<aside> 🎨 Hello! I'm Elizabeth Okinda, a forward-thinking lawyer with a deep commitment to empowering others, I am passionate about training and sharing knowledge to help social work professionals navigate the complexities of law and policy. My goal is to make legal frameworks accessible and practical, guiding teams to apply public law and human rights principles in real-world scenarios. I believe that by equipping social workers with clear insights into legal structures, we can foster a more informed, confident approach to safeguarding and advocacy—ultimately strengthening support for the most vulnerable in our communities. For insights and practical tips for navigating policy and law in social work, follow my page on instagram for regular updates and guidance on these essential topics. Link below
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I'm an experienced legal professional with over 10 years of expertise in public law, human rights, and safeguarding, advising local government bodies and driving public policy reforms. Highly skilled in interpreting UK, European, and international human rights frameworks, with extensive experience addressing novel and complex legal issues. Proven track record in leading legal teams, managing high-stakes litigation, and collaborating with diverse stakeholders.
With extensive experience in training social workers and paralegals, I specialize in delivering comprehensive training on key legislative areas, including the Children Act, Mental Health Act as it pertains to children, and assessments under the Working Together Agreement guidance. I’ve had the privilege of guiding teams of paralegals through the complexities of care proceedings and offering in-depth training to social workers on local authorities’ duties—particularly under Section 17 for families with no recourse to public funds. My aim is to provide clear, actionable insights that empower professionals to apply these laws effectively in their work, ultimately enhancing the quality of support for vulnerable individuals and families.
My training methodology is rooted in scenario-based simulations, allowing participants to engage with realistic case studies that reflect the complexities of their work. By simulating real-life situations, this approach enables social workers and legal professionals to apply legal principles directly, fostering deeper understanding and confidence in decision-making. Evidential support shows that scenario-based training significantly enhances retention and practical application, empowering participants to handle challenging cases with greater skill and sensitivity. This hands-on, interactive method has proven to be highly effective in equipping professionals with the tools needed to navigate legal and policy frameworks in social work.