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  • Protecting All Vulnerable Babies Better - An overview of the National CSPR with the National Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel

    Protecting All Vulnerable Babies Better - An overview of the National CSPR with the National Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel
    2026/07/06

    Get in touch with us at The P Pod

    What if the key to safeguarding infants lies in understanding the often-overlooked complexities of family trauma, rapid mobility, and concealed pregnancies?

    Sally Shearer OBE, a leading expert from the National Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel, shares ground breaking insights from their latest report, Protecting All Vulnerable Babies Better. This episode reveals how systemic gaps—like poor cross-border communication and unaddressed trauma—can mean the difference between life and death for our youngest children.

    Discover why the most vulnerable babies are at highest risk during their first year, especially those in families that frequently move or hide pregnancies. Sally unpacks the patterns, revealing how repeat removals and trauma responses hinder effective safeguarding. Learn how trauma-informed, family-led approaches can break this cycle—turning seemingly insurmountable barriers into opportunities for meaningful intervention.

    We also delve into practical steps for professionals across all sectors—midwives, social workers, healthcare providers—and how vibrant, collaborative communication strategies, like robust pre-birth protocols and improved information sharing, can be game changers. The review emphasizes that safeguarding isn’t just about reacting to crises but about proactive, systemic change—particularly for families with complex histories.

    Why does this matter? Because unintentional systemic gaps—like poor inter-agency communication or lack of curiosity—mean children fall through the cracks. But with targeted, trauma-aware practices, professionals can prevent loss, support family reunification, and save lives. This episode is essential listening for anyone committed to reshaping child protection to be more compassionate, effective, and proactive.

    Check out the National Panel's website, where you can find more details of this review HERE

    Reflective questions for professionals:

    1. How does trauma-informed practice influence your approach to engaging families who are difficult to reach?
    2. What systemic barriers—like communication or data sharing—might be preventing children from being safeguarded effectively in your area?
    3. How can your team improve cross-agency collaboration to ensure seamless safeguarding of families across borders or frequent moves?

    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.
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    53 分
  • Understanding Radicalisation and the Prevent Duty

    Understanding Radicalisation and the Prevent Duty
    2026/06/29
    Get in touch with us at The P PodMost professionals underestimate the crucial role of safeguarding when it comes to preventing radicalisation. In this episode, Kira Baker, Regional Prevent Officer, unpacks how safeguarding principles are seamlessly integrated into Counter-Terrorism strategies like Prevent, emphasizing their importance in everyday practice.Kira provides the clarity frontline workers need, explaining how Prevent isn't about criminalisation but early support—highlighting success stories that often go unnoticed. She discusses the evolution of the strategy, current threat levels, and the dominant ideological threats in the UK, like Islamist extremism and right-wing violence, revealing how online spaces significantly amplify vulnerability.Discover concrete frameworks such as Notice, Check, Share, as Kira guides us through real-world safeguarding scenarios, demonstrating how to identify signs of radicalisation—whether it's online activity, behavioral shifts, or community indicators. She emphasizes that safeguarding isn't about ticking boxes but understanding individual vulnerabilities within their broader life context, fostering trust and open dialogue instead of stigmatisation.You’ll also hear about the innovative support mechanisms like Channel panels and intervention providers, which focus on holistic, person-centered interventions that respect individuals' rights and beliefs. Kira explains how consent and personalised support underpin effective early intervention, dispelling myths about enforcement or punishment.Reflective Questions:1. How can we integrate the Notice, Check, Share framework into our current safeguarding practices?2. What are the potential challenges in shifting perceptions of Prevent from a punitive to a supportive strategy?3. How can we better identify and support individuals at risk of radicalization within our communities?Links from this episode:If you are worried someone is being radicalised you can call the national police Prevent line on 0800 011 3764 or 18001 101 for a text phone service for hearing impaired peoplePrevent information page: www.gov.uk/preventPrevent duty guidance: Prevent duty guidance: England and Wales (2023) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) Counter-terrorism strategy (CONTEST) 2023 - GOV.UKKey principles of Prevent - GOV.UKwww.actearly.uk Prevent duty training - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk/prevent-duty-training)Educate Against Hate - Prevent Radicalisation & Extremism https://www.getsafeonline.org/social-networking/online-radicalisation/ Autism and Extremism: The Questions that Operational Practitioners Should be Asking Going Too Far? Help your child stay safe online - Kids Online SafetyFurther details of topics discussed can be found on the SSCP Website: somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.ukIf 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.
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    1 時間 18 分
  • Why We (DON'T) talk about CSA with Jeremy Indika

    Why We (DON'T) talk about CSA with Jeremy Indika
    2026/06/15

    Get in touch with us at The P Pod

    Most of us find it incredibly uncomfortable to discuss child sexual abuse openly—and for good reason.

    Jeremy Indika, founder of Something to Say and advocate for survivors, joins us to unravel why talking about abuse remains taboo and how we can break down those barriers. His powerful personal story, alongside expert insights, shines a light on the unseen complexities that make it so hard for children and adults alike to speak up—and why staying silent is the biggest risk of all.

