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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.

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And we're back for Season 3 of the P Pod and kicking things off we talk to Tracey Sweetland, Sport Welfare Officer from Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership (SASP) and member of the Sport Welfare Officer Network to talk about the importance of safeguarding children in sports and activities and how organisations can be supported to safeguard children 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.

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In this episode of the P-Pod, we discusses the evolving landscape of online safety with Matt Mustafic, an expert advisor in computing and online safety and explore the challenges schools face in educating children about online risks, the importance of engaging parents, and the need for a proactive approach to online bullying.

The conversation highlights the significance of digital literacy and the role of AI in education, emphasising the necessity for schools to adapt to the changing technological environment while ensuring the safety and well-being of students.

You can find out more about the work of ELiM and get in touch with Matt HERE

To find out more about online safety, including tools and resources to support to keep children safe online check out the SSCP Forum Week Videos

Reflective Questions for Practitioners Based on this Episode:

1. How can we effectively balance the benefits and risks of online technology in our practices?
   • Consider the ways in which technology can enhance learning and engagement, while also addressing potential safety concerns.
2. What strategies can we implement to better engage parents in supporting online safety at home?
   • Reflect on the challenges of involving parents and explore methods to foster a collaborative approach to online safety.
3. In what ways can we empower children and young people to make positive choices online, similar to how we teach them about real-life decision-making?
   • Discuss the parallels between online and offline behaviors and how to instill a sense of responsibility.
4. How can we stay informed and adaptable to the rapidly changing landscape of technology and online safety?
   • Share ideas on continuous learning and professional development to keep up with technological advancements and evolving safety guidelines.

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 Lin Sands from the National Working Group (NWG) about the organisation's mission to combat child exploitation and modern slavery. They discuss the importance of collaboration with various partner organisations, the role of local networks in safeguarding, and the challenges faced by professionals in the field.

Lin emphasizes the significance of language in safeguarding discussions, the impact of technology on exploitation, and the need for continuous training for practitioners.

The conversation also highlights the new digital toolkit designed to help disrupt exploitation and the common myths surrounding child exploitation and the importance of a multi-agency approach and the need for empowerment and support for all professionals involved in safeguarding children.

Check out the NWG's website HERE

Access the updated digital disruption toolkit HERE

Join the webinar launch of the toolkit on the 15th July 2025 HERE

Suggested reflective questions based on this episode:

1. How do we ensure that our safeguarding policies are effectively communicated and understood by all staff members?
   • Reflect on the current methods used to disseminate safeguarding policies and whether they are accessible and clear to everyone in the organization.
2. What strategies can we implement to better identify and support individuals who may be at risk?
   • Discuss the tools and techniques currently in place for identifying at-risk individuals and explore new approaches that could enhance early detection and intervention.
3. How do we balance the need for confidentiality with the necessity of sharing information to protect those at risk?
   • Consider the challenges of maintaining confidentiality while ensuring that critical information is shared appropriately to safeguard individuals.
4. What are some of the common terms or use of language that we use in our practice and how could these impact on identifying and responding to risks of exploitation?

• Consider the use of acronyms or terms used in conversation or case recording. Also consider what are some of the terms you hear from other agencies and how you may consider challenging these is needed.

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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This week we bring you an extended special episode, following on from our June 2025 forum week of webinars that took place, focusing on the subject of Children, Violence and Vulnerabilities.

Throughout the week we have amazing guest presenters join us, including the Youth Endowment Fund, the NWG, Beyond Equality and UNICEF to name just a few.

Join us for this special episode bringing you highlights from the week.

To watch the full recordings of each webinar, as well as access the presentations and links to further information and resources go to the SSCP's Forum Week webpage June 2025 - Somerset Safeguarding Children Partnership

You can also find recordings from previous forum's there, or go to our YouTube Channel to view all forum week webinars.

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 we speak with Natalie Hanna, Headteacher and Executive member of the SSCP, representing the education sector where we explore the evolving role of education within the safeguarding partnerships, both in Somerset, and nationally.

