The Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector Podcast

In this week's episode, I explore the 5 Ds of Active Bystander Intervention, drawing on guidance from the Domestic Abuse Volunteer Support Service (DAVSS), and consider what this framework can teach us about safeguarding, professional curiosity and organisational culture.
In this episode I discuss:
What are the 5 Ds of Active Bystander Intervention

What prevents us from speaking up or challenging harmful language and attitudes

In safeguarding reviews, the importance of undersstanding the conditions that enable and prevent a person from speaking up or challenging decisions

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 download the replay of the one session that brings all of this together the Independent Reviewer Immersion Workshop. My on demand one hour workshop provides all you need to understand 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. Download the on demand workshop here.

In this week's episode I reflect on the changes to the way domestic abuse will be identified and recorded within the criminal justice system.
In this episode I discuss:
The intention of the new Judicial Finding of Domestic Abuse

Why recognising patterns of coercive and controlling behaviour is essential

The difference between information sharing and information use, and why making information available does not automatically mean professionals will recognise its significance or respond effectively
What this means for Domestic Abuse Related Death Reviews

 
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 download the replay of the one session that brings all of this together the Independent Reviewer Immersion Workshop. My on demand one hour workshop provides all you need to understand 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. Download the on demand workshop here.

In this week's episode I reflect on the recent Sky News investigation into the experiences of domestic abuse victims within the Family Court.
In this episode I discuss:
Why culture change must sit alongside legislative and procedural reform

The importance of understanding domestic abuse cumulatively and in context, rather than viewing incidents in isolation 

What it really means to hear the voice of the child

What this means for safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Related Death Reviews

 
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 download the replay of the one session that brings all of this together the Independent Reviewer Immersion Workshop. My on demand one hour workshop provides all you need to understand 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. Download the on demand workshop here.

A new information sharing duty came into force on 30th September, introduced by the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act under a new section 16LA of the Children Act 2004. In this episode I look at the new statutory guidance and what the duty means for organisations.
In this episode I discuss:
What the new information sharing duty requires

Consent and proportionate information sharing

The recurring problem we see in reviews

Putting the new duty into practice



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 5th October 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. Sign up 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 Local Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews, Safeguarding Adult Reviews and Domestic Abuse Related Death Reviews. She is also an accredited 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 rules around regulated activity with children in England have changed and organisations working with children need to understand what that means for their safeguarding and safer recruitment arrangements. In this episode I explore what the new rules mean, which organisations need to take notice, and why this change closes a potential gap in safeguarding arrangements.

In this episode I discuss:
What has changed from 1st September 2026

The supervision exemption explained

Which organisations need to consider the changes

What this might look like through the lens of a review

The question organisations should be asking now

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 5th October 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. Sign up 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 Local Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews, Safeguarding Adult Reviews and Domestic Abuse Related Death Reviews. She is also an accredited 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.