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Stage 2 • Regulation 44 • IRO

Stage 2 Complaints and Regulation 44 Services

Independent statutory services for organisations that require impartial investigation, oversight and reporting—delivered with professionalism, clear scope, and a structured evidence base.

Stage 2 complaints investigations

Independent investigation and reporting, with scope and timescales agreed at the outset.

Regulation 44 visits

Independent children’s home visits with clear findings and practical recommendations.

Contact supervision

Trauma-aware supervision delivered professionally and in line with safeguarding expectations.

IRO & meeting attendance

Independent oversight roles and attendance/support at key meetings (where commissioned).

Practice approach

All services are delivered using trauma-aware, trauma-informed and trauma-regulated practice, aligned with relevant TRB standards and professional social work expectations.

Stage 2 statutory complaints investigations

Stage 2 statutory complaints processes require investigations and reports to be undertaken independently. Hawkins Social Work Consultancy can provide an independent Stage 2 investigation service that is independent from all Local Authorities, delivering impartial reports based on the outcome of our investigations.

Independent Stage 2 investigation (Independent Officer and Independent Person requirements supported).
Impartial findings based on evidence gathered during the investigation.
A clear, structured written report at the conclusion of the investigation.
Timescales agreed at the outset (subject to severity and complexity).
Timescales and scope

We agree scope and expected timescales at the outset. Completion timelines depend on severity and complexity, and we maintain a clear record of evidence considered and how conclusions were reached.

Regulation 44 independent children’s home visitor service

Regulation 44 of the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 requires the provision of independent children’s home visits to help safeguard and promote the welfare of children, and to support high standards of care. We can provide independent visiting and reporting whether you operate one home or multiple homes, and whether provision is private or statutory.

What a visit can include
Safeguarding and child protection practice within the home.
Speaking with children and staff (as appropriate) to understand lived experience and practice.
Consideration of children’s health, wellbeing and education needs.
Staff competencies, supervision and training requirements.
Observation of day-to-day running of the home.
Review of relevant policies and procedures.
A comprehensive written report with practical, actionable recommendations.
Experience brought to your service

With extensive experience in child protection, private and public residential childcare, and private and statutory children’s social work practice, we bring practical knowledge of complex needs and day-to-day operational realities.

Output and reporting

A comprehensive written report is delivered following completion, highlighting strengths, risks, and clear recommendations that are practical and actionable.

Statutory visits & family time / contact supervision

We can provide contact supervision and related support where this is commissioned and agreed, delivered with a trauma-aware, trauma-informed and trauma-regulated approach.

Parent and child contact supervision
Family time / contact supervision
Trauma-aware, trauma-informed and trauma-regulated (TRB-aligned) practice throughout
Usually delivered in community settings (centres or in the community), with specific arrangements possible by prior agreement
IRO services, meeting attendance and conferences

Where commissioned, we can provide independent support and attendance at key meetings and conferences, and related oversight roles, ensuring clarity, professionalism and a clear record of what has been discussed and agreed.

Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) services (where commissioned)
Attendance at meetings and conferences (by agreement)
Support to ensure processes, language, and expectations are clearly understood
Clear scope and expectations

We confirm what is required, what information is needed, and how reporting will be provided—so deliverables, boundaries and timescales are understood from the outset.

Request a consultation

If you need independent Stage 2 investigations, Regulation 44 visits, contact supervision, or meeting attendance—please get in touch to discuss scope, timescales and requirements.