The Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector Podcast

Afleveringen

• 
  Recognising domestic abuse in young people 13.08.2026 7min

  When we talk about domestic abuse, how often do we picture an adult relationship? And how often do we stop to consider that the person experiencing coercion, control, sexual violence or physical violence might be 15, 16 or 17 years old? In this episode, I explore domestic abuse within teenage relationships. In this episode I discuss: The prevalence of violent and controlling behaviour within teenage relationships Whether our assumptions about what domestic abuse "looks like" influence what we recognise How narratives and language about teenage relationships can create barriers to recognising abuse The relationship between young people's online and offline experiences How technology can enable coercive and controlling behaviour to continue 24 hours a day Are you fired up to generate implementable learning in reviews? An important opportunity is about to arise and I don't'want you to miss it. Join me for the FREE online 5 day training 'How To Leverage Your Skills As A Blue Light Professional To Establish A Successful Career In Independent Reviews' taking place from 14th - 18th September 2026.  Inside the 5 day training you will learn: ⭐ how to find work that is flexible and meaningful post retirement or as your next career move ⭐ the essential skills and knowledge from your current role that are transferable to independent review work  ⭐ understanding the framework of independent reviews: what you need to know to get started ⭐ key strategies for building credibility and finding your first independent review opportunities ⭐ why SILP is the most engaging, proportionate method for independent reviews and so much more. All you need is an hour a day to get involved. You will receive a task to complete each day which will take 15 minutes max & an hour each evening online with me to learn more, to ask questions & receive feedback. Recordings will be available for any sessions you miss. It is an unprecedented opportunity to spend a whole 5 days with me as I support you on your journey to understanding this impactful career path. To join me click here.     About Donna: Donna has 16 years public sector experience, including her last role as Head of Law for a leading metropolitan authority. Now a safeguarding adviser & trainer, Donna is involved in safeguarding adults reviews, child safeguarding practice reviews and domestic abuse related death reviews. She is also a practicing SILP Reviewer and Mentor. Donna offers 'SILP School' her university accredited training course, Momentum her space for reviewers & a free online network for leaders in review practice.   Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-ohdedar-review-consulting-ltd/ Join my free Facebook group Blue Light Professionals here   Engagement + proportionality + strengths = SILP  
• 
  Deprivation of Liberty Part 2 06.08.2026 6min

  The legal landscape around deprivation of liberty has changed. In this episode, I continue the conversation about the recent UK Supreme Court judgment following the reference by the Attorney General for Northern Ireland. The decision marks a significant shift in how practitioners should determine whether someone is deprived of their liberty, moving away from the familiar Cheshire West "acid test" towards a broader, more holistic assessment of each individual's circumstances. In this episode I explore: Why the Supreme Court judgment represents a significant change in deprivation of liberty law. How the long-established Cheshire West acid test is no longer intended to be the primary determining factor. What a more holistic assessment looks like in practice, including consideration of the person's circumstances, wishes, feelings and acceptance of their care arrangements. Why professional judgement is becoming increasingly important alongside legal frameworks. What this means for safeguarding professionals and those involved in independent reviews. The importance of continuing to place the individual, their rights and their lived experience at the centre of decision-making. Are you ready to find out more about independent review work? You can download my free workshop 'How to Establish an Independent Review Practice which Aligns with the Next Steps in Your Career' to find out how you can begin your journey to Independent Review work. Download the workshop here.    About Donna: Donna has 16 years public sector experience, including her last role as Head of Law for a leading metropolitan authority. Now a safeguarding adviser & trainer, Donna is involved in all three types of independent reviews including children's and adults' safeguarding and domestic homicide. She is a SILP Reviewer and Mentor. Donna offers 'SILP School' her university accredited training course, Momentum her space for reviewers & a free online network for leaders in review practice.   Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-ohdedar-review-consulting-ltd/ Join my free Facebook group Blue Light Professionals here   Engagement + proportionality + strengths = SILP
• 
  Deprivation of Liberty Part 1 23.07.2026 7min

