Shows
The Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastTransitioning from a career in nursing to independent review work with Julie HallIn the seventh episode of season 5 I am sharing a special interview with Julie Hall, a SILP accredited independent reviewer. Julie has navigated a career through the health service starting in nursing to Associate Director of Safeguarding. This is the seventh reviewer spotlight in our current series. Hear us talk about: đđ»Â her journey to becoming an independent reviewer đđ»Â what drives Julie in her independent review work đđ»Â the areas of specialism Julie has developed in her career đđ»Â the growth opportunities that come with being an independent reviewer đđ»Â the importance of the training she recei...
2025-04-1616 minThe Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastHow personal experience drives us towards independent review work with Vivian BickhamIn the fifth episode of season 5 I am sharing a special interview with Vivian Bickham, a SILP accredited independent reviewer. Vivian has a significant career within domestic abuse and her drive comes from a very personal place. This is the fifth reviewer spotlight in our current series. Hear us talk about: đđ»Â her journey to becoming an independent reviewer đđ» what drives Viv in her independent review work đđ» how she developed her specialist area in independent review work đđ» the growth opportunities that come with being an independent reviewer đđ» the importance of the training she r...
2025-04-0428 min
The Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastBalancing independent review work with a full time career with Tracey PuglseyIn the third episode of season 5 I am sharing a special interview with Tracey Pugsley, a SILP accredited independent reviewer. Tracey has a significant amount of safeguarding experience from her background working with children and families, latterly as an expert guardian in Wales. This is the third reviewer spotlight in our current series. Hear us talk about: đđ»Â her journey to becoming an independent reviewer đđ»Â how Tracey secured her first review within 10 weeks of completing SILP School  đđ» balancing full time work with independent review work đđ» the growth opportunities that come with being an independent re...
2025-03-1419 min
The Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastDeveloping your independent reviewer specialism with Kelechi UkanduIn the second episode of season 5 I am sharing a special interview with Kelechi Ukandu, a SILP accredited independent reviewer who has a significant amount of safeguarding experience from her background as a child nurse. This is the second of 5 reviewer spotlights being shared over the next few weeks. Hear us talk about: đđ»Â her journey to becoming an independent reviewer đđ»Â the role training & development played in being competent & ready for independent review work đđ» the flexibility indepednent review work can bring to your life đđ»why community is key as an independent reviewer ...
2025-03-0621 minThe Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector Podcast001 The journey to becoming an independent reviewer with Sarah GlossopIn the first episode of season 5 I am sharing a special interview with Sarah Glossop, a SILP accredited independent reviewer who has more than 20 years safeguarding experience in both children's and adult safeguarding in the health sector. This will be the first of 5 reviewer spotlight episodes over the coming weeks. Hear us talk about: đđ»Â her journey to becoming an independent reviewer đđ»Â the role training & development played in being competent & ready for independent review work đđ» the review work she has secured and would be interested in If you are interested in...
2025-02-1716 minThe Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastEp 009 The experience of domestic abuse in mid & later life with Carrie BowerStatistics about the numbers of women who experience domestic abuse only takes us so far. How do we understand whatâs really happening, especially for women in mid and later life? The power of story telling shouldnât be under estimated. Carrie Bower understands this and her blog, podcast and website are an amazing resource for anyone who wants to dive in. Itâs probably not what you would expect. It contains many hopeful stories. Thereâs nothing else like it. Expect to hear more about Carrieâs own personal journey & the effect...
2024-08-2244 minThe Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastEp 8 How to support those who experience domestic abuse with Sophie BellThe need for specialist domestic abuse services is pressing & urgent. At this uncertain time with a brand new government it is unclear whether trauma informed support will be available regardless of postcode. Every penny must be well spent. When this is done properly, spending on the NHS & other services will reduce. Not to mention it has the potential to save lives. So it is timely to understand what these services can and should look like. In this episode we focus on support for for mothers and children. they are the subjects of so many of...
2024-07-3033 minThe Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastEp 007 How to get the best out of Linkedin with Helen TudorWhen I became an independent reviewer I felt I had lost my professional network. People around me didnât seem to understand exactly how it felt to be doing what I do. I never imagined a social media platform would change that for me. Fast forward to 2024 & that is exactly what LinkedIn does. If you are starting out with LinkedIn you may have no idea where to begin. You may not fully understand how it can help you at all. Let alone how to get the best from it. Meet Helen Tudor. Her approach is re...
2024-06-2439 minThe Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastEp 006 How to ensure a child centred approach within a whole family focus with Suzy KitchingThere are a number of principles, expectations & standards for us all to digest & implement as we embrace the implementation of Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023. Itâs helpful at this stage to explore how this feels for a partnership & gather thoughts & insights from an independent scrutineer. Have you considered the relevance & helpfulness of the descriptors to help you break down some of these broad & somewhat visionary terms? Who must we involve if we want to get this right? We focus our discussion on an approach that may resonate with you. We see the âwhole familyâ approac...
