough of Enfield v E (Unconscionable Delay) [2024] https://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWFC/HCJ/2024/183.html is a strong reminder, that the prompt determination of care and supervision order proceedings is beneficial for the children who are subject of the proceedings but equally is a requirement of the law This was clearly noted by the judge in this case
- [The importance of the realistic care plan;  Adoption  v  Long term care plan](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/the-importance-of-the-realistic-care-plan-adoption-v-long-term-care-plan/) - In this case the Supreme Court stated that adoption is the ‘last resort’ and only permissible if ‘nothing else will do’. It also stressed that the child’s welfare is paramount and that the child’s interests include being brought up by the parents and wider family unless the overriding requirements of the child’s welfare is such
- [Have you ever wanted to know the difference between the coroner's courts and civil and criminal courts?](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/have-you-ever-wanted-to-know-the-difference-between-the-different-courts/) - Feel free to download our guide on the differences as a PDF. You can view, or print at your convenience
- [Coroners Court- Prevention of Future Deaths Report](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/coroners-court-prevention-of-future-deaths-report/) - The Coroners and Justice Act 2009, paragraph 7 of Schedule 5, provides coroners with the duty to make reports to a person, organisation, local authority or government department or agency where the coroner believes that action should be taken to prevent future deaths. These are known as prevention of future deaths (PFD) reports or Regulation
- [Part 1: Special Guardian Order Support plans - cases before the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGO) highlight the importance of getting the right support plan](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/part-1-special-guardian-order/) - Once an individual has exhausted the statutory complaints process within the Local Authority and is not satisfied with the outcome, the individual complainant can then apply to the LGO for a further independent investigation of their complaint. The LGO shares their decisions on their website; the reason for this is to learn from the outcomes
- [Part 2: Special Guardian Order Support Plans-cases before the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGO) emphasise the importance of getting the right support plan](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/part-2-special-guardian-order-cases/) - You can read the related Part 1 on SGO support plans by clicking here part-1-special-guardian-order In part 1 a number of cases before the LGO highlighted the need to provide the right support and guidance to carers and children subject to Special Guardianship Orders (SGO). The LGO in it’s report, Firm Foundations: complaints about council
- [Remote Court Hearings - part 2-what should I do?](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/court-hearings-during-covid-19-pandemic-part-2-what-should-i-do/) - Remote Hearings-the important part: what should I do Remote Hearings During the Covid-19 pandemic, all effective hearings were held remotely by telephone or video conferencing with the court's permission. No formal application for a remote hearing was required. Since the ending of the lock down conditions set during the pandemic, judges can consider whether the
- [Covert recording by parents or service users, should I be worried?](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/secret-recording-parents-or-service-users-should-i-be-worried/) - This question was raised at a recent training event I was delivering on Law for Social Workers. It resulted in an interesting discussion, which I considered would benefit other social care professionals. What is the problem? These days anyone with a smartphone can covertly record. The recording itself may not be a problem if it
- [Transparency in the Family Court part 2](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/transparency-in-the-family-court-part-2/) - In part 1 of this legal blot, which can be found here: https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/transparency-in-the-family-courts-expanded/ we discussed how the transparency in the family courts has been expanded. In this blog we will be discussing: Whether the extended transparency pilot apply to your court? And If so, do you know what to do if a reporter attends a
- [Transparency in the Family Courts part 1](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/transparency-in-the-family-courts-expanded/) - January 2024 There has been a longstanding call for greater transparency in the Family Court. Greater openness and public scrutiny enables an increase in the confidence in the Family Court and decisions made in family proceedings. Steps towards transparency. Since 2009 accredited reporters and more recently legal bloggers have been permitted to attend family court
- [To complain or not to complain      Part 1](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/to-complain-or-not-to-complain/) - Good practice guidance relating to complaints made against Children Services. In a recent training session, I was requested to clarify what happens if someone wants to complain against a decision made by children social care services. So this legal blog is about the complaints process. This legal blog is intended to: 1. Inform; 2. to