  The legal framework around deprivation of liberty has changed following the Supreme Court's AGNI judgment. But what does that actually mean for safeguarding professionals and independent reviewers? In this episode, I explore the Department of Health and Social Care's interim guidance, why this judgment matters beyond its legal implications, and why good safeguarding has always been about far more than simply meeting legal requirements.   In this episode I discuss: What the AGNI judgment changes.  Why safeguarding is about more than legal compliance.  The questions that matter most.  Why legal compliance does not always equal good practice.  Keeping learning at the centre ofindependent reviewing.    Are you interested in becoming an independent reviewer? Download my FREE workshop 'How to Establish an Independent Review Practice which Aligns with the Next Step in Your Career' here to find out more. About Donna: Donna has 16 years public sector experience, including her last role as Head of Law for a leading metropolitan authority. Now a safeguarding adviser & trainer, Donna is involved in all 3 types of reviews covering both children's and adults' safeguarding and domestic homicide and is a SILP Reviewer and Mentor. Donna offers 'SILP School' her university accredited training course, Momentum her space for reviewers & a free online network for leaders in review practice.   Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-ohdedar-review-consulting-ltd/ Join my free Facebook group Blue Light Professionals here Engagement + proportionality + strengths = SILP
• 
  Breaking Cycles Through Storytelling with Louisa Herridge 23.07.2026 21min

  In this episode I am joined by writing coach and publisher Louisa Herridge to explore why storytelling matters and how it link to creating meaningful change. Together we discuss the power of lived experience, finding your voice, and why the stories we choose to tell can influence individuals, organisations and even future generations.   In this episode we discuss: Why everyone has a story worth telling The difference between writing from pain versus writing from perspective.  Why your story isn't really about you How storytelling creates social change The legacy we leave for the next generation. Safeguarding reviews are built on stories that help others understand, learn and create change.  Are you interested in becoming an independent reviewer? Download my FREE workshop 'How to Establish an Independent Review Practice which Aligns with the Next Step in Your Career' here to find out more. About Louisa: Louisa Herridge is an award-winning, five-time best-selling author, TEDx speaker, and the founder of Louisa Herridge Publishing. Known as The Expert Writing Coach, she empowers business owners and creatives to harness the power of their story and expertise—guiding them to plan, write and publish books that build authority and drive meaningful impact. Website: www.louisaherridge.co.uk Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LouisaHerridgewriting?ref=1 About Donna: Donna has 16 years public sector experience, including her last role as Head of Law for a leading metropolitan authority. Now a safeguarding adviser & trainer, Donna is involved in all 3 types of reviews covering both children's and adults' safeguarding and domestic homicide and is a SILP Reviewer and Mentor. Donna offers 'SILP School' her university accredited training course, Momentum her space for reviewers & a free online network for leaders in review practice. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-ohdedar-review-consulting-ltd/ Join my free Facebook group Blue Light Professionals here Engagement + proportionality + strengths = SILP
• 
  Why Family Voices Matter in Reviews 23.07.2026 7min

  What is it like for a family member or someone close to a victim to take part in a safeguarding review? In this episode I speak with Sue, who participated in the Safeguarding Adults Review following her best friend's death. Together we explore what it feels like to contribute after a traumatic bereavement, why family and those closest to the person matter so much, and how meaningful participation can support both the review and those involved.   In this episode we discuss: Why she said yes to participating in the review and impact it had  The value of lived experience.  How reviews can support healing as well as learning.  How family engagement enables people to see the whole system for the first time.  What people need to know if they asked to participate in a review.  When reviews genuinely value lived experience, they produce richer learning, more accurate narratives and, importantly, give participants the opportunity to know that their voice has made a difference.   Are you interested in becoming an independent reviewer? Download my FREE workshop 'How to Establish an Independent Review Practice which Aligns with the Next Step in Your Career' here to find out more. About Donna: Donna has 16 years public sector experience, including her last role as Head of Law for a leading metropolitan authority. Now a safeguarding adviser & trainer, Donna is involved in all 3 types of reviews covering both children's and adults' safeguarding and domestic homicide and is a SILP Reviewer and Mentor. Donna offers 'SILP School' her university accredited training course, Momentum her space for reviewers & a free online network for leaders in review practice.   Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-ohdedar-review-consulting-ltd/ Join my free Facebook group Blue Light Professionals here Engagement + proportionality + strengths = SILP  
• 
  Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews which analyse domestic abuse part 2 16.07.2026 6min

