The Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector Podcast

Donna Ohdedar

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.

  1. 3D AGO

    reviews which analyse domestic abuse affecting older adults

    In this week's episode, we explore the important but often overlooked connections between Domestic Abuse Related Death Reviews and the Care Act 2014 and what these reviews are really telling us about how systems respond to older victims of domestic abuse. In this episode we cover: Why Domestic Abuse Related Death Reviews matter beyond understanding individual tragedies Missed opportunities to recognise and support carers — a recurring theme in reviews How caring relationships can create complex dynamics where dependency, care needs and safety intersect The Care Act's proactive duty on local authorities and how it can act as a protective factor What the Second National Analysis of Safeguarding Adult Reviews tells us about the growing overlap between domestic abuse and adult safeguarding Whether you've been thinking about independent review work for a while or you're only just coming across it, why not join download my free session that brings all of this together. The Independent Reviewer Immersion Workshop is now available on replay. 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. You can sign up for the replay 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/

    13 min
  2. MAR 26

    how independent reviews fit within a portfolio of independent work

    In today's episode I speak to Katie Fazal. Katie was already an Independent Social Worker when she signed up for SILP training. Now her independent practice includes independent review work.  In this Reviewer Spotlight conversation we cover: Why she believes SILP School was the best way to become successful with independent review work How she balances her consultancy work and ensures there is a constant flow of work How independent review work ensures that she is not always working alone and broadens her connections If Katie's story has resonated with you and you want to explore independent review work for yourself, SILP School gives you the training, the methodology and the community she talks about in this video.  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 is now available on replay. 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. You can sign up for the replay 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/

    13 min
  3. MAR 19

    How an independent reviewer can keep one foot in practice

    In today's reviewer spotlight I talk to Sarah Mantom. Sarah is a Designated Safeguarding Nurse and has an employed role alongside her independent review work.  In this Reviewer Spotlight conversation we cover: -Why she chose to formalise her practice through SILP training -How she balances working for an organisation with independent review work -How she chose her specialism in reviews Whether you joined the 5 Day Training last week, dropped off halfway through, or knew nothing about it… There is one session that brings all the best elements into one. It's called The Independent Reviewer Immersion Workshop. It takes place online  on 23rd March from 1–2pm and is free to attend. In just one hour, you'll walk away knowing exactly what independent reviewing involves, whether your skills are transferable, and what the journey from blue light professional to independent reviewer actually looks like. There is no experience needed. No prior training required. Just bring your curiosity. Register now to save your space.  https://donna-ohdedar.mykajabi.com/immersion-deepdive 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/

    14 min
  4. MAR 17

    Independent review work post retirement: the balance

    In today's reviewer spotlight I talk to Hazel Chamberlain, a registered children's and adults nurse with over 40 years of safeguarding experience who has recently retired from the NHS to build her own independent review practice. In this Reviewer Spotlight conversation we discuss: Why she chose to formalise her practice through SILP training How flexible independent review work really is Why doing this work alone, without a network, is one of the hardest things about it. Whether you joined the 5 Day Training last week, dropped off halfway through, or knew nothing about it… There is one session that brings all the best elements into one. It's called The Independent Reviewer Immersion Workshop. It takes place online  on 23rd March from 1–2pm and is free to attend. In just one hour, you'll walk away knowing exactly what independent reviewing involves, whether your skills are transferable, and what the journey from blue light professional to independent reviewer actually looks like. There is no experience needed. No prior training required. Just bring your curiosity. Register now to save your space.  https://donna-ohdedar.mykajabi.com/immersion-deepdive 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/

    20 min
  5. FEB 26

    014 safeguarding home-educated children

    Have your reviews analysed the safeguarding of home-educated children? In today's episode I talk about the NSPCC research exploring the increase in numbers of children educated at home and how the safeguarding system is struggling to keep pace with the shift. Expect this conversation to explore:  the increase in numbers of home-educated children how the safeguarding system is struggling to cope with the increase why the lack of visibility for children can see early warning signs go unnoticed if the national guidance is working in this situation   Are you fired up to generate implementable learning in reviews which could potentially improve the lives of vulnerable people? Join me for my free 5 day training taking place from 9th - 13th March 2026, 'How To Leverage Your Skills As A Blue Light Professional To Establish A Successful Career In Independent Reviews'. Click here to sign up.  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

    7 min
  6. FEB 20

    013 the government is not collecting statistics on this

    Learning generated within reviews so often lead us to the same question: Is a person with a learning disability at higher risk of exploitation or modern slavery more specifically? Or to take it one step further, are they being targeted for exploitation? Expect this conversation to explore:  Highlights from some new key research that has just come to an end What in these situations has the potential to increase risk? The importance of practitioners understanding interventions available   Are you fired up to generate implementable learning in reviews which could potentially improve the lives of vulnerable people? Join me for my free 5 day training taking place from 9th - 13th March 2026, 'How To Leverage Your Skills As A Blue Light Professional To Establish A Successful Career In Independent Reviews'. Click here to sign up.  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

    9 min

About

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.