"The man who changed child protection forever": tribute to Lord Laming
Lord Laming: 19 July 1936 – 15 July 2026 | Image courtesy of UK Parliament
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Crossbench peer and former social worker, Herbert Laming was respected for his independence and integrity. One of the most influential figures in the history of UK child protection, his work has safeguarded the well-being of countless children. Words by Baroness Pitkeathley
The death of Lord Herbert Laming marks the passing of one of the most influential figures in the history of child protection in Britain. Over a career spanning more than half a century, he transformed the way public services safeguard vulnerable children, leaving a legacy that continues to shape social work, healthcare, policing and education across the United Kingdom.
Trained as a social worker, Laming rose through local government to become director of social services in Hertfordshire and it was in 1988 that we first met when we were both asked to serve as advisers to Sir Roy Griffiths in his review of Community Care. Herbert went on to serve as chief inspector of the Social Services Inspectorate and was knighted in 1996. When he became a crossbench peer in 1998, I was honoured to be one of his supporters during his introduction ceremony. He was a much-respected convener of the Crossbench Peers from 2011 to 2015 and also served as chairman of committees for a year. Yet it was not through these distinguished appointments that he will be most widely remembered. His lasting contribution came from his unwavering determination to ensure that no child should suffer because public agencies failed to work together.
Despite repeated contact with hospitals, social workers, police and housing services, eight year-old Victoria Climbié endured months of horrific abuse before she died in 2000. Public confidence in child protection was shaken to its core.
Appointed to chair the public inquiry, Lord Laming produced a report in 2003 that remains one of the defining documents in modern public administration. Rather than attributing blame to a single individual or agency, he exposed systemic failures across the child protection system. His 108 recommendations called for clearer accountability, stronger professional leadership, better training and, above all, effective communication between organisations responsible for children's welfare.
The inquiry fundamentally altered safeguarding in England. It informed the Every Child Matters programme, influenced the Children Act 2004 and led to the establishment of local safeguarding children boards. Concepts that are now taken for granted – multi-agency safeguarding, shared responsibility and coordinated intervention – owe much to Lord Laming's work and many professionals working in safeguarding today have never known a system untouched by his influence.
His lasting contribution came from his unwavering determination to ensure that no child should suffer because public agencies failed to work together
Following the tragic death of Peter Connelly, known publicly as “Baby P”, in 2007, Herbert was asked to review progress since his earlier inquiry. His conclusions were measured but uncompromising. While acknowledging improvements, he warned that reform could never become complacency. Effective safeguarding depended not simply on structures, he argued, but on skilled professionals, confident leadership and a culture in which children's voices were heard.
Lord Laming understood that child protection required constant vigilance, adequate resources and collaboration between professions which are often working under immense pressure. His reports combined forensic analysis with a deep understanding of frontline practice, reflecting both his experience as a practitioner and his belief in public service.
As a crossbench member of the House of Lords, he continued to advocate for vulnerable children and adults, contributing thoughtfully to debates on social care, inspection and public accountability. He earned respect across political divides for his independence, integrity and refusal to allow ideology to overshadow evidence.
Lord Laming's legacy cannot be measured solely in reports, legislation or institutional change. It lies in a profound shift in culture: the conviction that children must be seen, heard and protected through collective responsibility rather than fragmented services. His work reminded governments and professionals alike that safeguarding is not an administrative exercise but a moral obligation.
He and his dear wife Aileen celebrated their golden wedding with an event in the House of Lords but sadly she developed early onset dementia and he combined his work in the Lords with caring for her devotedly until her death in 2010.
Safeguarding systems are still far from perfect but it is undeniable that countless children’s lives and well-being have been saved by Lord Laming’s work and this will be his lasting memorial.
Baroness Pitkeathley is a Labour peer