  In this episode, I continue my series exploring what Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews teach us about domestic abuse and the impact on children. This time, I'm discussing the research report Rethinking Domestic Abuse in Child Protection: Responding Differently and some of the important questions it raises about how we respond to families experiencing domestic abuse. In this episode I discuss: Why the research argues that child protection responses often focus too heavily on the non-abusing parent, while those causing harm receive comparatively little meaningful engagement. How taking a whole-family and intersectional approach can help practitioners better understand the complex realities families face, including poverty, trauma, discrimination, mental ill-health and social isolation. Why safeguarding professionals need to look beyond individual incidents and recognise the cumulative patterns of harm that emerge across agencies over time. The importance of building trust and relationships with families while maintaining professional curiosity and a clear focus on reducing risk. Why prevention matters, and how earlier intervention and stronger relationships could help reduce harm before families reach crisis point. Are you interested in becoming an independent reviewer? Download my FREE workshop 'How to Establish an Independent Review Practice which Aligns with the Next Step in Your Career' here to find out more.   About Donna: Donna has 16 years public sector experience, including her last role as Head of Law for a leading metropolitan authority. Now a safeguarding adviser & trainer, Donna is involved in all 3 types of reviews covering both children's and adults' safeguarding and domestic homicide and is a SILP Reviewer and Mentor. Donna offers 'SILP School' her university accredited training course, Momentum her space for reviewers & a free online network for leaders in review practice.   Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-ohdedar-review-consulting-ltd/ Join my free Facebook group Blue Light Professionals here   Engagement + proportionality + strengths = SILP
• 
  Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews which analyse domestic abuse 09.07.2026 6min

  In this episode I am exploring the latest NSPCC Learning from Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews publication 'Domestic abuse: learning from case reviews' and the powerful messages it contains for everyone working with children and families. Domestic abuse is often viewed through the lens of adult relationships, but Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews continue to remind us that children are victims in their own right. In this episode I explore: Why domestic abuse rarely exists in isolation how this increase risk for children. How coercive and controlling behaviour can remain hidden, leading professionals to misunderstand victims' responses and underestimate the impact on children. Why children's voices can become lost within safeguarding processes, even when professionals are actively involved with a family. The importance of building a picture across agencies, sharing information effectively and maintaining professional curiosity when concerns persist.   Are you ready to find out more about independent review work?   You can download my free workshop 'How to Establish an Independent Review Practice which Aligns with the Next Steps in Your Career' to find out how you can begin your journey to Independent Review work. Download the workshop here.    About Donna: Donna has 16 years public sector experience, including her last role as Head of Law for a leading metropolitan authority. Now a safeguarding adviser & trainer, Donna is involved in all three types of independent reviews including children's and adults' safeguarding and domestic homicide. She is a SILP Reviewer and Mentor. Donna offers 'SILP School' her university accredited training course, Momentum her space for reviewers & a free online network for leaders in review practice.   Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-ohdedar-review-consulting-ltd/ Join my free Facebook group Blue Light Professionals here
• 
  Learning from Preston Davey's death 30.06.2026 4min

