Blog
5 questions to ask to prepare for September 2020
As the summer term draws to a close, we may have half an eye on the new academic year. In a usual year we may wait until the end of August before we worry about it too much. 2020 is not a usual year. As it currently stands, there is a 42% increase in couples...
Strategic Safeguarding for Difficult Times – Part 1
Whether we like it or not, Covid-19 (Coronavirus) has been declared a pandemic by the WHO. As I write this the UK government has confirmed we have entered the next phase, Delay. Though not yet in place, there are concerns that ‘social distancing’ will be here soon. We...
2019 My Review
I have always been fascinated by New Years Resolutions. Every year I made them, and every year I failed to follow through. This year, I decided to try something different. Using skills I have be working with for well over a decade, I decide to take a reflective...
Just How Much Of An Expert Are You?
A Climate Credits case has raised some interesting questions for the Safeguarding community, as an ‘expert’ put himself and the prosecution in a difficult position. Read on to find out how he landed himself in trouble, and how this affects us. When Is An Expert Not An...
Wider Implications Of The Charity Commission’s Critical Oxfam Report
Earlier, the Oxfam report was published, with more than 70 recommendations. The independent chair is Jim Gamble, the former head of CEOP, and current independent chair of a couple of local safeguarding children's boards. This review came about following allegations...
Court work: My top 5 tips for social workers
If you work in the world of child protection, at some point in your career you are going to come into contact with the court system. It is an inevitability. Sadly, too many professionals fear the court room and worry about what on earth happens in that mysterious...
Introduction to Coercive & Controlling Behaviour
In this blog I want to share with you some details and guidance around the offence of Coercive and Controlling Behaviour. The offence of Coercive and Controlling Behaviour came into force in December 2015. It carries a maximum sentence of 5 years imprisonment and/or a...
5 main types of abuse
Child protection is the responsibility of everyone. Child abuse disclosures are increasing and are affecting every aspect of a child's life. The impact of abuse on later life cannot be underestimated. There are many other types which professionals have to be aware of....