    You’ll discover:

    • The subtle signs and manipulative tactics abusers use to keep children silent and examples from Jeremy’s own experience.
    • How our current conversations and protective measures might be outdated and what new approaches can empower children to disclose safely.
    • The importance of shifting perceptions: viewing abuse through a child’s lens and understanding why pleasure or confusion can complicate their responses.
    • Practical strategies for professionals and parents to foster confidence, trust, and open dialogue with children—without adding to their shame or confusion.
    • Why engaging directly with offenders can be part of prevention—and how a science-based, rational approach can help us understand and disrupt grooming behaviours before harm occurs.

    This episode is essential listening for anyone working with children—teachers, social workers, youth workers, and parents—who want to move beyond fear and stigma to truly protect and empower young lives. Jeremy’s insights challenge us all to rethink our responses and build a safer, more open future.

    Jeremy Indika is a passionate advocate, founder of Something to Say, and a survivor who uses his experiences to educate and reform safeguarding practices across sectors.

    To find out more go to https://jeremyindika.com/

    Reflective Questions from this Episode:
    1. How can we create a safe and supportive environment for children to disclose abuse without fear of judgment or repercussions.

    2. In what ways can our current safeguarding practices be improved to better identify and respond to subtle signs of abuse?

    3.How can we engage with offenders in a way that contributes to prevention and understanding, while maintaining the safety and dignity of survivors?

    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.
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    1 時間 2 分
  • Women as Perpetrators of Child Sexual Abuse

    Women as Perpetrators of Child Sexual Abuse
    2026/06/01

    Get in touch with us at The P Pod

    In todays episode we're fortunate to be joined by Dr. Alex Bailey, Forensic Psychologist from The Lucy Faithful Foundation as we look to gain a greater understanding of differing typologies of female perpetrators of CSA, the risks and additional barriers to children when the perpetrator of abuse is female and the support available for both actual and potential perpetrators and professionals through the Stop It Now campaign.

    Find out more at www.lucyfaithful.org.uk

    Reflective Questions Based on This Episode:

    1. How can we ensure that our safeguarding practices are free from unconscious bias, particularly in recognizing female perpetrators of abuse?

    2. What strategies can we implement to create a safe environment for children to disclose abuse, especially when the perpetrator is a female caregiver?

    3. In what ways can we better support and educate families and communities about the complexities of abuse dynamics, including the roles of women as potential perpetrators?

    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.
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    57 分
  • Responding to Children Who Report Sexual Abuse

    Responding to Children Who Report Sexual Abuse
    2026/05/11

    Get in touch with us at The P Pod

    Most professionals shy away from conversations about child sexual abuse because they fear doing harm or making mistakes — but what if confidence and simple, compassionate communication tools could change everything?

    In this episode, we dive deep into the updated practical resources from the Centre of Expertise on Child Sexual Abuse, designed to empower everyone—from teachers and coaches to healthcare assistants—to have meaningful, trauma-informed conversations with children.

    Our guest, Dr. Natasha Sabin, Practice Improvement Advisor at CSA Centre, shares insights from their recent resource updates. She explains how their "Communicating with Children" guide supports a broad range of professionals to notice subtle signs of distress, create safe spaces for disclosures, and respond confidently—even when verbal communication is limited.

    You'll discover the importance of meeting children where they are in terms of communication, how to build trust without leading, and why understanding trauma’s impact on memory is crucial for effective listening.

    We also break down how everyday conversations — like noticing mood changes or asking gentle open-ended questions — can act as vital proactive steps in safeguarding.

    Natasha emphasizes that most disclosures happen gradually, through a process of noticing non-verbal cues and providing children with control and reassurance. This episode underscores why response is everything: ignoring quiet signals or relying on children to tell only when they're ready can leave children at greater risk—and why empowering every adult to be a confident, trustworthy listener makes a measurable difference in safeguarding practice.

    Perfect for teachers, healthcare workers, social workers, sports coaches, and anyone who works with children, this conversation highlights how simple shifts in approach and mindset can transform safeguarding efforts. Whether you're new to child protection or looking to refresh your skills, this episode offers practical, evidence-based strategies to foster confidence and turn everyday interactions into protective opportunities.

    Dr. Natasha Sabin is the Practice Improvement Advisor at the Centre of Expertise on Child Sexual Abuse, bringing expert insights on trauma-informed communication and safeguarding best practices.

    Reflective Questions for Team Discussions:

    1) How can we create a more supportive environment for children to express their feelings and concerns?

    2) What strategies can we implement to better recognize non-verbal cues of distress in children?

    3) How can we ensure that our communication approach is trauma-informed and empowers children to feel safe and heard?

    Check out the CSA Centre Website, including the resources discussed in this episode HERE

    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.
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    53 分
  • Working Together 2026 Update Special

    Working Together 2026 Update Special
    2026/04/27

    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.
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    39 分
  • P Pod Christmas Special 2025 - P Pod Wrapped!

    P Pod Christmas Special 2025 - P Pod Wrapped!
    2025/12/24

    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.
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    1 時間 34 分
  • "I Wanted Them all to Notice" - learnings on Child Sexual Abuse - P Pod LIVE Recording!

    "I Wanted Them all to Notice" - learnings on Child Sexual Abuse - P Pod LIVE Recording!
    2025/12/01

    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.
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    1 時間 27 分