Active Bystander Intervention - The 5 D's

In this week's episode, I explore the Department for Education newly published guidance on understanding and preventing serious violence in education, including specific advice on supporting children affected by serious violence.   In this episode I discuss: Recognising the needs of every child affected Responding to children's immediate welfare and emotional safety Looking beyond the immediate incident. Understanding additional needs and vulnerabilities. What safeguarding reviews can tell us about the response. You may have seen that this year I have written my first book. It shares my journey as an independent reviewer and the stories of people in my reviews that I have had the privilege to share. The official publication date is 23rd November and I will be celebrating the book at a party on 28th November. Would you like to see how the journey to publication unfolds over the next few weeks? You can join my Whats App Book Club group to gain a behind the scenes, all access channel where you can ask me all of your questions about the process and I can share with you what is happening in real time. Click here to join me in the book club.      

In this week's episode, I explore the newly updated Department for Education's statutory guidance on effective advocacy for looked-after children, children in need and care leavers. In this episode I discuss: What has changed in the statutory guidance. When advocacy should be offered. Supporting children who may struggle to express their wishes. Why independence matters. What reviewers should be looking for. Are you ready to find out more about independent review work? Whether you've been thinking about independent review work for a while or you're only just coming across it, why not download the replay of the one session that brings all of this together the  The Pivot. My on demand one hour workshop provides all you need to understand what independent review work involves, whether your skills are transferable, and what the journey from blue light professional to independent reviewer really looks like. No experience needed. No prior training required. Just bring your curiosity. Download the on demand workshop here.

In this week's episode, I explore the Government's early prison release scheme which is raising significant concerns about the safety of domestic abuse victims. In this episode, I discuss: The Government's early prison release scheme and concerns raised by the Domestic Abuse Commissioner The importance of effective monitoring and licence conditions,  The pressures facing probation services What this means for Domestic Abuse Related Death Reviews Are you ready to find out more about independent review work? Whether you have been thinking about independent review work for a while or you're only just coming across it, why not join me for a free webinar for social workers, health professionals and police who want to make a bigger difference, on their own terms. Taking place on Tuesday 3rd November at 1pm The Pivot workshop will cover my own transition from Head of Law to Independent Review work, why this work matters, the transferable skills required to do this work and what the first steps look like in making the transition. No experience needed. No prior training required. Just bring your curiosity. SAVE YOUR SPACE

In this week's episode, I explore the 5 Ds of Active Bystander Intervention, drawing on guidance from the Domestic Abuse Volunteer Support Service (DAVSS), and consider what this framework can teach us about safeguarding, professional curiosity and organisational culture. In this episode I discuss: What are the 5 Ds of Active Bystander Intervention What prevents us from speaking up or challenging harmful language and attitudes In safeguarding reviews, the importance of undersstanding the conditions that enable and prevent a person from speaking up or challenging decisions Are you ready to find out more about independent review work? Whether you've been thinking about independent review work for a while or you're only just coming across it, why not download the replay of the one session that brings all of this together the Independent Reviewer Immersion Workshop. My on demand one hour workshop provides all you need to understand what independent review work involves, whether your skills are transferable, and what the journey from blue light professional to independent reviewer really looks like. No experience needed. No prior training required. Just bring your curiosity. Download the on demand workshop here.  

In this week's episode I reflect on the changes to the way domestic abuse will be identified and recorded within the criminal justice system. In this episode I discuss: The intention of the new Judicial Finding of Domestic Abuse Why recognising patterns of coercive and controlling behaviour is essential The difference between information sharing and information use, and why making information available does not automatically mean professionals will recognise its significance or respond effectively What this means for Domestic Abuse Related Death Reviews   Are you ready to find out more about independent review work? Whether you've been thinking about independent review work for a while or you're only just coming across it, why not download the replay of the one session that brings all of this together the Independent Reviewer Immersion Workshop. My on demand one hour workshop provides all you need to understand what independent review work involves, whether your skills are transferable, and what the journey from blue light professional to independent reviewer really looks like. No experience needed. No prior training required. Just bring your curiosity. Download the on demand workshop here.  

In this week's episode I reflect on the recent Sky News investigation into the experiences of domestic abuse victims within the Family Court. In this episode I discuss: Why culture change must sit alongside legislative and procedural reform The importance of understanding domestic abuse cumulatively and in context, rather than viewing incidents in isolation  What it really means to hear the voice of the child What this means for safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Related Death Reviews   Are you ready to find out more about independent review work? Whether you've been thinking about independent review work for a while or you're only just coming across it, why not download the replay of the one session that brings all of this together the Independent Reviewer Immersion Workshop. My on demand one hour workshop provides all you need to understand what independent review work involves, whether your skills are transferable, and what the journey from blue light professional to independent reviewer really looks like. No experience needed. No prior training required. Just bring your curiosity. Download the on demand workshop here.

