Introduction to Liz Murphy – Independent Scrutineer

Liz is a qualified social worker experienced in safeguarding work and its leadership and during her 30-year career, Liz has worked in the field of child and adult safeguarding in both the public and third sectors as a Practitioner, Manager/Leader, and now as Independent Consultant. In all her work, Liz champions partnership working and seeks to develop a culture of shared ownership and accountability for safeguarding practice and outcomes.

Liz has worked with several safeguarding partnerships including in an Independent Scrutineer role and is therefore able to share learning and good practice between areas. Liz also undertakes Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews and sits as a Social Work England adjudicator. Both roles require her to have a detailed knowledge of safeguarding practice, including regulatory requirements, and enable her to stay connected to front line practice. Remaining connected to front line practice means Liz is well placed to evaluate/scrutinise practice/inter-agency working and engage with front line practitioners and managers.

Liz is delighted to be afforded the opportunity to support and challenge strategic and operational safeguarding activity in Surrey and recognises the responsibility of safeguarding leaders to champion inter-agency working and to learn and improve from practice.

Liz also recognises the importance of listening to front line staff/managers and families/carers and as part of her role, she will explore the arrangements to do so and arrange to meet with front line staff to hear their views and ideas.