  In this week's episode I am reflecting on the tragic death of 13-month-old Preston Davey and asking the difficult question that follows so many safeguarding tragedies: how can warning signs exist, yet a child still isn't protected? Rather than focusing on blame, this episode explores what statutory reviews repeatedly tell us about how systems fail, why information doesn't always become understanding, and what we can all learn as about the system. In this episode I discuss: Why safeguarding failures are rarely the result of one individual mistake, but an accumulation of small decisions and missed opportunities. How agencies can each hold pieces of information without anyone seeing the complete picture. The proposed mechanism for learning The Children's Commissioner's call for greater accountability and the proposed Child Protection Authority. Are you interested in joining a supportive community for independent reviewers and review professionals? My Momentum membership provides a space for community, reflection and experiential learning. The doors are open for a limited period. Whats app me here the word COMMUNITY and I can send you the details.    About Donna: Donna has 16 years public sector experience, including her last role as Head of Law for a leading metropolitan authority. Now a safeguarding adviser & trainer, Donna is involved in all 3 types of safeguarding reviews in both children's and adults' safeguarding and domestic homicide and is a SILP Reviewer and Mentor. Donna offers 'SILP School' her university accredited training course, Momentum her space for reviewers & a free online network for leaders in review practice.   Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-ohdedar-review-consulting-ltd/ Join my free Facebook group Blue Light Professionals here   Engagement + proportionality + strengths = SILP].  
• 
  Domestic Abuse and Childhood Harm: Are we listening to children? 25.06.2026 9min

  In this episode I explore why children affected by domestic abuse must be recognised as victims in their own right, rather than simply witnesses to the abuse experienced by adults.  In this episode you will hear: • Why children do not need to be physically harmed to experience significant harm from domestic abuse • How living with fear, coercion, control and unpredictability can affect a child's development, wellbeing and future relationships • The challenges created by a lack of data about children's experiences and outcomes following domestic abuse interventions • How Pathfinder Courts aim to place children's experiences at the centre of family justice proceedings and improve responses to domestic abuse Are you interested in becoming an independent reviewer? Download my FREE workshop 'How to Establish an Independent Review Practice which Aligns with the Next Step in Your Career' here to find out more.   About Donna: Donna has 16 years public sector experience, including her last role as Head of Law for a leading metropolitan authority. Now a safeguarding adviser & trainer, Donna is involved in all 3 types of review in both children's and adults' safeguarding, domestic homicide and is a SILP Reviewer and Mentor. Donna offers 'SILP School' her university accredited training course, Momentum her space for reviewers & a free online network for leaders in review practice.   Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-ohdedar-review-consulting-ltd/ Join my free Facebook group Blue Light Professionals here   Engagement + proportionality + strengths = SILP
• 
  Cuckooing as a standalone offence 15.06.2026 10min

  In this episode I explore the new standalone offence of cuckooing, introduced under the Crime and Policing Act 2026, and why this legislation represents an important shift in recognising exploitation hidden behind closed doors.  In this episode you will hear: • What cuckooing is and how criminals take control of vulnerable people's homes for illegal activity • Why the new offence is significant and how it shifts the focus onto the exploitation experienced by victims • The three key elements prosecutors must prove • Why apparent cooperation or resistance to support does not necessarily mean someone is making a free and informed choice This episode also reflects on the importance of understanding coercion, recognising hidden vulnerability and ensuring that people affected by cuckooing are seen as victims in need of protection rather than simply occupants of properties linked to crime.   I announced this month that there will be two SILP School scholarships available for the October 2026 intake. The SILP School mission is deeply intertwined with my decision to launch this scholarship scheme. It is important to me that we promote diversity and inclusion in this profession I'm proud to be part of.  This year we will award 1 full needs-based SILP School scholarships & 1 part scholarship. One place will attract zero payment & the other will be charged at 50% to begin SILP School with the October 2026 intake. The SILP mission is to create a "tidal wave of positive impact." Would you like to part of this movement? How to Apply All you need to do is answer 3 questions. The new extended closing date for applications is Thursday 18th June at 2pm. You can find out more information here.   About Donna:   Donna has 16 years public sector experience, including her last role as Head of Law for a leading metropolitan authority. Now a safeguarding adviser & trainer, Donna is involved in serious case reviews in both children's and adults' safeguarding, domestic homicide and is a SILP Reviewer and Mentor. Donna offers 'SILP School' her university accredited training course, Momentum her space for reviewers & a free online network for leaders in review practice.   Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-ohdedar-review-consulting-ltd/ Join my free Facebook group Blue Light Professionals here   Engagement + proportionality + strengths = SILP
• 
  The Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel Annual Report 2024–25: Familiar Themes, Increasing Complexity 11.06.2026 11min

