Many of you will know us by our previous name JMS Training Solutions Ltd, however, we have had a shiny new makeover, re-branding as Immigration Social Work Services Ltd (ISWS) as we feel this incorporates much more of what we do.
ISWS are a market leading provider of specialist training and consultancy services for professionals working with unaccompanied asylum-seeking children. ISWS are also proud to undertake first-class independent age assessments of separated migrant children.
Our mission is to upskill teams in this field, to provide outstanding age assessment reports and deliver highly informed consultancy services whilst ensuring that the best interests of children remain at the heart of our ethos.
Our agency of qualified best in class professionals, work with Local Authorities, Regional Governments, solicitors and law firms, non-government organisations, charities and independent practitioners across the UK and Europe.
I launched ISWS Ltd just over a year ago, to fulfil an ambition of mine that originated as a concept during my first social work role as an unqualified family support practitioner back in 2006. At this time I had no formal qualifications but I knew that my career would culminate in supporting children. I graduated from the University of Suffolk in 2012 with my degree in social work, as an NQSW I joined Suffolk County Council’s early intervention team. I soon progressed into working UASC (unaccompanied asylum seeking children) cases and became the social work lead for trafficking and exploitation. I relished being the central contact point for social workers to discuss their cases, air the challenges and their frustrations with the asylum process and ultimately to share in their successful outcomes.
My next career move as a regional coordinator for the East of England LGA would bring me to launch ISWS. Here I provided strategic support and information to local authorities, driving good practice and the implementation of the Home Office National Transfer Scheme across the East of England. Over 4 years, I made a valuable contribution to the raising of standards and implemented improvements by drafting policy, assessing funding reviews and briefing Central Government on the future of the National Transfer Scheme. Despite my best efforts, I felt constrained by the bureaucracy and I knew that I could accelerate improvements in the system using techniques, skills and technology already widespread in the private sector.
To realise this opportunity, and to support social workers and those in public service by protecting asylum seeking children, I founded and launched ISWS Ltd In January 2020 and was promptly faced with a country in national lockdown. Despite this global pandemic, I managed to pivot my business, providing training online, using virtual classrooms and presentations that allow a more comprehensive learning experience for the participants.
Providing high quality training for social workers in this field is a priority for ISWS, however, we also offer a consultancy service specialising in advising and supporting organisations to ensure they are meeting their statutory responsibilities and employing best practice standards. Our capabilities also include the undertaking of independent age assessments across the UK, assembling a highly skilled social workforce who produce best in class Merton compliant reports. We are well regarded in the courts and chambers and are consistently receiving outstanding feedback. If your Local Authority requires support in managing your assessment caseload, please do get in touch and we will gladly help you out.
It has taken 12 months to establish the business in the immigration social work sector, identifying, defining and creating a brand that I am proud to reveal and share with you today. I am so delighted to launch our new website and celebrate our brand identity with you.
Thank you to everyone who has supported me so far. Welcome to ISWS Ltd and I can’t wait to work with you.
Jo