2024-05-2840 minThe Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastEp 05 How to interview survivors of domestic abuse with Michelle RawlinsWe all want media coverage of domestic abuse incidents to be more accurate & less victim blaming. As a starting point there has to be a focus on making the experience of a survivor being interviewed by the press a more positive experience. The project undertaken by researcher, Michelle Rawlins, draws on direct experience & commentary from survivors & there are many insights to be drawn from this episode for all of us. This ground breaking work will lead to a toolkit for trainee journalists and inspiration for a brand new style of reporting. Â About Michelle Rawlins
2024-04-2337 minThe Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastEp 04 Reviews which provide accountability & reassurance with Jonathan DickensMost reviews identify a problem with information sharing, so itâs time to improve our skills in analysing the in-the-moment reasoning of practitioners faced with the dilemmas this issue raises. The idea that reviews distort the picture of the totality of the work being done does not sit comfortably with any of us, but Jonathan makes a good case on this point. Expect a few lightbulb moments. Is it too high an aspiration to expect reviews to change behaviours & cultures? Hear from one of my favourite thinkers to find out more.  About Jonathan Dickens: Jo...
2024-03-2639 minThe Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastEp. 3 How DHR Recommendations Impact Childrens Social Care & Adult Social Care with Dr Kim HeyesDo Domestic Homicide Review recommendations make a difference? We know that there is a lack of national oversight about the effect of the recommendations, & we await Home Office guidance on how this will change. Do they mostly suggest training to effect these improvements? How are they considering protected characteristic? Do they highlight good practice? The study commissioned by the Domestic Abuse Commissioner & undertaking by the HALT team is the place to find out. Hear from the one of the authors to find out more. Links: The Homicide Abuse Learning Together (HALT) website: h...
2024-03-1257 minThe Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastEp 2 How Domestic Abuse Legislation Creates or Obstructs Real Change with Suzanne Jacob OBEEven though we have come a long way, large pockets of society still exist where an improved understanding of domestic abuse might make a huge difference. These are the areas where we havenât yet understood how what we do & the way we do it can act as a deterrent, help improve detection & even tackle the problem of domestic abuse. Legislation & the role it has played is a major factor. Is the way the Domestic Abuse Bill is working now, for instance, in any way similar to what we envisaged only a couple of years ago? Â For...
2024-01-2950 minThe Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastEp 1 Human Centred Leadership with Kul MaheyWhen I asked Kul Mahay about organisations with a learning culture it was inevitable that we would begin by speaking about the pandemic. It forced us to become more creative. Being creative is everything when we want to generate valuable learning. Reviews are pre-occupied with learning from what didnât go well. But that leaves us feeling value less. So how do we use emotional intelligence, as leaders & in reviews to flip this? If you are ready to hold up the mirror & consider the culture you create as a leader or a reviewer, this Is an...
2024-01-0945 min
Human Centred Leadership Podcast with Kul Mahay085: Becoming a Learning Organisation - Donna OhdedarKul Mahay has over 3 decades experience in the leadership space. Â He works with organisations and leaders to develop powerful cultures of high value, and performance which is built all around their people.
Donna Ohdedar helps blue light professionals find meaningful work, a better income, more flexible family time & help them to keep making a difference in the world.
Donna's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-ohdedar
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ABOUT THE PODCAST SERIES
During these shows, youâll hear Kul chatting with fellow leaders from around the world, who are recognised as bei...
2023-12-0529 minThe Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastEp 11 How to Make the Move from Public Sector to Embrace New Career Challenges with Andy LabrumWhen you have spent 30 years in a policing career it can be hard to see how you might fit into anything else. This was how it felt for Andy Labrum, Founder of Blue Light Leavers. He has supported thousands of others through the transition & is ready to share vulnerably about his own journey & that experienced by others in his community. Andyâs approach is to offer inspiration & guidance, but it is based on direct experience. Be prepared to gain insight into the skills you never realised you have from your public sector background which are sought after in...
2023-10-3135 min
Build Your Legal Business PodcastInterview with Donna Ohdedar on pivoting her career and beginning SILP SchoolLike many lawyers, Donna found herself questioning whether she wanted to remain a practising lawyer and decided to pivot her career. In this episode we discuss how we can use a legal career as a springboard to other pursuits and just how versatile it can be. At the end of our conversation, I reference our Side Hustles for Lawyers episode, which you can find here https://www.buzzsprout.com/1781685/10187664More about Donna: Donna has 16 years public sector experience, including her last role as Head of Law for a leading metropolitan authority. Now a saf...
2023-10-3025 min
The Social World Podcast148 Donna Ohdedar. Perception of Safeguarding.Â
Donna Ohdedar. Perception of Safeguarding. From time to time I like to have a talk with those who manage essential parts of the safeguarding landscape. Today Iâm talking to Donna who is CEO of a company that conducts serious case reviews into adult and child deaths and serious incidents.
Donna has 16 years public sector experience, including her last role as Head of Law for a leading metropolitan authority. Now a safeguarding adviser, solutions focused mentor, public speaker & trainer, Donna offers her university accredited training programme, SILP School. She is also host of the Safeguarding & Dom...
2023-10-1739 minThe Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastEp 10 How to Improve Your Reviews Using Themes from Last Triennial Analysis with Jonathan Dickens & Donna OhdedarThe last Triennial Analysis âLearning for the Future: Final Analysis of Serious Case Reviewsâ analysed 253 cases. These were serious case reviews & local child safeguarding practice reviews completed in 2020 & 2021. Jonathan joins me in this conversation to give us an overview of the statistics & themes, which is super useful for those who undertake these reviews. Jonathan also shares inspiration & thoughts from the chapters focused on specific themes. Many of these apply equally to Domestic Homicide Reviews or Safeguarding Adults Reviews. Listen in for an important debate about the use of terms such as âprofessional curiosityâ & âprofessional challengeâ. Also if you...
