Fiona Scolding KC is one of the UK’s leading barristers in public law, safeguarding, and human rights, with a distinguished career spanning nearly three decades. Called to the Bar in 1996 and appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2017, Fiona has built an exceptional reputation for her expertise in safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, education law, healthcare governance, and equality legislation.
Fiona’s work has consistently focused on improving standards of protection and accountability within institutions. She has acted as Lead Counsel to multiple strands of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA), including investigations into the Church of England and Church in Wales, residential schools, and religious organisations. Her leadership in these inquiries resulted in landmark reports that exposed systemic failures and drove cultural and structural reforms to protect children from harm.
In addition to IICSA, Fiona has played a pivotal role in other high-profile inquiries and reviews. Most recently, she has been involved in the Thirlwall Inquiry into the Lucy Letby case, representing the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health. Her work included acknowledging institutional shortcomings and advocating for stronger safeguarding measures across healthcare settings to prevent future tragedies.
Beyond inquiries, Fiona has conducted independent reviews into safeguarding failures within faith-based organisations, including the Soul Survivor and New Wine investigations, where she examined governance, culture, and safeguarding practices to ensure lessons were learned and survivors’ voices were heard.
Recognised as a Band 1 barrister in Education Law and highly ranked for her work in public inquiries and civil liberties, Fiona brings unparalleled knowledge of safeguarding frameworks and policy development. Her commitment to raising standards globally aligns perfectly with Bramah Safeguarding CIC’s mission to protect children through robust governance, independent oversight, and cultural change.