Ceri-Siân Williams

Ceri-Siân is a Principal Associate in our local government department, based in Birmingham.

Ceri-Siân specialises in representing local authorities in respect of the many issues that arise following allegations of abuse or professional negligence by social workers and others. This includes providing advice regarding police investigations, dealing with the media, and subsequent claims handling.

Ceri-Siân predominantly acts for local authorities in a range of claims relating to non-recent matters including failure to remove; abuse by foster canrers, and allegations of sexual, physical and emotional abuse by local authority employees including social workers, teachers, and others; as well as claims often involving alleged breaches of human rights. Ceri-Siân's experience includes sensitive and high value claims and group actions. She has signficant trial experience.

Experience and noteable cases:

Armes -v- Nottinghamshire County Council: The claimant brought a claim against the council for alleged abuse by local authority foster parents, with whom she was placed. At trial, and although it was accepted that she had been abused, the Judge concluded that the local authority was not vicariously liable for the foster carers wrongful conduct and neither did it owe her a non-delegable duty. The Court of Appeal confirmed this position. However, the Supreme Court reversed that decision and concluded that the local authority was vicariously liable for abuse committed by its foster carers.