2023-10-1750 minThe Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastEp 8 How to Analyse the Relationship Between Intimate Partner Violence Suicidality & Self Harm with Estela Capelas Barbosa & Donna OhdedarHow do we frame our analysis around 3 overlapping problems like intimate partner violence, suicidality & self harm when each of them presents us with a unique complexity of its own? The way they manifest feels hard to predict. We can look at contributing factors, use of language & stigma. And we can consider solutions focused ideas for service delivery. What about if we each examined our role & made a conscious decision to take more responsibility? This conversation applies to IMRs created for Domestic Homicide Reviews, Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews or Safeguarding Adults Reviews.
2023-07-3147 min
The Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastE8 How to Analyse the Relationship Between Intimate Partner Violence, Suicidality and Self Harm with Estella BarbosaHow do we frame our analysis around 3 overlapping problems like intimate partner violence, suicidality & self harm when each of them presents us with a unique complexity of its own? The way they manifest feels hard to predict. We can look at contributing factors, use of language & stigma. And we can consider solutions focused ideas for service delivery. What about if we each examined our role & made a conscious decision to take more responsibility? This conversation applies to IMRs created for Domestic Homicide Reviews, Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews or Safeguarding Adults Reviews. Abo...
2023-07-1147 minThe Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastEp. 07: 5 Key Ingredients of an IMR Which Delivers Strong Analysis with Clare Edwards & Donna OhdedarHow does best practice look when we are commissioning an IMR & how regularly does this happen in practice? When the requirement lands itâs natural to want to produce the best quality, but thereâs a supportive framework that facilitates that. Clare & I separate foundational work from the work necessary when the requirement for the IMR lands in this conversation. We also cover systemic analysis, governance & transparency. This conversation applies to IMRs created for Domestic Homicide Reviews, Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews or Safeguarding Adults Reviews.  Find out more about SILP School...
2023-06-071h 08
The Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastEp. 06 How to Analyse Adultification Bias & Inequality in the Safeguarding ResponseDo we feel skilled up enough to analyse bias in the safeguarding response in 2023? Where does it leave us in terms of our duty to safeguard the most vulnerable people in society if we are answering this question with a ânoâ? If we start a review without being explicit about exactly what we are looking for we know this weakness will permeate throughout & impact on quality. How do we do this well when we want the review to provide robust analysis about potential bias? Today Iâm sharing my thoughts gathered after a workshop in which...
2023-05-2326 min
The Blue Light Leavers PodcastEp.69 How to Become an Independent Consultant Delivering Safeguarding and Domestic Homicide Reviews with Donna OhdedarWelcome to episode 69 of the Blue Light Leavers Podcast
In this episode, I'm incredibly honoured to be speaking with Donna Ohdedar.
She's the Managing Director of Review Consulting, she's a keynote public speaker, she's previously been the Head of Law for a large Metropolitan Authority, she's a safeguarding advisor and mentor, and she delivers a University Accredited programme called SILP School and you can find out more HERE.
In this interview, she talks about how to become an independent consultant, delivering safeguarding and domestic homicide reviews. She explains why this is a fantastic...
2023-05-0235 minThe Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastEp. 05 Reviews which Understand the Lived Experience of a Family Living in Poverty in 2023 with Joseph HowesThe cost of living crisis has hit the headlines & affects us all. But some are working from a very different baseline. What we learn when we listen to their voice illuminates how much we all take for granted. How do we support in a way that avoids imposing a solution we decide is best & offer what broadens choice or empowers this service user? When we are committed to coproduction how do we show how much we value their contribution? What role does the language we use play in reducing sense of stigma, shame or embarrassment? ...
2023-04-0440 min
The Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastQuality Reviews Which Use Quality ReviewersWhat is needed in reviews in 2023? Today Iâm sharing my thoughts on what we have been seeing & how I think we can improve. I will speak to the SILP Formula and clarify what I think a review with an Appreciative Focus can look like. Iâm outlining the reviewer competency framework we have developed & how it applies to all review professionals. Iâm also sharing from experience in terms of the learning curve we all tend to experience in reviews & how this has helped me to frame personal development & support for any...
2023-03-2329 minThe Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastEp. 03 How to Place the Family at the Centre of the Review in 2023 with James Rowlands & Dr Elizabeth CookHow do you avoid creating frustration for a family member or significant other who contributes to your review? The starting point is being conscious at every stage of the process. But the details are important. How late is too late to speak with the perpetrator? Who would you speak to first? Todayâs episode allows you to access the thoughts & principles that work in 2023 with all the choices we have about how to offer this. Itâs designed to help you to get most out of the contribution available to the review whilst at the same time a su...
2023-03-1454 min
The Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastEp. 2 Reviews Which Generate Clear Actions to Improve Interprofessional Communication with Nick FrostAre you ready to discuss the topic that is guaranteed to feature in every review you will undertake? This might be where you are highlighting multi agency collaboration as strong practice or considering where & how it could improved In todayâs episode Iâm joined by Nick Frost who will share his ideas, including those based on a communities of practice model. This episode will be useful whether you work in the world of Domestic Homicide Reviews, Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews or Safeguarding Adults Reviews. About Nick Frost:Nick Frost is Emeritus Profe...
