Social Work England v Susan Okpani Evans

Social Work England v Susan Okpani Evans

The extension of the Interim Conditions of Practice Order is justified due to the seriousness of the allegations, ongoing risk to the public, and delays caused by the Family Court in providing essential material. The prejudice to the defendant is outweighed by the need for public protection. Restrictions on access to court documents are proportionate and necessary to protect privacy and prevent identification of unrelated children and families.

Parties
Claimant: Social Work England; Defendant: Susan Okpani Evans
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
30 January 2025
Procedural Posture
Application to Extend Interim Conditions of Practice Order / Judgment on Extension Application
Outcome
application granted
Legal Topics
Interim Conditions of Practice Order, Extension of Interim Order, Regulatory Proceedings, Public Protection, Open Justice, Privacy in Court Documents
Administrative Law Professional Regulation Interim Conditions of Practice Order Extension of Interim Order Regulatory Proceedings Public Protection Open Justice Privacy in Court Documents

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Parties

Social Work England

Claimant

Susan Okpani Evans

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Application to Extend Interim Conditions of Practice Order / Judgment on Extension Application

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether to extend the Interim Conditions of Practice Order imposed on the defendant
  2. 2 Whether the criteria for extension under the Social Workers Regulations 2018 and relevant case law are met
  3. 3 Whether restrictions on access to court documents are justified

Ratio Decidendi

The extension of the Interim Conditions of Practice Order is justified due to the seriousness of the allegations, ongoing risk to the public, and delays caused by the Family Court in providing essential material. The prejudice to the defendant is outweighed by the need for public protection. Restrictions on access to court documents are proportionate and necessary to protect privacy and prevent identification of unrelated children and families.

Court Disposition

application granted

Orders

  • Interim Conditions of Practice Order extended to 3 September 2025
  • ICPO to be reviewed by Claimant’s Adjudicators in accordance with Schedule 2, Part 4, Paragraph 14(1) of the Regulations