  In this episode I explore the key findings from the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel Annual Report 2024–25 and what the latest national learning tells us about the risks facing children across England. Whilst many of the themes will feel familiar, the report highlights the increasing complexity of children's lives and the importance of understanding cumulative harm, family adversity and children's lived experiences.  In this episode you will hear: • The vulnerability of babies under one year of age demosntrated within safeguarding reviews • How neglect, domestic abuse, parental mental ill-health, substance misuse and poverty often interact to create significant risks for children • How practitioners must move beyond individual presenting concerns  • The growing role of mental health concerns and online harms within serious safeguarding incidents • What the 21% reduction in serious incident notifications may mean for safeguarding partnerships and national learning   This episode also reflects on the enduring importance of professional curiosity, effective information sharing, multi-agency collaboration and maintaining a relentless focus on the child's daily lived experience.   I announced last week that there will be two SILP School scholarships available for the October 2026 intake. The SILP School mission is deeply intertwined with my decision to launch this scholarship scheme. It is important to me that we promote diversity and inclusion in this profession I'm proud to be part of.  This year we will award 1 full needs-based SILP School scholarships & 1 part scholarship. One place will attract zero payment & the other will be charged at 50% to begin SILP School with the October 2026 intake. The SILP mission is to create a "tidal wave of positive impact." Would you like to part of this movement? How to Apply All you need to do is answer 3 questions. The closing date for application is Friday 12th June at midday. You can find out more information here.   About Donna:   Donna has 16 years public sector experience, including her last role as Head of Law for a leading metropolitan authority. Now a safeguarding adviser & trainer, Donna is involved in serious case reviews in both children's and adults' safeguarding, domestic homicide and is a SILP Reviewer and Mentor. Donna offers 'SILP School' her university accredited training course, Momentum her space for reviewers & a free online network for leaders in review practice.   Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-ohdedar-review-consulting-ltd/ Join my free Facebook group Blue Light Professionals here   Engagement + proportionality + strengths = SILP
• 
  When equality does not mean treating everybody the same 04.06.2026 12min

  In this episode I explore why specialist "by and for" domestic abuse services are not optional extras, but essential lifelines for many survivors. We discuss how culture, disability, race, immigration status and systemic inequality can shape both experiences of abuse and access to safety. In this epsiode you will hear: Why a "one size fits all" approach to domestic abuse services does not work for all survivors What "by and for" services are and why culturally specific expertise matters The barriers many Black, minoritised, migrant and disabled survivors face when engaging with statutory services How funding and procurement systems continue to disadvantage specialist grassroots organisations Why investing in specialist domestic abuse services is both ethically necessary and economically sensible This episode also reflects on the importance of survivors being supported by organisations that truly understand the fullness of their lived experiences. I announced this week that there will be two SILP School scholarships available for the October 2026 intake. The SILP School mission is deeply intertwined with my decision to launch this scholarship scheme. It is important to me that we promote diversity and inclusion in this profession I'm proud to be part of.  This year we will award 1 full needs-based SILP School scholarships & 1 part scholarship. One place will attract zero payment & the other will be charged at 50% to begin SILP School with the October 2026 intake. The SILP mission is to create a "tidal wave of positive impact." Would you like to part of this movement? How to Apply All you need to do is answer 3 questions. The closing date for application is Friday 12th June at midday. You can find out more information here.   About Donna:   Donna has 16 years public sector experience, including her last role as Head of Law for a leading metropolitan authority. Now a safeguarding adviser & trainer, Donna is involved in serious case reviews in both children's and adults' safeguarding, domestic homicide and is a SILP Reviewer and Mentor. Donna offers 'SILP School' her university accredited training course, Momentum her space for reviewers & a free online network for leaders in review practice.   Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-ohdedar-review-consulting-ltd/ Join my free Facebook group Blue Light Professionals here   Engagement + proportionality + strengths = SILP
• 
  Can Child in Need Plans Create an Illusion of Safety? 28.05.2026 7min

