Guardians appoint and instruct a Solicitor in public law proceedings. This is known as the “tandem” model of representation where the social work knowledge and expertise alongside the Solicitors legal knowledge are utilised to promote the child and young person’s rights and best interests. If a young person is assessed as being competent to instruct the Solicitor they are supported to do so. The Agency has a Panel of Solicitors all of whom are on the Law Society Children Order Panel.
The respective roles and responsibilities of the Guardian and Solicitor are contained in the Protocol for the Working Relationship between the Court Children’s Guardian and Panel Solicitors (April 2021-April 2026).