The P Pod

The Somerset Safeguarding Children Partnership
  • 5.0 (2)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED FORTNIGHTLY

Welcome to the Partnership Podcast - The P Pod, from the Somerset Safeguarding Children Partnership! Meet the agencies who will help you to support children, young people and their families across Somerset. Explore local and national learning and how to improve your safeguarding practice. If you would like to take part in a future podcast or have any questions or comments arising from any episodes we'd love you to contact us at theppod@somerset.gov.uk www.somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk

  1. Working Together 2026 Update Special

    27 APR

    Working Together 2026 Update Special

    Get in touch with us at The P Pod We are back with a new series of The P Pod after a short hiatus with today's episode with SSCP's Business Manager, Jasmine Wark where we bring you the key highlights of the changes that have been made in the recently published update to Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026. If you'd like to find out more about the Families First Programme mentioned in this episode you can go to the SSCP website HERE, or check out the government information on the programme HERE. Reflective Questions Based on this Episode to Encourage Team Discussions: 1) Seeing the whole child and family In light of the stronger emphasis on Family Help and a whole‑family, child‑centred approach, how confident are we that children’s lived experiences are genuinely shaping our decisions—and what might we need to do differently to ensure this happens consistently in our day‑to‑day practice? What does putting family-led practice at the heart of everything we do actually look like in how we engage and support families needs? 2) Curiosity, challenge and disproportionality The guidance places stronger expectations on anti‑racist and anti‑discriminatory practice—how do we, as a team, create enough professional curiosity and psychological safety to recognise bias, challenge decisions (our own and others’), and address disproportionality when we see it? 3) Working better together when risks are complex With clearer expectations about multi‑agency accountability and children experiencing multiple or hidden harms (such as CSA, domestic abuse, or harm outside the home), where do we work best together—and where do gaps in information‑sharing, thresholds or roles still create risk for children?Further details of topics discussed can be found on the SSCP Website: somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk If you have any comments or questions from this podcast, or would like to be involved in a future episode please get in touch at ThePPod@somerset.gov.uk To access the transcript for this episode go to The P Pod (somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk) and click on the episode for details.

    40 min
  2. P Pod Christmas Special 2025 - P Pod Wrapped!

    24/12/2025

    P Pod Christmas Special 2025 - P Pod Wrapped!

    Get in touch with us at The P Pod It's that time of year again when we deck the halls, hang up our stockings and, more stress inducing for the SSCP Business Unit, our host, SSCP Training Manager Steve Macabee cajoles the rest of the team to join him in recording a Christmas Special P Pod where they reflect on everything that they've been up to in 2025 and begin to look towards 2026. Another unique opportunity to gain an insight into the work of the Business Unit and the wider Partnership work and understand why certain developments have taken place in the last year and what you can expect in the year to come. Thank you to all of the guests that have joined us at the P Pod in the last year, and of course to everyone for listening. We'll be taking a short break after this to record many more episodes, but look forward to you joining us again later in the year.  Further details of topics discussed can be found on the SSCP Website: somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk If you have any comments or questions from this podcast, or would like to be involved in a future episode please get in touch at ThePPod@somerset.gov.uk To access the transcript for this episode go to The P Pod (somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk) and click on the episode for details.

    1hr 35min

  3. 01/12/2025

    P Pod LIVE Recording! "I wanted them all to notice" - learnings on Child Sexual Abuse

    Get in touch with us at The P Pod Today you join us for a very special P Pod Episode indeed as we're joined not only by the National Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel's Sally Shearer OBE, who talks about the National Panels review into Interfamilial Child Sexual Abuse, but also over 130 others who joined us for this livestreamed podcast recording. We also hear from those who joined to watch the live recording, as well as Margaret Brookes (SSCP Business Manager) and Kerry Male (Dept Designated Nurse for Safeguarding from Somerset's ICB) who discuss the local implementations of the National Panel's report recommendations. This episode was recorded on 1st December 2025 as part of the SSCP's Forum Week of webinars on CSA. You can find out more, along with the webinar recordings for the rest of the week on the SSCP December 2025 Forum Week Webpage   Further details of topics discussed can be found on the SSCP Website: somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk If you have any comments or questions from this podcast, or would like to be involved in a future episode please get in touch at ThePPod@somerset.gov.uk To access the transcript for this episode go to The P Pod (somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk) and click on the episode for details.

