The Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector Podcast

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

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

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

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

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