The Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector Podcast

Why Family Voices Matter in Reviews

The Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector Podcast

Show Notes

What is it like for a family member or someone close to a victim to take part in a safeguarding review? In this episode I speak with Sue, who participated in the Safeguarding Adults Review following her best friend's death. Together we explore what it feels like to contribute after a traumatic bereavement, why family and those closest to the person matter so much, and how meaningful participation can support both the review and those involved. In this episode we discuss: Why she said yes to participating in the review and impact it had The value of lived experience. How reviews can support healing as well as learning. How family engagement enables people to see the whole system for the first time. What people need to know if they asked to participate in a review.

When reviews genuinely value lived experience, they produce richer learning, more accurate narratives and, importantly, give participants the opportunity to know that their voice has made a difference.

Are you interested in becoming an independent reviewer? Download my FREE workshop 'How to Establish an Independent Review Practice which Aligns with the Next Step in Your Career' here to find out more.

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 all 3 types of reviews covering both children's and adults' safeguarding and domestic homicide and is a 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

More from The Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector Podcast

Oct 22, 2026

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

Oct 15, 2026

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

Oct 8, 2026

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

Oct 1, 2026

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

Sep 24, 2026

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.

See all episodes →