Glenn Inquiry ‘Think Tank’ looks to Hudds prof
Thu, 10 Jan 2013 14:49:00 GMT
Professor’s expertise will aid New Zealand ‘People’s Inquiry’ into child abuse
THE University of Huddersfield’s Professor Nigel Parton (pictured right) – one of the world’s most widely read and respected experts on child protection – has added to his portfolio of global research appointments with an invitation to join a £41 million project to fight child abuse in New Zealand.
And its findings could have worldwide implications, according to Professor Parton – one of a 13-strong team of international experts on child abuse and domestic violence who will form a think-tank that is a central part of a ‘People’s Inquiry’ into the twin subjects that is funded to the tune of 80 million New Zealand dollars by Sir Owen Glenn, a billionaire philanthropist (pictured below).
His goal is to make a massive impact on the level of child abuse in New Zealand by drawing up a major report on the subject and accompanying it with a 500,000 signature petition urging politicians to back its findings. Sir Owen also aims to submit his report to the United Nations.
The Glenn Inquiry’s think tank includes 13 international experts who will offer advice to the panel, which aims to draw up its report by 2014. Professor Parton was invited to join and is one of two UK representatives – the other is top Scottish policeman John Carnochan, who founded an innovative Violence Reduction Unit.
Other international experts aiding the Glenn Inquiry are from Australia, the USA, Canada, South Africa and Uganda.
Professor Parton said: “I am delighted and honoured to be invited to assist the Inquiry in whatever way I can. It is unique and potentially a very significant development, with implications for policy and practice well beyond New Zealand.”
In the early stages, the discussions will be via email and skype, with formal meetings arranged later on when New Zealand-based members are appointed to the Inquiry’s panel of experts.
Most cited in the field of social work
Professor Parton is based at the University of Huddersfield’s Centre for Applied Childhood Studies and has participated in many national and international projects. For example, with his colleague Dr Sue Peckover, he has embarked on a four-year programme that aims to gain a better understanding of how different countries understand and interpret the best interests of children. For this he joins academic researchers from Norway, Finland and the USA.
Articles written by Professor Parton are regularly among the most cited in the field of social work. For example, the December 2012 issue of the globally-respected British Journal of Social Work (BJSW) includes four of his articles in its archival top 12. And Professor Parton’s article on child protection in England – first published in 2010 – was the most-read article from the BJSW’s archive during November 2012.