  In this episode, I explore one of the most recurring and uncomfortable themes emerging from Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews: whether Child in Need (CIN) plans can sometimes create an illusion of safety. We explore: Why Child in Need might be creating the illusion of safety What can be happening  beneath the surface of seemingly stable cases Why a child's lived experience is important What fragmented multi-agency involvement can lead to Why reviews are not simply about what happened but understanding the 'why'    Are you ready to find out more about independent review work? You can download my free workshop 'How to Establish an Independent Review Practice which Aligns with the Next Steps in Your Career' to find out how you can begin your journey to Independent Review work. Download the workshop here.    About Donna: Donna has 16 years public sector experience, including her last role as Head of Law for a leading metropolitan authority. Now a safeguarding adviser & trainer, Donna is involved in serious case reviews in both children's and adults' safeguarding, domestic homicide and is a SILP Reviewer and Mentor. Donna offers 'SILP School' her university accredited training course, Momentum her space for reviewers & a free online network for leaders in review practice.   Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-ohdedar-review-consulting-ltd/ Join my free Facebook group Blue Light Professionals here   Engagement + proportionality + strengths = SILP
• 
  DHRs or DARDRs? 21.05.2026 8min

  In this episode I explore the transition from Domestic Homicide Reviews (DHRs) to the proposed Domestic Abuse Related Death Reviews (DARDRs), and what this shift means for those working in safeguarding, domestic abuse and independent review work.  This conversation explores: Why the proposed move from DHRs to DARDRs represents a significant shift in how domestic abuse deaths are understood and reviewed The widening scope of reviews to include coercive control, economic abuse and deaths by suicide linked to domestic abuse Why the sector is still in a period of transition two years after the Home Office consultation closed, with no revised statutory guidance or implementation timeline published The growing conversation around accountability What this means for practice   Are you ready to find out more about independent review work? You can download my free workshop 'How to Establish an Independent Review Practice which Aligns with the Next Steps in Your Career' to find out how you can begin your journey to Independent Review work. Download the workshop here.      About Donna:   Donna has 16 years public sector experience, including her last role as Head of Law for a leading metropolitan authority. Now a safeguarding adviser & trainer, Donna is involved in serious case reviews in both children's and adults' safeguarding, domestic homicide and is a SILP Reviewer and Mentor. Donna offers 'SILP School' her university accredited training course, Momentum her space for reviewers & a free online network for leaders in review practice.   Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-ohdedar-review-consulting-ltd/ Join my free Facebook group Blue Light Professionals here  
• 
  Reviews which respond to latest requirements for anti racist practice 14.05.2026 12min

  In this episode, we explore the powerful intersection between Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026 and the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel's report, It's Silent: Race, Racism and Safeguarding Children. Together, these two publications create a direct challenge for everyone involved in safeguarding review work. One sets the expectation. The other exposes the reality. We unpack what the Panel's thematic review found across more than 50 rapid reviews and LCSPRs, including the persistent "silence" around race and racism in safeguarding analysis and why this matters for learning, accountability and system change. This conversation explores: Why recording race and ethnicity is not the same as analysing them How bias and systemic factors can shape professional decision-making The risks of "visible equality but invisible analysis" What anti-racist and anti-discriminatory practice now means under the 2026 guidance Why systems methodology is essential to meaningful safeguarding analysis The questions reviewers should now be asking in every review How reviews can move beyond compliance into genuine learning and change   Are you ready to find out more about independent review work? There is one session that brings all the information you need about becoming an independent reviewer together. It's called The Independent Reviewer Immersion Workshop and you can download it today.   About Donna:   Donna has 16 years public sector experience, including her last role as Head of Law for a leading metropolitan authority. Now a safeguarding adviser & trainer, Donna is involved in serious case reviews in both children's and adults' safeguarding, domestic homicide and is a SILP Reviewer and Mentor. Donna offers 'SILP School' her university accredited training course, Momentum her space for reviewers & a free online network for leaders in review practice.   Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-ohdedar-review-consulting-ltd/ Join my free Facebook group Blue Light Professionals here   Engagement + proportionality + strengths = SILP  
• 
  Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026 07.05.2026 10min