- [To complain or not to complain part 2](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/to-complain-or-not-to-complain-2/) - Act Without Delay Recent case decisions by the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (the Ombudsman) have highlighted some of the points we made in our previous legal blog, which highlighted good practice guidance on how to avoid complaints escalating to the Ombudsman. You can find our previous legal blog by clicking here: https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/to-complain-or-not-to-complain/ The
- [Grab a coffee with the PLO update](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/grab-a-coffee-with-the-plo-update/) - Helpful tips on how to achieve the PLO statutory timeframe. The Public Law Outline (PLO) The PLO will be very familiar to those practitioners involved in Public Law Children Act Care Proceedings. For those unfamiliar or new to this area, the PLO provides a template for case management of care proceedings to reduce delay and,
- [Legal update on Liberty Protection Safeguards – implementation is further delayed.](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/legal-update-on-liberty-protection-safeguards-implementation-is-further-delayed/) - April 2023 The Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) form part of the Mental Capacity Act, introduced in 2009 to protect the rights of people who lack capacity to consent to their arrangements which could amount to a deprivation of their liberty. Why the change from DoLS to Liberty Protection Safeguards (LPS) Since their introduction, DoLs were
- [Update on Age Assessments](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/update-on-age-assessments/) - April 2023 The government has established the National Age Assessment Board to strengthen age assessments of small boat arrivals and make decisions more consistent and robust. Age Assessments Age Assessments are presently undertaken by local authority social workers. They are required if there is a dispute as to whether the person presenting to children services
- [New legislation increases child protection in the arena of forced marriages.](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/new-legislation-increases-child-protection-in-the-arena-of-forced-marriages/) - The Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act 2022 received royal assent in April 2022 and came into force on 27 February 2023 This Act increases another needed step towards child protection. It also has the benefits of working towards the world’s target to eliminate child marriages by 2030. Further information on the world’s target can be found as follows: https://data.unicef.org/resources/looking-ahead-towards-2030-eliminating-child-marriage-through-a-decade-of-action/ This
- [Newsletter- Grab a coffee and get your bitesize legal update](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/november-newsletter-bitesize-legal-updates/) - Molly Russell and the impact of social media The inquest into the death of Molly Russell, 14 year old school concluded on 30th September 2022. The Senior Coroner sitting at North London Coroner’s court found that Molly died from an act of self harm whilst suffering from depression and the negative effects of online content.
- [July Newsletter](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/july-newsletter/) - This month we wanted to share some useful resources with you. Guidance on Hospital discharge and community support guidance This guidance applies in relation to adults being discharged from acute hospitals and community rehabilitation units in England, excluding maternity patients.https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/hospital-discharge-and-community-support-guidance/hospital-discharge-and-community-support-guidance Forced marriage How to protect, advise and support victims of forced marriage – information and
- [Keeping Families Together](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/keeping-families-together/) - Supporting families after care proceedings: Supervision Orders and beyond This is the title of the study published by the Department of Education (DFE), published by Professor Judith Harwin and Lancaster University. The study https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1064405/Harwin_Report_on_Parental_Perspectives.pdf Provides for the first time the views and experiences of parents who have raised their families post care proceedings under a
- [June Newsletter](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/june-newsletter/) - The Queens speech announced 38 pieces of legislation announced in the amongst them is the introduction of a Bill of Rights to “restore the balance of power between the legislature and the courts. The Bill of Rights will replace the Human Rights Act. There is also to be draft legislation to be brought forward to
- [May News](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/may-news/) - We are nearly half way through this year already! We wanted to share a few things with you… Exciting news a further £160m to be invested into the government’s National Adoption Strategy The Department for Education has announced a new investment of £160m over three years into the government's National Adoption Strategy, launched in 2021.
