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.

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.

Get in touch with us at The P Pod

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.

Get in touch with us at The P Pod

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.

Get in touch with us at The P Pod

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.

Get in touch with us at The P Pod

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.

Get in touch with us at The P Pod

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.

Get in touch with us at The P Pod

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.