We highlight the challenges and opportunities faced in integrating education as a statutory partner and the complexities of multi-agency collaboration, the importance of effective communication, and the future aspirations for safeguarding children through education.

Insights from Natalie provide a valuable perspective on the journey towards a more inclusive safeguarding framework.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Safeguarding Partnerships
02:58 The Role of Education in Safeguarding
05:50 Challenges in Representation and Accountability
09:07 Insights from the Executive Group Experience
11:57 Navigating Complexities of Multi-Agency Work
14:54 Future of Education as a Statutory Partner
18:12 Establishing Effective Communication Channels
20:46 The Education Safeguarding Forum
24:04 Transitioning Leadership and Future Aspirations
26:57 Key Messages for Future Leaders
30:09 Reflections on Systemic Changes
32:53 Conclusion and Future Directions

Reflective Questions:

1. How can we ensure that the voice of all educational settings—including early years, alternative provision, and independent schools—is effectively represented in safeguarding discussions and decisions?
This question encourages teams to reflect on inclusivity and representation, especially in light of the fragmented education system Natalie describes.

2. In what ways can we reduce duplication and streamline safeguarding processes between schools, trusts, and local authorities to minimize workload and maximize impact?
This addresses the concern Natalie raised about overlapping audits and the need for better alignment between different safeguarding bodies.

3. How can we strengthen communication and collaboration between education and other safeguarding partners (e.g., health, police, social care) to bridge the gap between early help and crisis response?
This invites reflection on the systemic divide Natalie observed between education’s preventative focus and other agencies’ reactive roles.

4. What structures or forums do we need to establish or improve to ensure that safeguarding insights from the ground level are fed into strategic decision-making?
This question supports thinking about sustainability and the importance of feedback loops, as highlighted by the creation of the Education Safeguarding Forum.

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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Summary

Today's episode explores the vital role of SWISH, the Somerset-wide integrated sexual health service, in supporting young people's sexual health needs.

The discussion highlights the challenges faced by young people, including peer pressure, social media influences, and barriers to accessing services. The importance of consent, safeguarding, and collaboration with multi-agency partners is emphasized, along with the need for improved access for vulnerable populations. The conversation concludes with reflections on the future directions for sexual health services and the integration of technology.

You can find out more about SWISH by visiting their website HERE

Reflective Questions for Practitioners:

1. How can we better support young people in navigating misinformation about sexual health, especially from social media platforms like TikTok?

Reflect on how misinformation impacts young people's understanding of contraception, consent, and healthy relationships. Consider how your team can proactively address this in your practice.

2. In what ways can we improve our approach to identifying and responding to signs of child-on-child abuse or exploitation in young people's relationships?
Use this to explore how curiosity, open conversations, and trauma-informed approaches can help uncover hidden safeguarding concerns.

3. How effectively are we working with other agencies (e.g., health, education, police, social care) to safeguard children and young people, and where are the gaps in communication or information sharing?
Reflect on real or hypothetical cases where multi-agency collaboration either succeeded or faced challenges. What systems or practices could be improved?

4. How inclusive and accessible are our safeguarding and sexual health services for young people with additional needs or from marginalized groups?
Consider how your service adapts to meet the needs of young people with SEND, those in care, or those facing cultural or societal barriers.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to SWISH and Its Importance
02:41 Understanding Young People's Needs and Pressures
05:08 The Impact of Social Media on Sexual Health
06:51 Barriers to Accessing Sexual Health Services
09:42 Navigating Relationships and Consent
12:10 Addressing Child on Child Abuse
14:08 Safeguarding and Information Sharing Challenges
21:38 Understanding Informed Consent and Exploitation
22:48 Linking SWISH with Support Services
24:00 Engaging Young Voices in Service Development
25:47 Supporting Young People with Additional Needs
27:34 Conversations Around Consent
33:12 Multi-Agency Collaboration in Safeguarding
36:34 Improving IT Systems for Better Communication

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.