- [Somerset Judgement](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/somerset-judgement/) - The President of the Family Division rules on the validity of existing placement and adoption orders, despite failure with adoption regulations. The need for the President's clarification starts with Re N (Children) [2021] EWCA Civ 785- 21 May 2021 https://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWCA/Civ/2021/785.html The mother of M (6 years) and T (13 years), were made subject to care
- [Covid - 19 Vaccinations for an adult who lacks capacity and who has already suffered vaccine damage.](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/covid-19-vaccinations/) - Last month we discussed a case that considered whether a child should receive the Covid- 19 vaccination or not if the parent does not consent. This case relates to an adult. There are a number of reported judgements from 2021 that cover this issue, however the case of North Yorkshire Clinical Commissioning Group v E
- [Jacqueline Wilson’s book -Baby Love tackles the issue of teen pregnancy in the 1960s](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/jacqueline-wilsons-recently-published-book-baby-love/) - Jacqueline Wilson’s recently published book -Baby Love, tackles the issue of teen pregnancy in the 1960s. It is a good book that helps young people to understand how different life was in those days. It deals with shame, not just on the pregnant teen but also on her family. When the secret of the pregnancy
- [Family Court Backlogs are like dough proofing on a Baker's shelf.](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/family-court-backlogs-are-like-dough-proofing-on-a-bakers-shelf/) - The President of the family division has raised concerns in relation to the current backlog and delays in the Family Court in his latest view: Make Every Hearing Count - Case Management Guidance in Public Law Children Cases: March 2022. It is recognised by all professionals working within the Family Court that court backlogs and
- [Making sure the legacy of Child Q’s experience results in lasting change](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/making-sure-the-legacy-of-child-qs-experience-results-in-lasting-change/) - Representatives from across social work, safeguarding and youth services have called for lasting change as a result of the 'appalling' case of Child Q after a safeguarding review revealed she was stripped and searched by female police officers from the Metropolitan Police Service. In 2020, Child Q, a black female child of secondary school age,
- [Corporate parent v birth parent, who makes the final decision?](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/corporate-parent-v-birth-parent-who-makes-the-final-decision/) - Can a chlid who is looked after, receive the Covid vaccination without parental consent? An important question that was considered in the case of C(Looked After Child) (Covide-19 Vaccination) [2021] EWHC 2993 (Fam) Summary of the case: The case relates to a child known as C, who is 13 years old and is subject to
- [Newsletter and Legal update](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/happy-new-year/) - Happy new year, we do hope you had a restful break. How did you spend your break, our lead Training Director, Shefali Shah, used this valuable time to read Lady’s Hale’s memoir of her life in law. The book starts with a motto chosen by Lady Hale on her appointment to the House of Lords:
- [Children in the Youth Justice System and Racial Inequality](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/children-in-the-youth-justice-system-and-racial-inequality/) - “Now is the time to stop talking and take action.” David Lammy MP A trusted justice system is one that is fair, transparent, and accessible. To have confidence in the justice system, the law must be equally applied to all and there must also be respect for the rule of law. These are core principles
- [Part 3: Impact of Domestic Abuse Act 2021 for those working with vulnerable adults:](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/part-3-impact-of-domestic-abuse-act-2021-for-those-working-with-vulnerable-adults/) - Stay up to date with the law series. This is part 3 of the 3-part law series on the Domestic Abuse Act. You can remind yourselves of part 1 https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/are-you-up-to-date-with-the-domestic-abuse-act-2021/ and part 2 https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/part-2-impact-of-domestic-abuse-act-2021-for-those-working-with-children-and-families/ by clicking the links. Prior to the implementation of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, vulnerable adults did and continue to have
- [Part 2: Impact of Domestic Abuse Act 2021 for those working with Children and Families:](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/part-2-impact-of-domestic-abuse-act-2021-for-those-working-with-children-and-families/) - This is part 2 of the 3-part law series on the Domestic Abuse Act. You can remind yourselves of part 1 by clicking here https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/are-you-up-to-date-with-the-domestic-abuse-act-2021/ as this is a follow up of part 1. This legal blog post is for those who specifically work with children and families. Local authorities in England have a range
- [Are you up to date with the Domestic Abuse Act 2021?](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/are-you-up-to-date-with-the-domestic-abuse-act-2021/) - The up to date Domestic Abuse Act 29th April 2021 made simple for social care professionals. The key themes of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021
- [Key Changes to Family Justice (England)](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/key-changes-to-family-justice-england/) - Key Changes to Family Justice is an invaluable resource for all those involved in the family justice process.
