This training is by invitation only
If you have not received an invitation to book from Helen Hancock or Karen Lowes, please contact them to enquire about making a booking: Helen.Hancock@localgoveasteng.gov.uk Karen.Lowes@localgoveasteng.gov.ukThe East of England Strategic Migration Partnership in collaboration with Immigration Social Work Services Ltd are pleased to offer SAEF Training: for Merton-Compliant Age Assessments.
The Social Work Age Estimation Framework (SAEF) is rapidly becoming the emerging national standard for Merton-compliant age assessment practice across the UK. Developed with frontline practitioners, legal experts and young people, SAEF provides a clear, ethical and defensible structure for completing high-quality age assessments in complex, fast-moving environments.
Our SAEF training equips practitioners, managers and multi-agency partners with the confidence, skills and analytical tools needed to complete robust, trauma-informed and legally sound age assessments. The course takes you step-by-step through the full age determination process – from initial decision-making and planning, through to interviewing, analysis and writing evidence-based conclusions that withstand scrutiny.
Designed for both new and experienced practitioners, SAEF training strengthens consistency, reduces organisational risk and supports lawful, child-centred decision-making across teams and services.
By the end of the course, you will:
- Deepen your understanding of what makes an age assessment Merton compliant and how SAEF supports this standard in practice
- Recognise the impact of age determination processes on children and young people, enabling you to apply a trauma-informed, culturally sensitive approach,
- Build confidence in using the full SAEF structure to plan, conduct and analyse an age assessment
- Apply a range of social work tools and reflective techniques to ensure your assessment remains child-centred, ethical and defensible
- Know how to access and use the most up-to-date case law, research and national guidance to strengthen your decision-making
- Understand the statutory roles and responsibilities of all agencies involved in age assessment and safeguarding
- Write clear, analytical, evidence-based assessments that demonstrate sound reasoning and withstand legal and organisational scrutiny
About the facilitator
About the facilitator
Jo Schofield is a qualified and registered social worker with an established career specialising in supporting Local Authorities and Central Government around the subject of separated migrant children, child trafficking and modern day slavery.
She has a proven track record in supporting and improving the social work practice of Local Authorities in Scotland, Wales and England, mapping services, critically analysing practice models and providing solutions to meet the needs of both the Local Authorities and the young people they are supporting.
Since January 2020 Jo has been practicing as an independent trainer and consultant, delivering training on age assessment, human rights assessment and triple planning to Local Authorities, Regional Government Administrations and independent social workers. She also takes regular instructions acting as an expert witness in litigation cases.
After you have booked your ticket
Your contact details will be shared with the facilitator for pre course work and to register for certification.
Attendees will receive the joining instructions and Microsoft Teams links by email in advance of the training.
For further information and any queries, please contact Helen Hancock, UASC Regional Coordinator, Strategic Migration Partnership, email: Helen.Hancock@localgoveasteng.gov.uk and Karen.Lowes@localgoveasteng.gov.uk
*** This training is provided for social workers employed by Local Authorities in the East of England region only. Bookings from individuals using a personal email address will be cancelled ***
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