Investigations Officers

Meet the investigation team
Ian Wadey

Before joining the team, Ian served 30 years with Kent Police, retiring in 2024 as a Detective Chief Inspector. During his career, he was the Senior Investigating Officer for numerous serious and complex crimes. He specialised in safeguarding vulnerable adults and children and was the strategic lead for Child Protection, Domestic Violence, and Stalking.

While working within the Public Protection Department, Ian was the Senior Officer responsible for the Kent Central Referral Unit and the Medway Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub. He has extensive experience in multi-agency work and has contributed to a large number of Serious Case Reviews.

Anne-Marie McAteer

Anne-Marie has recently retired after 30 years working in the police, predominantly as a detective and safeguarding specialist.  She has largely worked in the field of investigation within Child Abuse, Domestic Abuse, Sexual Abuse and Vulnerable Adults.  With years of investigations and multi-agency working, she has also has extensive criminal/family court experience.  Anne-Marie has received judge’s commendations and holds a master’s degree in advanced child protection.

Anne-Marie holds a QA level three award in Education and Training and, for the last three years oh her policing career taught police officers in the areas of criminal investigations, safeguarding and interviewing.

Penelope Croucher: Lead HR Partner

‘I would highly recommend Madeline as an independent investigations officer. She is truly professional with safeguarding at the centre of everything she does.’

Dawn Jukes: Chair of Governors

‘I have had the pleasure of working with Madeline where she provided me with excellent support and professional advice. She inspires confidence and is able to deliver to an exceptionally high and thorough standard.

Madeline is a highly professional individual with an in-depth knowledge of safeguarding, and investigation procedures in an educational setting, having practical experience as a head teacher enables her to understand how to make a positive impact, and ensure that safeguarding is at the centre.

I would not hesitate to contact her should I need any further advice.’

Karin Ferngren: Executive Assistant to a CEO

‘I would highly recommend Madeline for safeguarding training and any investigation work. She is extremely professional with a wealth of knowledge of schools and safeguarding.’

Jason Bratt – Threesixty HR Ltd

‘I have used About Safeguarding for the past two years to carry out independent investigations, including disciplinary and grievance matters. The quality of the investigations and the resulting reports, along with the professionalism of all officers representing the organisation, has consistently been of the highest standard. I will continue to utilise their services in the future and have no hesitation in recommending them.’

Contact us

If you are you looking for an experienced and independent investigations officer to assist with investigations in your school, then look no further.

As independent investigations officers with expertise in conducting impartial and efficient investigations into a range of issues including misconduct, safeguarding, grievance, and compliance, we are here to help.

With a focus on accountability and confidentiality,  we will work closely with you and your school to ensure that investigations are conducted in accordance with best practice and relevant legal requirements.

Contact us today, via the contact form to your left, to discuss how we can support your school and promote a safe and positive environment for your students and staff.

About…Safeguarding is part of the About…Consulting group.