Emma Smale

Emma Smale is currently an Associate for Research In Practice and Senior Associate for the Innovation Unit. Emma’s work is focused on innovation and learning, and she has expertise in children’s social care, safeguarding and children in care. She was Head of Policy and Research for Action for Children where she led on child neglect, and was a national commentator on children in care and care leavers’ policy in her role as Co-Chair for the Alliance for Children in Care and Care Leavers. She was an expert witness for the Jersey Care Inquiry. Emma regularly advises government and has written extensively across a range of areas, including on transitional safeguarding and the effectiveness of public inquiries into the protection of children. Emma was recently Head of Research and Development at SCIE where she was responsible for research and practice improvement in children’s social care.