- [Remote Court Hearings During COVID 19 Pandemic- part 1](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/court-hearings-during-covid-19-pandemic/) - These are unprecedented times, there has been a need for all of us to adapt to the changing landscape we find ourselves in. This has been equally applicable to the Family Court and the Court of Protection, both changing to accommodate remote hearings relating to children and vulnerable adults. The Family Court The President of
- [Legal briefing on the long awaited guidance on Special Guardianships](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/legal-briefing-on-the-long-awaited-guidance-on-special-guardianships/) - Positive changes for those involved in undertaking Special Guardianship Orders (SGO) or connected kinship assessments. This legal briefing outlines the changes introduced by the Interim Guidance issued by the Family Justice Council and the interim report of the public working group. Interim Guidance on SGOs In May 2019, The Family Justice Council issued interim guidance
- [Judge criticises social worker for poor case records](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/judge-criticises-social-worker-for-poor-case-records/) - A recent case highlights the importance of social work case records, in which the Judge advised the local authority to undertake training in gathering, preserving and disclosing evidence. Don’t be left vulnerable to the consequences of poor evidence, read the tips provided by Kingsley Knight on the importance of contemporaneous notes. Robust evidence in court
- [Get ahead with the legal update on the Children and Social Work Act](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/get-ahead-with-the-legal-update-on-the-children-and-social-work-bill/) - Children and Social Work Act 2017 The government’s intention with this legislation was to overhaul social work. Read on to see what this means for frontline workers, vulnerable children and care leavers. There were mixed views as to whether this legislation once passed did result in the social work profession’s loss of independence or whether
- [Impact of GDPR on social care- are you prepared?](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/impact-of-gdpr-on-social-care-are-you-prepared-2/) - What is General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) You will no doubt be aware of the changes to data protection laws, known as GDPR, from the endless stream of emails asking for your consent to opt in. GDPR will come into effect on 25 May 2018. It introduces new laws on holding and processing data. It
- [SGOs: free training to secure better outcomes in court](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/sgos-free-training-to-secure-better-outcomes-in-court/) - SGO: free training to secure better outcomes in court.
- [Free court skills training for time-poor social workers](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/free-court-skills-training-for-time-poor-social-workers/) - Free court skills for time-poor social workers
- [The Care Act 2014 and impact on local authorities –  Legal update briefing](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/the-care-act-2014-and-impact-on-local-authorities-legal-update-briefing/) - Read our legal briefing on The Care Act 2014 and its impact on local authorities.
- [Challenges for Local Authorities following the impact of Re B (A child) and Re B - S (Children) to public children and adoption cases.](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/challenges-for-local-authorities-following-the-impact-of-re-b-a-child-and-re-b-s-children-to-public-children-and-adoption-cases/) - Challenges for Local Authorities following the impact of Re B (A child) and Re B - S (Children) to public children and adoption cases.
- [Strategic Briefing: Independent Reviewing Officers](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/strategic-briefing-independent-reviewing-officers/) - Our director, Shefali Shah, recently contributed to Research In Practice's latest Strategic Briefing: Independent Reviewing Officers.
- [Update on Special Guardianship Orders – Strengthening the assessment process](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/update-on-special-guardianship-orders-strengthening-the-assessment-process/) - A special guardianship order gives parental responsibility for a child to a special guardian.

## Pages

- [Home](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/) - Our mission is to empower those working with children and vulnerable adults with clear understandable legal knowledge. Practical Legal Training
- [Legal Training for Local Authority Designated Officers](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/training/legal-training-for-local-authority-designated-officers/) - Legal Training for Local Authority Designated Officers (LADOs) and understand the role of the LADOs. Dates: Please contact us for details Venue: Virtual online via Teams Time: 10am- 4pm Cost: – see below Aims To understand the role of the Local Authority Designated Officer To provide an overview of the legal framework impacting on the role of Local
- [Contact Us](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/contact-kingsley-knight/) - Contact us for a no obligation talk about your training needs or any other enquiry. You can call us on 020 8931 3441, email or use our contact form.