    1hr 28min

  4. 17/11/2025

    Empowering Schools with NSPCC Programmes

    Get in touch with us at The P Pod In this episode of the P-Pod, Steve Macabee speaks with Tamsin Sheldrake from the NSPCC about the organization's vital role in safeguarding children.  Tamsin discusses her work within the Schools Service Team, focusing on various programs designed to educate children and support schools in addressing safeguarding issues.  The conversation covers the NSPCC's 10-year strategy, the importance of a whole school approach, and the various resources available for teachers and parents.  Tamsin also highlights the significance of Childline and the adult helpline, emphasising the need for community involvement and volunteer support in safeguarding efforts. Links to information referenced in this episode: Working with schools | NSPCC NSPCC | Volunteers NSPCC Helpline | NSPCC Childline | NSPCC Common Sense Media: www.commonsense.org Reflective Questions for Professionals Based on this Episode 1. How well do we ensure that everyone in our organisation or team—regardless of role or seniority—feels prepared and confident to respond to safeguarding concerns or disclosures from children, young people, or families? Consider whether all staff, volunteers, and professionals know how to respond and where to seek support, not just those in specialist safeguarding roles. 2. In what ways are we embedding safeguarding principles and resources into our everyday practice, rather than relying on occasional training or one-off communications? Reflect on how safeguarding is part of your organisational culture, ongoing conversations, and routine activities, ensuring it’s a “golden thread” throughout your work. 3. What emerging challenges—such as online safety, mental health, or social isolation—are we noticing among the people we support, and how are we adapting our approaches and resources to meet these evolving needs? Discuss recent trends or concerns, and explore how your team can proactively respond, including signposting to relevant support services or updating your own knowledge and resources. Further details of topics discussed can be found on the SSCP Website: somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk If you have any comments or questions from this podcast, or would like to be involved in a future episode please get in touch at ThePPod@somerset.gov.uk To access the transcript for this episode go to The P Pod (somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk) and click on the episode for details.

    45 min

  5. 03/11/2025

    Safeguarding Victims and Vulnerable people with the Lighthouse Safeguarding Unit

    Get in touch with us at The P Pod  In todays episode of the P-Pod, Steve Macabee speaks with Alison Jenkinson and Tim McDonald from Avon and Somerset Police’s Lighthouse Safeguarding Unit. They unpack the unit’s vital role in protecting children and vulnerable individuals, handling over 100,000 tasks annually and work to liaise across multiagency partners and respond to the complex needs of families. Topics include domestic abuse, mental health, child exploitation, trauma-informed practice, and multi-agency collaboration and explores the challenges of information sharing, the importance of trauma-informed practice, and the evolving landscape of safeguarding in response to new legislation and societal needs.  A must-listen for anyone working in or curious about safeguarding.  Reflective Questions Based on this Episode: How effectively are we identifying and responding to mental health concerns in children and families, especially when there is no clear referral pathway? Consider gaps in current practice and opportunities for better collaboration with mental health services.In what ways can we strengthen our trauma-informed approach when communicating with victims or reviewing safeguarding concerns? Reflect on language, tone, and timing, especially in high-stress or sensitive situations.How can we improve multi-agency information sharing to prevent repeat safeguarding incidents and ensure timely support for vulnerable individuals? Think about current barriers and practical steps to enhance coordination across services.Further details of topics discussed can be found on the SSCP Website: somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk If you have any comments or questions from this podcast, or would like to be involved in a future episode please get in touch at ThePPod@somerset.gov.uk To access the transcript for this episode go to The P Pod (somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk) and click on the episode for details.