  This episode explores the key changes in the 2026 update to Working Together to Safeguard Children and what they mean for those carrying out review work.  From anti-racist practice and adultification bias to new expectations around babies, child sexual abuse assessments, and Rapid Reviews, this guidance marks a significant shift in how safeguarding reviews are expected to generate meaningful learning. In this week's episode we discuss: Why anti-discriminatory and anti-racist practice are now explicit expectations within safeguarding reviews The importance of exploring adultification bias and how inequality shaped a child's experience New guidance on babies and unborn children following the Death of Victoria Marten national review What the updated expectations around child sexual abuse assessments mean for practitioners and reviewers Changes to Rapid Reviews, LCSPR scope, and the growing focus on reviews creating learning that leads to real change     Are you ready to find out more about independent review work? There is one session that brings all the information you need about becoming an independent reviewer together. It's called The Independent Reviewer Immersion Workshop and it took place last week. Would you like a copy of the recording? Click here to watch the recording.   About Donna:   Donna has 16 years public sector experience, including her last role as Head of Law for a leading metropolitan authority. Now a safeguarding adviser & trainer, Donna is involved in serious case reviews in both children's and adults' safeguarding, domestic homicide and is a SILP Reviewer and Mentor. Donna offers 'SILP School' her university accredited training course, Momentum her space for reviewers & a free online network for leaders in review practice.   Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-ohdedar-review-consulting-ltd/ Join my free Facebook group Blue Light Professionals here   Engagement + proportionality + strengths = SILP
• 
  Child Sexual Abuse & Exploitation: What Are We Missing in Recording, Recognition and Response? 30.04.2026 10min

  What are we missing in how we record, recognise, and respond to child sexual abuse and exploitation (CSAE)? In this episode, we explore key insights from two important pieces of research: the Department for Education (March 2026) report on recording practices and serious incident notifications, and findings from the Child Sexual Exploitation Centre. Together, they highlight a critical issue: recording is not a neutral process. It actively shapes what becomes visible, what is understood as harm, and ultimately, how systems respond to children's experiences. In this week's episode we discuss: How recording practices vary across agencies—and why this matters Why CSAE often presents through patterns, not clear evidence The impact of thresholds and uncertainty on professional judgement How serious incident reporting can create unequal learning and scrutiny Key questions for reviewers to better centre children's lived experiences   Are you ready to find out more about independent review work? Whether you've been thinking about independent review work for a while or you're only just coming across it, why not join me for a free session that brings all of this together. The Independent Reviewer Immersion Workshop takes place online on 1st May at 1pm. In just one hour you'll walk away knowing exactly what independent review work involves, whether your skills are transferable, and what the journey from blue light professional to independent reviewer really looks like. No experience needed. No prior training required. Just bring your curiosity. Save your space here. Come live if you can. There will be a replay if you can't.   About Donna:   Donna has 16 years public sector experience, including her last role as Head of Law for a leading metropolitan authority. Now a safeguarding adviser & trainer, Donna is involved in serious case reviews in both children's and adults' safeguarding, domestic homicide and is a SILP Reviewer and Mentor. Donna offers 'SILP School' her university accredited training course, Momentum her space for reviewers & a free online network for leaders in review practice.   Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-ohdedar-review-consulting-ltd/ Join my free Facebook group Blue Light Professionals here   Engagement + proportionality + strengths = SILP
• 
  Older adults and support for alcohol use 23.04.2026 6min