2023-02-2135 minThe Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastThe 5 Key Ingredients for a Great Thematic Review with Kate SpreadburyHow do you avoid the inevitable sense of overwhelm that pervades at the start of a thematic review? In this workshop we consider methodologies that enable the review to maintain its focus on the high level ideas. There are other challenges around these reviews remaining inclusive & to bring them to conclusion in a timely way. Todayâs episode allows you to access a summary of the workshop I offered alongside Kate Spreadbury, which considers these challenges. This episode is important listening whether you work in the world of Domestic Homi...
2023-01-3145 min
The Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastSeason 3 TrailerThe show is back for season 3 & I am feeling energised & uplifted following ther success of season 2. The pressure is on to improve. So herein lies my challenge. Speaking of challenges, it goes without saying that 2023 will bring unique ones for our sector. So letâs dig in & learn more. Listen in if you work in the world of Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews, Safeguarding Adult Reviews or Domestic Homicide Reviews & download Quality Reviews for Quality Reviewers FREE pdf guide here if this will help you with applying for or commissioning reviews.  Ab...
2023-01-2411 min
The Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastEp 15 Five Features of the Welsh Single Unified Safeguarding ReviewThereâs no possible way forward than to be inspired by this episode. Have we normalised there being several review process which flow from a single incident? Meet Liane James, who embarked on a 5 year project to change this. Listen in if you work in the worked of Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews, Safeguarding Adult Reviews or Domestic Homicide Reviews and download the FREE pdf guide âQuality Reviews Which Use Quality Reviewersâ to help you with applying for reviews or commissioning reviews.  About Donna Ohdedar: Donna has 16 years public sector experience, including her last role as Head of...
2022-11-2926 minThe Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastEp 014 Reviews That Analyse Exploitation in Children With Nikki HolmesChild Safeguarding Practice Reviews which analyse practice whose aim is to protect children from exploitation are called upon to make no assumptions. This dynamic & fast changing landscape is different to what it was only a year or so ago. Those who are vulnerable to exploitation, service design & the impact of pandemic restrictions have all played a part. Thereâs no room for stereotypes. We canât afford to stay in the comfort of our silos. New & enhanced techniques to collaborate with partners & agencies who are not part of our normal network are needed. L...
2022-10-1747 minThe Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastEp 013 5 Misconceptions About Recurring Themes in Reviews With Jonathan DickensWhether you are conducting a Child Safeguarding Practice Review, a Safeguarding Adults Review or a Domestic Homicide Review, the themes you encounter are likely to have arisen in a previous review. You may be dealing with themes encountered in the same local area. Is this a reflection on the professionalism of the sector? Does it mean reviews are a waste of time? How do national & local lessons interface with each other & can a national problem really be tackled in a local review? Can we train the problems away? Listen in & download the 5 Misconceptions...
2022-10-1039 minThe Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastEp 012 Robust Reviews Using Appreciative Inquiry Techniques With Karen WrightReviews with an appreciative focus incorporate 3 intertwining strands from a variety of established theoretical & practical backgrounds. These are embedded within 4 pillars of an appreciative review. The model we have adopted in SILP reviews can be found in the link below. An appreciative focus can be applied to Domestic Homicide Reviews, Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews or Safeguarding Adults Reviews. Itâs a focus which, whether we choose to adopt it or not, we all need to know about as we know it drives up engagement & motivation for change. About Donna Ohdedar: Donna has 16 years pu...
2022-09-2726 min
The Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastKey Findings of the Analysis of Domestic Homicide Reviews with Gaynor Mears & Davina James-HanmanThe Key Findings from Analysis of Domestic Homicide Reviews analysed 124 DHRs reviewed by the Home Office in the 12 months from October 2019. Todayâs episode allows you to access the workshop with Gaynor & Davina, 2 of the authors.  This episode is important listening whether you work in the world of Domestic Homicide Reviews, Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews or Safeguarding Adults Reviews. Domestic abuse clearly features within all of these reviews, & there is data within this analysis which we all need to know about. For instance: 46% of the victims had been the target of a perpetrator prev...
2022-08-091h 23
The Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastEp 010 The Challenges of Commissioning Reviews with Robin Harper CoulsonBalancing the budget whilst ensuring the quality of reviews is a challenge for any commissioner of reviews. In this conversation with Robin Harper-Coulson, ex Business Manager of a Safeguarding Children Partnership, we learn more about one partnership whose journey includes the full range of experiences. Listen in to hear how an unhelpful review led one partnership on the journey to find quality & ultimately to creating in house expertise to conduct reviews. This conversation will be of interest to anyone who works in the world of child safeguarding practice reviews, safeguarding adults reviews or domestic homicide reviews.
2022-07-1246 min
The Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastEp 009 Reviews that Generate Learning for Organisational Leaders with Natasha RennoldsRelatively few review recommendations are aimed at organisational leaders. But they have the power to create change just as the frontline do. If we ignore this, we are missing part of the puzzle. Creating a culture of confidence & support for professionals to tackle the challenges of safeguarding is worth investing in. So I suggest this conversation will be useful for anyone who works in the world of safeguarding or domestic abuse or who has an interest in it. About Natasha Rennolds: Natasha is at the University of East Anglia mainly as a PhD Researcher i...