- [Coroners Court Awareness Training](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/training/coroners-court-awareness-training/) - Coroners Court Awareness Training The ethos of the Coroner’s Court process is to put the family at the heart of the process; despite this, the Coroner Court process can feel very unfair and difficult at times for family members. Limited availability of funding for legal representation can result in what may feel like an inequality
- [Strengthening Special Guardianship Orders in Court](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/training/strengthening-special-guardianship-assessments-in-court/) - Strengthening Special Guardianship Orders in Court The use of Special Guardianship Orders (SGOs) has grown rapidly. The challenge is for social workers undertake robust evidence based and analytical assessments within the PLO’s statutory timescales. This training provides insights on how to deal with the challenges involved with SGOs. Dates: Next virtual session: 15 May 2025
- [Applying the law in practice](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/training/applying-the-law-in-practice-children-public-law-proceedings/) - Applying the Law in Practice – Children's Public Law Proceedings One-day programme The overall aim is to provide participants with an understanding of the application of the law for children where the local authority is involved Dates: Please contact us for details Venue: Virtual online via Teams Time: 10am- 4pm Cost: – see below Aims and Objectives: To
- [Law on Deprivation of Liberty of Children](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/training/law-on-deprivation-of-liberty-of-children/) - Law on Deprivation of Liberty of Children “The fact that my living arrangements are comfortable, and indeed make my life as enjoyable as it could possibly be, should make no difference. A gilded cage is still a cage.” Lady Hale - P (by his litigation friend the Official Solicitor) v Cheshire West and Chester Council
- [Applying the Mental Capacity Act 2005 in practice](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/training/applying-the-mental-capacity-act/) - Applying the Mental Capacity Act 2005 in practice One-day programme The training will be delivered in line with the Knowledge and Skills Statement for Social Workers in England. Dates: Please contact us for details Venue: Virtual online via Teams Time: 10am- 4pm Cost: – see below Aims: To improve and refresh knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act 2005
- [Applying the law- Children Private Law Proceedings](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/training/applying-the-law-children-public-law-proceedings/) - Applying the law- Children Private Law Proceedings S.7 & S.37 reports One day training programme The overall aim is to provide participants with the understanding of private law proceedings and the social worker’s role Dates: Please contact us for details Venue: Virtual online via Teams Time: 10am- 4pm Cost: – see below Aims and objectives: Main principles of
- [Court Room Skills - How to survive the witness box](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/training/how-to-survive-the-witness-box/) - Does the mere thought of going to court make you nervous or fearful? Improve your court skills & increase your confidence in providing robust evidence in court.
- [Writing Robust Court Reports and Statements](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/training/writing-robust-court-reports-and-statements/) - Writing Robust Court Reports and Statements An increase in court proceedings means there is a greater risk of social care professionals, whether from adults or children’s services, being required to provide evidence in court proceedings This training will assist in developing skills in writing robust court reports and or statements and be a more confident
- [The Public Law Outline (PLO)](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/training/the-public-law-outline-plo/) - The Public Law Outline (PLO) In practice and how to meet the statutory timescales The President of the Family Division has expressed a need for a “radical reset”, that is, a change of culture to reduce delay and for proceedings to only be issued after all pre-proceedings steps have been explored. Understand what this means
- [Secure Accommodation and Discharge of Care Orders](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/training/secure-accommodation-and-discharge-of-care-orders/) - Secure Accommodation and Discharge of Care Orders Dates: Please contact us for details Venue: Virtual online via Teams Time: 10am- 4pm Cost: – see below Aims and objectives: To provide an overview of the law on Secure Accommodation and Discharge of Care Orders To provide an overview of the legal processes and the evidence required to support applications
