July 24, 2026
Lord Laming: A Life That Changed How Britain Protects Children
Lord Laming transformed the way Britain protects its most vulnerable children.
The death of Lord Laming at the age of 89 marks the passing of one of the most influential figures in modern public service. His work following the tragic murder of Victoria Climbié fundamentally reshaped child protection in the United Kingdom, leaving a legacy that continues to save lives every day.
Like so many who worked in and around government during that period, I remember the profound impact of reading the Victoria Climbié Inquiry. It was a harrowing account of systemic failure. Lord Laming’s report did not simply identify where individual organisations had fallen short; it exposed the consequences of fragmented services, poor communication and a lack of accountability across government. His 108 recommendations provided a blueprint for a fundamentally different approach to safeguarding children.
I remain immensely proud that I had the opportunity to play a small part in implementing some of those recommendations across Whitehall. It was one of the most professionally rewarding periods of my career.
The work was challenging, complex and, at times, deeply emotional. It required departments that had traditionally operated independently to work together with a shared purpose. The focus was no longer on organisational boundaries or institutional responsibilities; it was on ensuring that vulnerable children never again fell through the gaps because agencies failed to communicate.
Lord Laming understood something that remains just as relevant today as it was over two decades ago: effective safeguarding is not simply about legislation or structures. It is about culture. It is about leadership. Above all, it is about recognising that every professional, regardless of their organisation, has a shared responsibility to protect those who cannot protect themselves.
A legacy measured not only in policy, but in countless lives made safer through stronger collaboration and accountability.
Many of the reforms that followed his inquiry transformed the way public services worked together. Greater information sharing, stronger inter-agency collaboration, clearer accountability and a more child-centred approach became embedded across local and national government. While no system can ever eliminate every tragedy, there is no doubt that countless children have benefited because those reforms were implemented.
As someone who has spent much of my career working across the charity sector, public policy and public service, I have often reflected on the lessons Lord Laming taught us. The voluntary sector, local government, the NHS, education, policing and central government all have distinct roles, but they achieve the greatest impact when they work together rather than in isolation.
That lesson extends far beyond child protection. Whether we are addressing mental health, homelessness, poverty or social exclusion, lasting solutions depend upon genuine collaboration and a willingness to place people above institutions.
Lord Laming leaves behind far more than an inquiry report. He leaves a philosophy of public service grounded in compassion, accountability and relentless determination to improve systems for those most in need.
His work reminds us that meaningful change often emerges from the darkest moments. The greatest tribute we can pay to Lord Laming is not simply to remember his recommendations, but to continue living by the principles that inspired them: collaboration, vigilance, humility and an unwavering commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of our society.
Thank you, Lord Laming. Your legacy will endure for generations.
Contact Us
For an informal and confidential discussion, please contact our Founder & CEO, Philip Nelson, via email at philip.nelson@thehiringdept.com.
Philip has over twenty years of experience in executive search and currently serves as a Trustee of Coram Beanstalk and as the Policy Development Lead for Heritage & Tourism at The Green Party.