2022-05-171h 10
The Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastEp 008 What Happens After a High Profile Tragedy & Why it Matters with Ray JonesThe stereotypes surrounding safeguarding professionals are never helpful. But they are brought into sharper focus after a high profile. The way leaders react makes such a difference. Then the mediaâs response will shape the way the public sees the sector. Is this all just inevitable, or do we each have a part to play? The conversation is worthy of a listen for anyone who works in the world of safeguarding or domestic abuse or who has an interest in it. About Ray Jones: Dr Ray Jones is Emeritus Professor of Social Work at...
2022-04-2640 minThe Social World Podcast125 S.I.L.P. Training Donna OhdedarDonna 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 childrenâs and adultsâ safeguarding, domestic homicide and is a SILP Reviewer and Mentor. S.I.L.P. stands for Single Incident Learning Process.. Donna offers âSILP Schoolâ her university accredited training course, CPD for reviewers & a free online network for leaders in review practice. She is also the host of the SILP School Podcast. S.I.L.P.Training is now an established process.
We tal...
2022-03-3132 minThe Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastEp 007: What it Means to be Trauma Informed with Dr Jessica TaylorDive in this week if you are ready for a conversation that will make you think. What happens when we look at the individuals we work with through a new lens? Without labels & baggage, removing all the bias & predetermined views we might formulate when we look at their records. This approach isnât only for what we do in the day job. It applies all the time, but most of us donât see it as relevant for ourselves. The conversation is a must listen for anyone, whether you have an interest in learning & improvement work...
2022-03-1552 minThe Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastEp 006 An Inside Look at a Partnershipâs Learning Activity With Amanda GillardNow hereâs a golden opportunity to hear in detail exactly what a partnership does when they make a clear decision to put the practitioner at the heart of their learning activity. How do you prioritise learning from strengths without leaving behind what needs to change? What difference does it make when a chair practices active listening compared to the one who over steers? We leave no stone unturned. We tackle head on the situation in which the same issue comes up for review again & again. Plus considering how national thematic learning can be embedded lo...
2022-03-0756 min
The Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastReviews, the Media and the Independent Chair Role with David NivenHave you ever read a headline in mainstream media reporting on social workers having done a good job? If you havenât, my next question is âhow does this impact on how those professionals FEEL? I suspect this can be applied more widely to safeguarding professionals in general. This was the conversation that began with reviews then expanded into social work & the media & social work world wide. We touch on the âbefore & afterâ since the Wood Review, what the independent chair role* is really like, plus some real life experiences of how our world is misunderstood & misreported in the m...
2022-02-2849 min
The Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastEp 004: Compassionate Ageism in Social Care ProvisionJoin me for this conversation if you are open to be challenged about how you think about older people & growing older. Mervyn offers us his thoughts about a society in which stereotyped ageist assumptions abound. A topic so close to my heart, Mervynâs comments were more than enough to fuel me to continue to question & challenge what I hear, see & think. Are you ready to do the same? Whatever your position is on health, social care & public sector service provision, my promise is the adrenaline will flow. This episode is well worth a listen. Th...
2022-02-2149 min
The Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastEp 003: Assessing Risk in Domestic AbuseThe requirement for a stronger perpetrator focus, more robust legislation about coercive control, the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme & non fatal strangulation becoming a stand alone offence. These & other important changes are becoming embedded & the action required on the ground is unprecedented. The conversation I will share with you covers the changes & how the sector is managing it, how the changes are viewed. But fundamentally, the question about how risk assessment & how well it assists in preventing serious harm is a valid one. Whether you are fully immersed in all thatâs happening or an onlooker, th...
2022-02-0741 min
The Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastEp 002: Are Reviews Adding Value or Adding Unnecessary Layers of Improvement Action?The essential, inescapable question we have to ask ourselves & be held accountable for. Are you ready? The conversation I will share with you is an eye opener. A wake up call, in a good way. Itâs a more gentle form of challenge than you might think, so donât be afraid. Trust me. You can dive in. Listen in to reflect with us about recommendations about training, polices & procedures, how to formulate succinct review questions which focus on new learning. And when two podcasters get together itâs inevitable that we overflow with e...
2022-01-3136 min
The Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastEp 001: The 4 Features of Honest, Trauma Informed Engagement with Families in ReviewsThis episode provides an opportunity for you to listen in to a very special discussion which went deeper and into some of the far reaches of engaging with families in reviews. You will hear what happened when a group of professionals who care deeply about honest, trauma informed family engagement aired some forthright, vulnerable, points. Acknowledging there are no absolutes, there are sometimes no concrete answers. The conversation which took place in this intimate zoom room generated a range of emotions. Transformative review practice relies on conversations like this happening. To be in with a c...
2022-01-2455 min
The Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastSeason 2 TrailerItâs with much excitement that I am bringing to you the first episode of Season 2 of my podcast. You will notice some changes that come with this trailer including a change of name from the SILP School podcast to the Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector Podcast. This really shows how I am looking to go to the next level in this season. A more focused name, guests who will not only give great learning but also support and challenge your practice. I cannot wait to hear how each episode impacts you the listener and I am so excited to...