    47 min

  6. 20/10/2025

    Fearless - Helping Young People Report Crime

    Get in touch with us at The P Pod Recently I was asked how if a Young Person had a concern about exploitation or any type of crime how can they report this as many of the reporting routes we talk about are aimed at professionals, so in todays episode I've been lucky enough to speak to Lauren and Georgie from Fearless - part of Crimestoppers about exactly that. As well as talking about reporting crime we explore some of the potential barriers to this, how to talk about it with Young People and how professionals can help to support and spread the word. Find out more, including how to get hold of their fabulous resources at the Fearless website: www.fearless.org Reflective Questions Based on this Episodes: 1. How can we better empower young people to report concerns about crime or exploitation, especially considering the barriers such as fear of repercussions, distrust of authorities, and stigma around “snitching”? Consider what practical steps your team can take to build trust, clarify the difference between snitching and reporting, and promote safe, anonymous reporting options like Fearless.2. In what ways are we currently engaging with young people to ensure their voices, experiences, and feedback shape our safeguarding approaches and/or resources? Reflect on whether your team is co-designing campaigns, resources, or interventions with young people, and how you might strengthen youth participation and feedback loops.3. How can we as professionals and organisations work collaboratively—both internally and with external partners—to raise awareness of anonymous reporting services and ensure young people know where to turn if they have concerns? Discuss strategies for embedding services like Fearless into your work, sharing resources, and leveraging trusted relationships to spread the message effectively.Further details of topics discussed can be found on the SSCP Website: somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk If you have any comments or questions from this podcast, or would like to be involved in a future episode please get in touch at ThePPod@somerset.gov.uk To access the transcript for this episode go to The P Pod (somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk) and click on the episode for details.

    49 min

  7. 06/10/2025

    Safeguarding in Sport with SASP

    Get in touch with us at The P Pod And we're back for Season 3 of the P Pod and kicking things off we talk to Tracey Sweetland, Sport Welfare Officer from Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership (SASP) and member of the Sport Welfare Officer Network to talk about the importance of safeguarding children in sports and activities and how organisations can be supported to safeguard children effectively. Reflective Questions Based on this Episode: 1. How can we move beyond compliance to create a genuine safeguarding culture in our organisations, where everyone feels responsible and confident to act on concerns? Consider how safeguarding is communicated, modelled, and embedded in everyday practice, regardless of your setting.2. What practical steps can we take to engage and support volunteers, parents, carers, and other community members in understanding and fulfilling their safeguarding responsibilities? Reflect on common barriers (such as time, training, or misconceptions) and discuss ways to make safeguarding accessible and collaborative for all.3. How do we ensure our safeguarding approaches are inclusive and responsive to the needs of children and young people with additional vulnerabilities or special needs? Discuss what adaptations, resources, or training might be needed to safeguard all children effectively, in any context.Further details of topics discussed can be found on the SSCP Website: somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk If you have any comments or questions from this podcast, or would like to be involved in a future episode please get in touch at ThePPod@somerset.gov.uk To access the transcript for this episode go to The P Pod (somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk) and click on the episode for details.

    31 min

  8. 21/07/2025

    The Evolving World of Online Safety

    Get in touch with us at The P Pod In this episode of the P-Pod, we discusses the evolving landscape of online safety with Matt Mustafic, an expert advisor in computing and online safety and explore the challenges schools face in educating children about online risks, the importance of engaging parents, and the need for a proactive approach to online bullying.  The conversation highlights the significance of digital literacy and the role of AI in education, emphasising the necessity for schools to adapt to the changing technological environment while ensuring the safety and well-being of students. You can find out more about the work of ELiM and get in touch with Matt HERE To find out more about online safety, including tools and resources to support to keep children safe online check out the SSCP Forum Week Videos Reflective Questions for Practitioners Based on this Episode: How can we effectively balance the benefits and risks of online technology in our practices?Consider the ways in which technology can enhance learning and engagement, while also addressing potential safety concerns.What strategies can we implement to better engage parents in supporting online safety at home?Reflect on the challenges of involving parents and explore methods to foster a collaborative approach to online safety.In what ways can we empower children and young people to make positive choices online, similar to how we teach them about real-life decision-making?Discuss the parallels between online and offline behaviors and how to instill a sense of responsibility.How can we stay informed and adaptable to the rapidly changing landscape of technology and online safety?Share ideas on continuous learning and professional development to keep up with technological advancements and evolving safety guidelines.Further details of topics discussed can be found on the SSCP Website: somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk If you have any comments or questions from this podcast, or would like to be involved in a future episode please get in touch at ThePPod@somerset.gov.uk To access the transcript for this episode go to The P Pod (somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk) and click on the episode for details.

    1 hr
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2 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Partnership Podcast - The P Pod, from the Somerset Safeguarding Children Partnership! Meet the agencies who will help you to support children, young people and their families across Somerset. Explore local and national learning and how to improve your safeguarding practice. If you would like to take part in a future podcast or have any questions or comments arising from any episodes we'd love you to contact us at theppod@somerset.gov.uk www.somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk

Information

  • Creator
    The Somerset Safeguarding Children Partnership
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    57
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Somerset Safeguarding Children Partnership
  • Show Website
    The P Pod

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