A new information sharing duty came into force on 30th September, introduced by the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act under a new section 16LA of the Children Act 2004. In this episode I look at the new statutory guidance and what the duty means for organisations. In this episode I discuss: What the new information sharing duty requires Consent and proportionate information sharing The recurring problem we see in reviews Putting the new duty into practice Are you ready to find out more about independent review work? 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 takes place online on 5th October at 1pm. 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. No experience needed. No prior training required. Just bring your curiosity. Sign up 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 Local Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews, Safeguarding Adult Reviews and Domestic Abuse Related Death Reviews. She is also an accredited 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  

The rules around regulated activity with children in England have changed and organisations working with children need to understand what that means for their safeguarding and safer recruitment arrangements. In this episode I explore what the new rules mean, which organisations need to take notice, and why this change closes a potential gap in safeguarding arrangements. In this episode I discuss: What has changed from 1st September 2026 The supervision exemption explained Which organisations need to consider the changes What this might look like through the lens of a review The question organisations should be asking now Are you ready to find out more about independent review work? 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 takes place online on 5th October at 1pm. 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. No experience needed. No prior training required. Just bring your curiosity. Sign up 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 Local Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews, Safeguarding Adult Reviews and Domestic Abuse Related Death Reviews. She is also an accredited 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.

Have you seen the new Impact Report from the Institute for Addressing Strangulation (IFAS), looking back at its work from 2022 to 2026? The report tells us about the growing recognition of non-fatal strangulation in domestic abuse cases and why the language used to record these incidents matters enormously for safeguarding professionals and independent reviewers. In this episode I explore: The increased recognition and recording of strangulation offences since the introduction of the standalone offence, and what this tells us about an issue that was historically poorly understood and identified. The continuing gaps within the data, including the significant proportion of police cases where the victim's ethnicity was recorded as unknown. Why independent reviewers need to pay close attention to how strangulation appears within chronologies, particularly when language such as "choking", "grabbed around the throat" or an "argument that got physical" can minimise the seriousness of what occurred. Why an incident involving the neck, throat or inability to breathe should prompt greater professional curiosity, ensuring that the risk isn't inadvertently made smaller through the way an incident has been recorded.   Are you fired up to generate implementable learning in reviews? An important opportunity is about to arise and I don't want you to miss it. Join me for the FREE online 5 day training 'How To Leverage Your Skills As A Blue Light Professional To Establish A Successful Career In Independent Reviews' taking place from 14th - 18th September 2026.  Inside the 5 day training you will learn: ⭐ how to find work that is flexible and meaningful post retirement or as your next career move ⭐ the essential skills and knowledge from your current role that are transferable to independent review work  ⭐ understanding the framework of independent reviews: what you need to know to get started ⭐ key strategies for building credibility and finding your first independent review opportunities ⭐ why SILP is the most engaging, proportionate method for independent reviews and so much more. All you need is an hour a day to get involved. You will receive a task to complete each day which will take 15 minutes max & an hour each evening online with me to learn more, to ask questions & receive feedback. Recordings will be available for any sessions you miss. It is an unprecedented opportunity to spend a whole 5 days with me as I support you on your journey to understanding this impactful career path. To join me click 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 Local Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews, Safeguarding Adult Reviews and Domestic Abuse Related Death Reviews. She is also an accredited 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  

After a long period of consultation and anticipation, the new statutory guidance for reviewing deaths following domestic abuse has been published. In this episode I explore: The move from DHRs to DARDRs, including the wider recognition of deaths that have, or appear to have, resulted from domestic abuse as defined within the Domestic Abuse Act 2021. How the transitional arrangements work: notifications received after 15 September 2026 fall under the new framework, while reviews already underway or notified before that date continue under the previous guidance. The introduction of the Home Office Quality Assurance Board, plans for greater oversight of recommendations and compulsory tiered training for DARDR chairs. Why publication of the guidance is the beginning rather than the end of the change – with important questions remaining about consistency, accountability, timely quality assurance and how effectively the new framework will work in practice.   Are you fired up to generate implementable learning in reviews? An important opportunity is about to arise and I don't want you to miss it. Join me for the FREE online 5 day training 'How To Leverage Your Skills As A Blue Light Professional To Establish A Successful Career In Independent Reviews' taking place from 14th - 18th September 2026.  Inside the 5 day training you will learn: ⭐ how to find work that is flexible and meaningful post retirement or as your next career move ⭐ the essential skills and knowledge from your current role that are transferable to independent review work  ⭐ understanding the framework of independent reviews: what you need to know to get started ⭐ key strategies for building credibility and finding your first independent review opportunities ⭐ why SILP is the most engaging, proportionate method for independent reviews and so much more. All you need is an hour a day to get involved. You will receive a task to complete each day which will take 15 minutes max & an hour each evening online with me to learn more, to ask questions & receive feedback. Recordings will be available for any sessions you miss. It is an unprecedented opportunity to spend a whole 5 days with me as I support you on your journey to understanding this impactful career path. To join me click 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 Local Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews, Safeguarding Adult Reviews and Domestic Abuse Related Death Reviews. She is also an accredited 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