2022-01-1006 minThe Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastEp 031: How to Build Reviewer Capacity from Within the PartnershipIn this episode we have an opportunity to gain insight into what happens when a team of professionals from a partnership attend SILP training. 2 & a half years on, Margaret Tench shares with me the experience of her & her colleagues, including the challenges they have faced. Margaret also shares her advice for any team considering building reviewer capacity from with the partnership. Have you undertaken a similar approach within your partnership? Did it work well? Let me know & we can speak about it on the SILP School podcast. SILP works in Child Safeguarding Practice...
2021-09-2015 minThe Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastEp 030: Why We Involve Practitioners for Better Review OutcomesSILP works in Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews, Safeguarding Adult Reviews & Domestic Homicide Reviews. There are many differences of approach, but the principles I share in this episode work across all 3 types of review. Creating this episode was important for me. It got me thinking. Thus, wherever you are on your practitioner engagement journey itâs worth a listen. Download the pdf below for the takeaways. Links and references from the show: Why we involve practitioners for better review outcomes SILP Assessment Workshop 13th September Workshop 30th S...
2021-09-1311 minThe Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastEp 029: How to Reduce the Number of Meetings & Redrafts in Your ReviewWhether you are involved in Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews, Safeguarding Adult Reviews or Domestic Homicide Reviews, you will be familiar with more traditional review models in which the standing panel is at the centre of all the action. But how ready are you to consider something different? Have you experimented & what were the results? I donât know how ready you are to wave goodbye to your standing panel, & Iâm not in favour of losing all that this panel brings. So all I ask is that you listen in & approach this episode with a growt...
2021-09-0611 min
The Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastEp 028: Same Learning, Different RecommendationsWhether you are involved in Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews, Safeguarding Adult Reviews or Domestic Homicide Reviews, you will at times see your reviews revealing a recurrent issue. But how do you avoid repeating the layers of improvement action already recommended & creating the potential for new outcomes? Join me & Julia Greig, who is a Service Delivery Manager working in Adult Social Care who completes individual management reviews or IMRs as part of her role. We reflect on the issues which have come up time & time again in Juliaâs local area as well as considering how to...
2021-08-3015 minThe Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastEp 027: Fixed Mindset v Growth MindsetWhether you are involved in Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews, Safeguarding Adult Reviews or Domestic Homicide Reviews, you will at times hit a point in which  the way forward is less than clear. I did when I was establishing my independent review practice. I was still developing my own individual style. In this episode I share where the spirals of self doubt would lead me. Alongside the positives I am now able to recognise & draw on which may help. I can now also identify more clearly what might differentiate what I did from some others I h...
2021-08-2311 minThe Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastEp 026: How to sky rocket your success in reviewsHow are your reviews going lately? You would not be alone if you were asking the question about how to sky rocket your success. In this episode I explore the myths around working with SILP. It seems there is a lack of clarity around the ins & outs of exactly how it works. I donât want you to miss what it can mean for you & your review practice. So this felt like the right time for you to have it all in one place. After all, if this is a question fo...
2021-08-1611 minThe Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastEp 025: Overview Report Writing #3 â Dual ResponsibilityItâs time for part 3 of 3 of my conversational episodes on our summer theme of overview report writing. Thereâs plenty to dig into in the links below if you want the teaching side, too. But to begin, join me to explore the dual responsibility for local areas & independent reviewers to aspire to shorter overview reports with strong analysis. It works for Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews, Safeguarding Adult Reviews & Domestic Homicide Reviews. The review is a project. All involved must be on message to produce the desired outcome. Listen in if you are an author, a co...
2021-08-0911 minThe Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastEp 024: Overview Report Writing #2 â 4 Types of Set Up WordingReflective conversation once again in the second of this 3 part series. Theyâre all on our summer theme of overview report writing. Thereâs plenty to dig into in the links below if you want the teaching side, too. But to kick us off, join me in this episode to hear my thoughts on the set up wording at the start of the overview report. If you are an author, a commissioners of reviews, review participant or you are in a quality assurance role you may feel differently. Letâs open the debate. Links...
2021-08-0211 minThe Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastEp 023: Overview Report Writing #1 â My 4 ReflectionsConversations rather than full-on teaching. Thatâs the theme for part 1 of this 3 part series. Theyâre all on our summer theme of overview report writing. Thereâs plenty to dig into in the links below if you want the teaching side, too. But to kick us off, join me in this episode to hear my 4 reflections on report writing. Itâs good for authors but also commissioners of reviews, review participants & those in quality assurance roles. Links & References from the show : SILP Assessment Save the date : FREE live workshops...
2021-07-2608 minThe Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastEp 022: Safeguarding Adult Reviews in Rapid Time with Karen ReesNow that Safeguarding Adult Reviews in Rapid time are well under way itâs a good opportunity to reflect on how they are being used & the impact they can have on the world of safeguarding adult reviews. Join me in this episode in which myself & a fellow SILP reviewer, Karen Rees, consider the current landscape & share thoughts on the potential we see for these reviews. Let me know your thoughts. Links & References from the show : SILP Assessment Quiz https://www.scie.org.uk/safeguarding/adults/reviews/in-rapid-time
2021-07-1922 minThe Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastEp 021: Choosing Your Next Best StepAre you considering how well you fit with a new role or project? Itâs not only about the recruitment decision, but the applicantâs selection of the employer, commissioner or project. Join me in this episode in which I explore the factors that are important & why. Plus how to generate a self assessment report which will give you more insight about your strengths to use in your next application. Let me know your thoughts. Links & References from the show: SILP Assessment Quiz www.reviewconsulting.co.uk/SILP...
