Andy Bilson

Andy is Emeritus Professor at the University of Central Lancashire where he is associate director of The Centre for Children and Young People’s Participation. He continues to work as a researcher and consultant promoting children’s rights and reform of child protection systems. He is committed to developing systems that support families and reduce institutionalisation and unnecessary removal of children from their families. His research includes longitudinal studies of child protection in England and Australia.  He is also a member of the board of Hope and Homes for Children.

Andy is a qualified social worker and has worked as a social worker and manager in many posts in the UK including Assistant Director in Fife Social Work Department and Assistant Director of Action for Children in Wales. From 1997 to 2001 he was Director of the Council of Europe’s and UNICEF’s Observatory on European children’s rights. He was Professor of Social Work at the University of Central Lancashire for over 10 years carrying out research, advocacy and consultancy in social work in the UK and many other countries.