- [Mock Court Room Advance Court Skills](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/training/advance-court-skills-level-2/) - Mock Court Advance Court Skills Level 2 Training How to survive the witness box and be an impressive witness Date: Please contact us for details Venue: Virtual or face to face Cost – see below Does the mere thought of going to court make you fearful, worried, or perhaps even a little stressful? Then you would benefit from
- [Booking form](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/booking-form/) - Booking Form: Please complete the form Course Title Virtual training - Legal Training - SGOs Course Date: 12.03.25 Via Teams 10am-4pm Name and job title of each participant Email address of each participant 1. 1. 2. 2. 3. 3. 4. 4. Cost per participant - £150 plus VAT - Total inc. VAT = £180, 5
- [Training](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/training/) - Training Our training will empower, educate and enhance your legal skills The law is constantly changing, so unleash the full potential of your teams, as ignorance of the law is no defence, but up-to-date training is your armour. We provide innovative training solutions for social workers, foster carers, adoption and fostering panel members, and multi-agency
- [Training Needs](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/training/training-needs/) - Training Needs Do you have any legal or social care training needs? With over 25 years experience in making legal and social care skills accessible, practical and applicable for practitioners in their day to day practice, let Kingsley Knight Training help empower, educate and enhance your team’s legal and social care skills. We can deliver
- [Working with Aggression and Resistance in Families](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/training/working-with-aggression-and-resistance-in-families/) - Our one day course focuses on equipping you and your staff with the principles of keeping safe while maintaining your duty of care to vulnerable adults & children
- [Opportunities](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/training-opportunities/) - We are always interested in hearing from experienced trainers, from the legal and social care / work industries all across the united kingdom.
- [Testimonials](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/legal-training-testimonials-feedback/) - See what some of our past participants have said about our training courses and our legal advice and consultancy services.
- [About Us](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/about-kingsley-knight/) - Kingsley Knight is a leader in providing specialist legal training. Our aim is to provide the most up to date training with the best outcome with minimal cost.
- [Latest News](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/kingsley-knight-news/) - Sign up for our news distribution list and get details of our legal training courses and services as soon as they become available.
- [The Child’s Legal Journey Through Care](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/the-childs-legal-journey-through-care/) - This comprehensive guide demystifies the law and illustrates the practical application of the law relating to children’s rights, children’s possible routes through care, the legal stages of the private and public law Children Act proceedings and the impact on the child’s legal journey. Written clearly and concisely, this guide sets out the legal process with
- [Privacy Policy](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/privacy-policy/) - Your privacy is important to us. It is Kingsley Knight's policy to respect your privacy regarding any information we may collect from you across our website, https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/, and other sites we own and operate. We only ask for personal information when we truly need it to provide a service to you. We collect it by
- [Impact of GDPR on social care- are you prepared?](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/impact-of-gdpr-on-social-care-are-you-prepared/) - What is General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) You will no doubt be aware of the GDPR from the endless stream of emails you will have received requesting your consent to opt in. In a matter of days the GDPR will come into effect on 25 May 2018. It introduces new laws on holding and processing
- [legal](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/legal/) - Title * First Name * Surname * Company Name * Email * I agree to the privacy policy
- [register](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/register/) - [register message="Thankyou for registration." notify="priyanka@raindropsinfotech.com" fields="last_name"]
- [Consultancy](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/legal-advice-consultancy/) - Our aim is to provide creative and constructive solutions in a professional and cost effective manner. We can advise on cases and provide training and suport.