2021-07-1204 minThe Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastEp 020: Specialist Reviewer v Jack of All TradesIf you work in the world of childrens reviews, do you learn & improve by understanding what works well in the world of safeguarding adult reviews or domestic homicide reviews. Why would you? Why should you? Join me in this episode. Iâm opening the debate. & If youâre interested in joining my workshop [see link below] I will have you covered if you work in any of these types of review. About Donna Ohdedar: Donna has 16 years public sector experience, including her last role as Head of L...
2021-07-0505 minThe Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastEp 019: Will It Elicit Learning?For now we work in an incident led review system. No matter whether you work in the world of safeguarding adult reviews, domestic homicide reviews or local child safeguarding practice reviews this is the current situation. Even where nationally there is a thematic approach. Even where your local review is being done thematically, it will have been triggered by an incident. Does that mean that the learning we can elicit is restricted by virtue of it being a âpoor outcomeâ case? Listen in to hear my take on this. I want to open the debate.
2021-06-2807 minThe Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastEp 018: 3 Strategies for Tighter Use of Language & Labels in your ReviewSo many of us in the world of reviews are ready to leave behind the use of loose terms or stock phrases which detract from a sharp analysis. At best they can be irritating. At worst they are confusing, misleading or utterly baffling. We all have to use subjective language at times, but we can back it up with fact in a way thatâs not too wordy or time consuming. In this episode you will hear more talk about this not being confined to language used in practice on the ground, but also in rev...
2021-06-2107 minThe Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastEp 017: 4 Steps to a More Poverty Aware ReviewPoverty aware practice & poverty aware reviews. This is the aspiration. It starts with identifying & acknowledging our own blindspots. Then we can illuminate them for others. The good news is the review is the perfect setting for this. Use this episode as your step 1 on the journey. Weâre all on this together. Links & References from the show : Poverty Aware Resource https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/child-safeguarding-practice-review-panel-annual-report-2020 https://www.basw.co.uk/system/files/resources/Anti%20Poverty%20Guide%20A42.pdf Complexity and challenge: a triennial ana...
2021-06-1406 minThe Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastEp 016: Terms of Reference with a Strengths FocusThere was never a time when focussing on strengths in our review practice was more needed. Reviews of 2020 practice, in particular, when practitioners had to work in new & challenging ways can have a very different feel when we try this. We are not looking for the superman practise, where someone did something over & above the day job. Listen in to understand what this is all about. Â About Donna Ohdedar: Donna has 16 years public sector experience, including her last role as Head of Law for a leading metropolitan authority. Now a safeguarding adviser & t...
2021-06-0705 minThe Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastEp 015: Tell Me WhyWill âthe whyâ ever become less relevant or less important? My guess it will remain top priority for some time to come. No matter which methodology you are using in your review if you increase your ratio of the why : the whatâ you are onto a winner. The latest publications [links below] have got me thinking about the why in new ways. Theyâve also helped me to understand what the value is in the local system as well as a national system of reviews. Listen in for my musings. About Donna Oh...
2021-05-3109 minThe Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastEp 014: Child Death â the Challenges for those Dealing With it & its Relevance for ReviewsWhen a child dies there are enormous challenges for professionals & these extend beyond the obvious intense levels of emotion & desire to be aware of & sensitive to the needs of the family. In this episode you will gain insight into the expectations of professionals & how the dynamics can play out. Those involved in the world of reviews should have a level of understanding of what happens & why. Expect to hear John & I explore the interaction with the review for more detail. John Fox John is a Senior Lecturer in Police Studies at the University of...
2021-05-2430 minThe Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastEp 013: Itâs What You Can Bring to the ReviewWhen it comes to applying for reviews there are 2 questions to be considered : What can this review bring for me? What can I bring to this review If you are looking to avoid overwhelm when making applications I recommend you focus more on (2). In this episode I discuss an approach you may want to take. About Donna Ohdedar: 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 childrenâs and ad...
2021-05-1706 minThe Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastWhen itâs a First..or Itâs Just ToughAre you contemplating a new beginning, or tackling a new or challenging endeavour? Youâre not alone. When you push yourself outside of the comfort zone thereâs generally something very worthwhile on the other side. & this episode just might get you through. About Donna Ohdedar: 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 childrenâs and adultsâ safeguarding, domestic homicide and is a SILP Reviewer and Mentor...
2021-05-1005 minThe Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastEp 011: Reading Body Language on a Virtual PlatformIf you are frustrated about missing the visual cues at your virtual practitioner event... I salute you. In this episode you can find out why. I will remind you of what you already know & offer small tweaks that may make a big difference You know I wonât be able to resist reminding you about role modelling what you want to see from others within your event. I promise you will thank me later. Itâs as simple as this. People value reviews which engage directly with the practitioner because they understand the value of huma...
2021-05-0306 minThe Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastEp 010: Technology & Your Virtual Practitioner EventFor so many involved in reviews the virtual practitioner event has felt like a compromise compared to being together in a room. Some preferred to delay or abandon the event altogether. Iâm here to offer a powerful shift you can try to get back on track. If you like it, replay this episode before your event. Â About Donna Ohdedar: 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 childrenâs and...
