The Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector Podcast

Conscious review professionals already know reviews are about learning not blame. Whether you are involved in Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews, Domestic Homicide Reviews or Safeguarding Adult Reviews, the chances are you also know there’s scope for our learning and improvement work to get better. In 'The Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector Podcast' you can expect my thoughts, musings and insights on what sector led improvement can look like. Plus, I will introduce you to professionals who are taking action and can inspire us in an incredibly positive way. In this space we will reside in a place of possibility. No burnout. No decisions that ‘reviews don’t work’. Join me weekly for connection and motivation to create a tidal wave of positive impact. Expect honesty, openness for learning and key takeaways to implement in reviews and beyond.

Deprivation of Liberty Part 1 07/23/2026

Breaking Cycles Through Storytelling with Louisa Herridge 07/23/2026

Breaking Cycles Through Storytelling with Louisa Herridge 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' 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: Facebook: 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: Join my free Facebook group Blue Light Professionals Engagement + proportionality + strengths = SILP /episode/index/show/silpschool/id/42184060

Why Family Voices Matter in Reviews 07/23/2026

Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews which analyse domestic abuse part 2 07/16/2026

Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews which analyse domestic abuse part 2 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' 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: Join my free Facebook group Blue Light Professionals Engagement + proportionality + strengths = SILP /episode/index/show/silpschool/id/42113145

Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews which analyse domestic abuse 07/09/2026

Learning from Preston Davey’s death 06/30/2026

Domestic Abuse and Childhood Harm: Are we listening to children? 06/25/2026

Cuckooing as a standalone offence 06/15/2026

Cuckooing as a standalone offence 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 . 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: Join my free Facebook group Blue Light Professionals Engagement + proportionality + strengths = SILP /episode/index/show/silpschool/id/41645985

The Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel Annual Report 2024–25: Familiar Themes, Increasing Complexity 06/11/2026

The Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel Annual Report 2024–25: Familiar Themes, Increasing Complexity 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 . 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: Join my free Facebook group Blue Light Professionals Engagement + proportionality + strengths = SILP /episode/index/show/silpschool/id/41609400

When equality does not mean treating everybody the same 06/04/2026

When equality does not mean treating everybody the same 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 . 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: Join my free Facebook group Blue Light Professionals Engagement + proportionality + strengths = SILP /episode/index/show/silpschool/id/41532365

Can Child in Need Plans Create an Illusion of Safety? 05/28/2026

DHRs or DARDRs? 05/21/2026

Reviews which respond to latest requirements for anti racist practice 05/14/2026

Reviews which respond to latest requirements for anti racist practice 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: Join my free Facebook group Blue Light Professionals Engagement + proportionality + strengths = SILP /episode/index/show/silpschool/id/41290615

Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026 05/07/2026

Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026 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: Join my free Facebook group Blue Light Professionals Engagement + proportionality + strengths = SILP /episode/index/show/silpschool/id/41201545

Child Sexual Abuse & Exploitation: What Are We Missing in Recording, Recognition and Response? 04/30/2026

Child Sexual Abuse & Exploitation: What Are We Missing in Recording, Recognition and Response? 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 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 . 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: Join my free Facebook group Blue Light Professionals Engagement + proportionality + strengths = SILP /episode/index/show/silpschool/id/41072480

Older adults and support for alcohol use 04/23/2026

Older adults and support for alcohol use 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 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 . 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: Join my free Facebook group Blue Light Professionals Engagement + proportionality + strengths = SILP /episode/index/show/silpschool/id/40987380