In launching the SAEF pilot, the aim was to create a space where practitioners could explore the framework, test the tools and tell us (honestly!) what works, what needs refining and what will make the biggest difference for them as practitioners and the young people they assess.
We are now pleased to report that the early feedback is now in and we are so proud to say that it was overwhelmingly positive.
Below is a detailed summary of the feedback, both in numbers and in their own words, and how this learning is shaping the next phase of SAEF’s development.
Across all evaluations, practitioners rated the training exceptionally highly. Every participant gave the top score (5/5) for:
Practitioners repeatedly described the training space as one where they felt able to think, question and reflect without judgement, highlighting that the space mirrored the trauma‑informed approach we expect them to offer young people.
One participant wrote:
“Jo really valued our reflections, and it felt a very safe space for that.”
Another said:
“Each topic was introduced in a clear and structured way that was very easy to follow.”
This is what we believe SAEF does best, it encourages and promotes clarity, safety and strong reflective practice.
Across the pilot our tools and framework consistently stood out as “transformative”.
At number 1. The RAG tool and structured analysis template was the most praised element of the entire framework.
Practitioners described it as:
One practitioner captured the shift perfectly:
“The analysis section will move my practice away from cherry picking information to prove my point. I feel more empowered to be objective.”
Another noted that the RAG tool helped them recognise what is significant, what is less significant, and how to weight evidence without bias.
This is exactly what SAEF was designed to do, support balanced, defensible and transparent reasoning.
The resources were described as “non‑threatening”, “fun”, “empowering” and “a breakthrough”.
Practitioners valued that these tools:
One practitioner wrote:
“The confidence cards are a breakthrough… they support young people to feel more relaxed in what is likely a stressful position.”
Another highlighted the trauma‑informed structure of the “Minded To” stage:
“Giving the young person time alone with their AA and interpreter to think about the concerns… addresses any oppression that could be felt.”
One practitioner described the contextual lens as a “significant shift” in their practice:
“Being able to bring in contextual factors as possible reasons for observations is really important… it will feed into the analysis and concluding statements and help mitigate making unfounded statements.”
We think this was one of the most powerful shifts to come out of the pilot so far. Practitioners are thinking differently about behaviour, culture, trauma and context and how these shape the meaning of evidence.
Quantitative Highlights
Across the pilot, the quick metrics were remarkably consistent:
Practitioners were clear about the difference they believe SAEF will make.
For practice quality
For young people
For practitioners’ own decision‑making
One practitioner said:
“The training made me question previous decisions in light of new perspectives.”
That is reflective discipline in action.
This pilot focused on the training and the tools. The next phase focuses on implementation gathering qualitative data as practitioners begin using SAEF in real assessments.
We will be exploring:
We were so happy to receive the positive feedback, although not surprised. After over 7 years of teaching age assessment, we know what practitioners need and we think its SAEF. The framework, toolkit, resources and templates hold social workers hands through, what is often seen as a daunting piece of work. At a point where age assessment has become so politicised and influenced, we believe strongly that SAEF brings the whole process back in line with social work practice and values.
One of the most powerful statements we received on the training was “my team were trained by (another organisation). After that training, my social workers said they didn’t want to do the assessment, as it conflicted with their values. They felt it was oppressive and out of touch with social work. I know they are going to love this framework and, like me, will actually look forward to doing this assessment as it’s so much more in line with our values”.
If you’d like to be part of the next SAEF cohort:
Book an individual training place here: SAEF Training Tickets, Wed, Mar 4, 2026 at 9:30 AM | Eventbrite
If you’re a manager, service lead, or organisation interested in exploring SAEF for your team:
Book a call to discuss the framework here: ISWS | Contact us – ISWS