## Categories

- [Uncategorised](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/category/uncategorised/)
- [Guest writer](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/category/guest-writer/)
- [Legal briefing](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/category/legal-briefing/)
- [Publications](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/category/publications/)
- [Training](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/category/training/)
- [Adults Legal Update](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/category/adults-legal-update/)
- [Children Legal Update](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/category/children-legal-update/)
- [Family Court](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/category/family-court/)
- [private law](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/category/private-law/)
- [Court report](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/category/court-report/)
- [Court of Protection](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/category/court-of-protection/)
- [Transparency](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/category/transparency/)
- [Adoption](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/category/adoption/)
- [Sir James Munby](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/category/family-court/sir-james-munby/)
- [Judge](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/category/judge/)

## Tags

- [Adoption](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/adoption/)
- [Book](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/book/)
- [Children](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/children/)
- [Children and Families Act](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/children-and-families-act/)
- [Family Court](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/family-court/)
- [Family Law](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/family-law/)
- [Legal briefing](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/legal-briefing/)
- [Local Authority](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/local-authority/)
- [Recordings](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/recordings/)
- [Regulations](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/regulations/)
- [social care](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/social-care/)
- [Social Workers](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/social-workers/)
- [Special Guardianship Orders](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/special-guardianship-orders/)
- [The Care Act](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/the-care-act/)
- [court pressures](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/court-pressures/)
- [court skills](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/court-skills/)
- [SGOs](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/sgos/)
- [SCR](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/scr/)
- [SGO assessments](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/sgo-assessments/)
- [GDPR](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/gdpr/)
- [Data Protection](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/data-protection/)
- [court reports](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/court-reports/)
- [SGO](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/sgo/)
- [Special Guardians](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/special-guardians/)
- [permanency](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/permanency/)
- [Orders](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/orders/)
- [Children Act 1989](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/children-act-1989/)
- [Remote hearings](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/remote-hearings/)
- [Court of Protection](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/court-of-protection/)
- [domestic abuse act 2021](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/domestic-abuse-act-2021/)
- [social care professionals](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/social-care-professionals/)
- [kingsley knight training](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/kingsley-knight-training/)
- [legal definition](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/legal-definition/)
- [court proceedings](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/court-proceedings/)
- [part 2](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/part-2/)
- [working with children and families](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/working-with-children-and-families/)
- [part 3](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/part-3/)
- [vulnerable adults](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/vulnerable-adults/)
- [protection](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/protection/)
- [victim](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/victim/)
- [legal](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/legal/)
- [youth justice](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/youth-justice/)
- [racial inequality](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/racial-inequality/)
- [law](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/law/)
- [legal training](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/legal-training/)
- [Legal update](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/legal-update/)
- [transparency](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/transparency/)
- [Vaccination](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/vaccination/)
- [parental objection](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/parental-objection/)
- [parental responsibility](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/parental-responsibility/)
- [care order](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/care-order/)
- [Backlogs](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/backlogs/)
- [police](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/police/)
- [child protection](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/child-protection/)
- [marriage](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/marriage/)
- [child marriage](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/child-marriage/)
- [forced marriage](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/forced-marriage/)
- [Deprivation of Liberty](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/deprivation-of-liberty/)
- [Liberty Protection Safeguards](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/liberty-protection-safeguards/)
- [Age Assessment](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/age-assessment/)
- [Home Office](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/home-office/)
- [Social Worker](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/social-worker/)
- [LGO](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/lgo/)
- [Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/local-government-and-social-care-ombudsman/)
- [PLO](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/plo/)
- [Public Law Outline](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/public-law-outline/)
- [President of the Family Division](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/president-of-the-family-division/)
- [Care Proceedings](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/care-proceedings/)
- [Court Timescales](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/court-timescales/)
- [complaint](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/complaint/)
- [children social care services](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/children-social-care-services/)
- [Complaints](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/complaints/)
- [Obudsmans](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/obudsmans/)
- [SGO support plans](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/sgo-support-plans/)
- [Coroners Court](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/coroners-court/)
- [Criminal Court](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/criminal-court/)
- [care plan](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/care-plan/)
- [social worker evidence](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/social-worker-evidence/)
- [childrens social worker](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/childrens-social-worker/)
- [Evidence](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/evidence/)
- [private law proceedings](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/private-law-proceedings/)
- [Child Arrangements Order](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/child-arrangements-order/)
- [Mental Capacity](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/mental-capacity/)
- [Mental Health](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/mental-health/)
- [National Review](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/national-review/)
- [Aggression/resistance](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/aggression-resistance/)
- [Cafcass](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/cafcass/)
- [private law](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/private-law/)
- [S.7 Welfare Report](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/s-7-welfare-report/)
- [Committal proceedings](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/committal-proceedings/)
- [Sir James Munby](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/sir-james-munby/)
- [Judge](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/judge/)
- [Child Focused Court](https://www.kingsleyknight.co.uk/tag/child-focused-court/)