Gareth is a qualified and experienced social worker with a BSc (Hons.) degree in Social Work. Currently, he serves as the Trust Lead for Child Sexual Exploitation. Gareth is passionate about delivering high-quality, effective, and evidence-based services to ensure the welfare and protection of children and families.

His professional work throughout the region has been marked by a commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable children and families through assessments and evidence-based interventions. As the Trust Lead for Child Sexual Exploitation, Gareth has passionately led initiatives focused on managing and addressing cases of child sexual exploitation.

With extensive experience in family and childcare social work, Gareth excels in direct work with parents and children, conducting comprehensive risk assessments that are pivotal in identifying potential threats to child safety and well-being. His specialised training in various assessment frameworks enhances his ability to formulate effective risk management strategies, ensuring that protective measures are aligned with the unique needs of each family.

Having worked with families experiencing both adult and children’s disabilities, Gareth’s extensive knowledge of the Family and Childcare Directorate provides him with insight into the challenges families encounter daily. He has completed Trust-related assessment-based reports and court reports for both public and private law court orders.

In his previous role as a Family and Childcare Social Worker, Gareth conducted detailed assessments of risk and need, balancing the rights of children and their parents during care proceedings. His evidence-based approach implements interventions that foster growth and enhance family wellbeing. Furthermore, he has led and mentored social work staff, encouraging best practices and continuous improvement in service delivery.

Gareth is committed to human rights and the right to private family life, skilfully balancing children’s needs and parental rights throughout assessments. His professional skills encompass risk assessment and management, child protection and family advocacy, and the implementation of evidence-based intervention strategies. Additionally, he excels in staff training and development and interdisciplinary collaboration, all while conducting meticulous intensive parenting assessments.