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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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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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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

2) Curiosity, challenge and disproportionality

3) Working better together when risks are complex

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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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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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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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.

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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.

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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.