2021-04-2606 minThe Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastEp 009: How Your Strengths Impact on Different Learning StylesAre you playing to your strengths in a way that brings the best out of your review participants? Before I undertook some reflection on this, I donât think I had used all of my emotional intelligence to create the optimal environment for learning. So let me share with you the insights of a person who helped me. Mike & I will explore how to go deeper & understand both your impact & the ways in which you can enhance the contribution your participants can make. Please contact catherine@reviewconsulting.co.uk with your postal address if you ar...
2021-04-1925 minThe Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastEp 008: Resisting the Leadership LabelFor so many involved in reviews the term âleaderâ just doesnât resonate. So Iâm here to talk about the qualities you may already be displaying in your review work which make you exactly that. Or if youâre not, have a go. The results will amaze you. In SILP School we study the SILP codes, 2 of which are concerned with active leadership. Please contact catherine@reviewconsulting.co.uk with your postal address if you are a competition winner or runner up. About Donna Ohdedar: Donna has 16 years public sector exp...
2021-04-1205 minThe Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastEp 007: Suzy Kitching on How it Feels to be a Review ParticipantA rare opportunity to gain insight into how it feels to be involved in different types of review. The insights Suzy shares remind us all of the importance of clarity for participants as to what to expect at every single stage of the process. If a review participant feels heard & able to influence the final output, this creates that sense of ownership that we are hoping to foster. About Donna Ohdedar: Donna has 16 years public sector experience, including her last role as Head of Law for a leading metropolitan authority...
2021-04-0516 min
The Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastEp 006: Creating a Feedback Safe Environment - Your StrengthsThe review is a process which involves the giving & receiving of feedback. Feedback begins with self evaluation. In this episode I invite you to take the time for yourself & your personal development. Reflective space can be hard to come by, so take the opportunity to understand more about the impact you can create. I begin by outlining my thoughts on feedback, challenge & creating a sense of certainty around boundaries. You can try my approach to understanding more about your impact & how focussing on strengths also illuminates weakness & helps you to identify areas for development.
2021-03-2907 min
The Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastEp 005: 3 Simple Strategies to Avoid Chronology OverwhelmChronologies. Love them or hate them. They are here for now & there are ways of working with them rather than allowing them to create overwhelm in the context of the review. In this episode I address this controversial topic head on. I begin with full disclosure on my preferred approach to the chronology. I share my approach to offering flexibility in a review where there are differing approaches to using one. Finally, I offer strategies for accommodating all without creating overwhelm or lack of engagement. About Donna Ohdedar: Donna has 16 years public...
2021-03-2206 min
The Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastEp 004: Frank Mullane - on vision, the myth about blame & innovationIn this conversation with Frank Mullane, CEO & Founder of Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse, the conversation flows in the direction of notions of blame in reviews. But this is not a conversation purely for philosophers. Join us for this one if you like to hear Frank pepper his narrative with examples from real reviews. Real families lives. Including his own. Frank gives us a taster of his contribution at the forthcoming SILP Digital Round Table, ie what it means to raise the status of parties to the review & of the living public. He explodes the...
2021-03-1516 min
The Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastEp 003: Recommendations â an IntroductionIn this episode I attempt to restrain myself from getting too carried away on the subject of recommendations. So, the promise is this will be an introduction only. I begin with sharing the reason why I think this topic is worthy of our close attention & how a consultative review methodology helps us to execute this really well. I speak about commonality & cultural differences across 3 different types of review & from area to area. I will explore the history which led us to where we are now. I also tackle the tricky subject of numbers head on...
2021-03-0506 min
The Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastEp 002: Supporting Safeguarding Professionals with Wendy ThorogoodJoin me with my guest Wendy Thorogood, President of the Association of Child Protection Professionals. The conversation delved into the question of viewing the system in isolation when we know âthereâs no child without adults.â We considered Wendyâs experience of supporting safeguarding professionals over the last year, including embracing technology, considering how events have changed & realising the magic is in the quality of the conversation. Wendyâs invitation to you is to connect with her about âthe unobviousâ. How could you refuse? About Wendy Thorogood Wendy Thorogood is an independent Nurse Consultant for c...
2021-02-2221 min
The Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector PodcastEp 001: SILP - the BasicsThis is the episode for you if you are new to the methodology or need a refresher. I will share about my history & my âwhyâ, including how we began with trying new things & had to overcome fears with this âexperimentalâ methodology. I talk about my drive to help others see the value of the process, not only the final product. Then I outline the SILP non-negotiables & the SILP formula  About Donna Ohdedar: Donna has 16 years public sector experience, including her last role as Head of Law for a leading metropolitan authority...
2021-02-2208 min
The AoCPP PodcastCase Reviews: the next phase of reviewing cases w/ Donna OhdedarWelcome to Association of Child Protection Professionals' Podcast, a weekly podcast where we, alongside guest hosts, share with you the latest in child and family news.This episode is a Special Episode. In these special episodes, we take a more focused look at a singular issue that professionals working with children and families need to know about. These are often specific and urgent â so weâll be talking with a professional at the forefront of the issue.In today's episode, Wendy Thorogood, Chair of the Association of Child Protection Professionals, talks to Donna Ohdedar, Head...
2020-06-2628 min