  Alcohol use in older adults is often described as a hidden issue not because it's uncommon, but because it is frequently overlooked, misunderstood, and under-responded to. In this episode, we explore a recurring theme emerging from safeguarding reviews: when alcohol-related harm presents in later life, it is often masked by other factors, misinterpreted, or not explored with sufficient curiosity. This isn't simply about access to services. It's about how systems see (or fail to see) risk, need, and vulnerability in older adults. In this week's episode we discuss: Why alcohol use in older adults is often hidden in plain sight The complex interplay between alcohol use, physical health, and social factors such as bereavement, isolation, and loss of identity How service design can unintentionally exclude older adults (age thresholds, "one size fits all" approaches, cultural mismatch) The role of unintentional ageism in shaping professional responses Why recognition is one of the biggest challenges—and how symptoms are often misattributed to ageing, dementia, or frailty   Are you ready to find out more about independent review work? Whether you've been thinking about independent review work for a while or you're only just coming across it, why not join me for a free session that brings all of this together. The Independent Reviewer Immersion Workshop takes place online on 1st May at 1pm. In just one hour you'll walk away knowing exactly what independent review work involves, whether your skills are transferable, and what the journey from blue light professional to independent reviewer really looks like. No experience needed. No prior training required. Just bring your curiosity. Save your space here. Come live if you can. There will be a replay if you can't.   About Donna:   Donna has 16 years public sector experience, including her last role as Head of Law for a leading metropolitan authority. Now a safeguarding adviser & trainer, Donna is involved in serious case reviews in both children's and adults' safeguarding, domestic homicide and is a SILP Reviewer and Mentor. Donna offers 'SILP School' her university accredited training course, Momentum her space for reviewers & a free online network for leaders in review practice.   Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-ohdedar-review-consulting-ltd/ Join my free Facebook group Blue Light Professionals here   Engagement + proportionality + strengths = SILP
• 
  Older adults and criminal justice outcomes 15.04.2026 8min

  Do older adults experience the criminal justice system differently? Research and reviews suggest the answer is yes — and the reasons are rarely visible on the surface. Policy, guidance, and legislation all point toward equality, protection, and access to justice. But practice tells a more complex story. In this week's episode we discuss: Why criminal prosecutions involving older victims remain comparatively low, and what that tells us about how the system responds. How abuse in later life is frequently reframed as a safeguarding issue rather than recognised as a crime. The tendency to view older people primarily as vulnerable and how this quietly shapes decision-making in ways that are rarely explicit. The critical questions that reviews must ask to ensure age does not become a silent barrier to justice.   Are you fired up to generate implementable learning in reviews which could potentially improve the lives of vulnerable people? SILP School begins this week. For an assessment of your eligibility click here.   About Donna:   Donna has 16 years public sector experience, including her last role as Head of Law for a leading metropolitan authority. Now a safeguarding adviser & trainer, Donna is involved in serious case reviews in both children's and adults' safeguarding, domestic homicide and is a SILP Reviewer and Mentor. Donna offers 'SILP School' her university accredited training course, Momentum her space for reviewers & a free online network for leaders in review practice.   Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-ohdedar-review-consulting-ltd/ Join my free Facebook group Blue Light Professionals here   Engagement + proportionality + strengths = SILP
• 
  are we normalising abuse in later life? 09.04.2026 6min

  In this week's episode, we explore how ageism, often subtle and unintentional,  shapes the way abuse is recognised and responded to when the victim is older. From normalised harm to compassionate ageism, we examine the biases that can leave older victims invisible within the very systems designed to protect them. In this episode we cover: Why abuse doesn't become less serious simply because the victim is older and how societal assumptions about frailty and decline can minimise harm The normalisation of abuse in later life, including how violence or coercion can be misframed as "family stress" or caring pressures How signs of abuse are frequently attributed to the ageing process  Why professional curiosity is just as critical in later life as at any other stage Whether you've been thinking about independent review work for a while or you're only just coming across it, why not join download my free session that brings all of this together. The Independent Reviewer Immersion Workshop is now available on replay. In just one hour you'll walk away knowing exactly what independent review work involves, whether your skills are transferable, and what the journey from blue light professional to independent reviewer really looks like. You can sign up for the replay here.   About Donna: Donna has 16 years public sector experience, including her last role as Head of Law for a leading metropolitan authority. Now a safeguarding adviser & trainer, Donna is involved in serious case reviews in both children's and adults' safeguarding, domestic homicide and is a SILP Reviewer and Mentor. Donna offers 'SILP School' her university accredited training course, Momentum her space for reviewers & a free online network for leaders in review practice. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-ohdedar-review-consulting-ltd/