Rebecca Ryland

I am a passionate and dedicated social work professional with 16 years of experience as a qualified social worker, including over 12 years at Cafcass. Throughout my career, I have consistently worked with energy, creativity, and compassion to ensure children remain at the heart of everything we do. I have held a variety of roles at Cafcass—from Family Court Adviser to Senior Service Manager—and have genuinely enjoyed each one, learning and growing through every opportunity. My work has always been driven by a deep commitment to improving the lives of children and families. I strive to ensure that children are not only safeguarded through robust assessments of harm and risk, but also meaningfully engaged in their proceedings—understanding what decisions are being made and why. This child-centred approach is at the core of my practice. I now feel ready to take the next step into the Head of Practice role, which I see as a natural progression from my current responsibilities. The role offers the opportunity to to build on my leadership across practice, people, and partnership, areas I’ve explored in further through the six questions in my internal application. I am excited to support the organisation in achieving its strategic plan, driving practice improvement, celebrating successes, and influencing outcomes at a broader strategic level. I’ve built my career at Cafcass because I am committed to improving the experience of children in the family courts. I care deeply about making sure children are protected through robust assessments of harm and risk, and equally about helping them understand what’s happening and why. I’m ready to take on the Head of Practice role because I want to keep making a difference and for this to increase to the wider service. I’ll bring passion, creativity, and a strong sense of responsibility to the role, helping to drive practice forward while celebrating the brilliant work already happening.

• Student Social Worker, Home Treatment Mental Health Team, 10/01/08, 05/01/09, Supported individuals with severe mental health needs in their homes. Participated in assessments, care planning, and safeguarding. Liaised with multidisciplinary teams and monitored mental wellbeing.
• Student Social Worker, St. Basil’s Milner Court, 04/01/08, 08/01/08, Worked with homeless young men aged 16–25. Assessed needs, supported benefit claims, and facilitated access to permanent accommodation. Liaised with housing trusts and supported social reintegration.