Anti-racism in Social Work: New Resources | Wayne Reid
Wayne Reid is a Professional Officer, Social Worker and former Anti-racism Visionary at BASW England. He qualified as a Social Worker in 2010 and his frontline social care experience spans over 20 years. Wayne has worked for private fostering agencies; the Probation Service; a youth offending team; a community mental health service; a child protection service and with care leavers. Wayne previously compiled and curated a national social work newsletter (Wayne’s Weekly), which ran for several years.
Wayne’s diverse role at BASW England involves supporting national groups focussed on: criminal justice, professional capabilities and development and Black and ethnic minority social workers. Wayne’s work with students, NQSW’s, diverse social work professionals and a cross-section of organisations is extensive. This has involved guest speaking, workshop facilitation; leading national campaigns and mobilising social work activism.
During 2020-2022, Wayne undertook the role of Anti-Racism Visionary and proactively spearheaded a movement to reignite ‘Anti-racism in Social Work’ via his role at BASW England. Wayne’s knowledge and professional opinions have been published in print, online and on international platforms.
Recent innovations include the ‘SHADES OF BIAS‘ Toolkit that is proving a welcome addition to support for survivors of racist behaviour as well as other discriminatory practices.
Read the article in Social Work Today https://www.socialworktoday.co.uk/News/%E2%80%9Cwas-that-racism%E2%80%9D%3A-new-toolkit-launched-to-process-racism-and-bias-in-social-work
Watch his presentation to the Irish Association of Social Workers on this toolkit – Shades of Bias online survey – As always, thanks for your support.
As a Black male Social Worker, Wayne understands some of the challenges that service-users and practitioners from different minority groups can face.
From his experience, Wayne believes academic and ‘life education’ are essential to improve an individual’s quality of life and life chances. He adds: “Social work is a vital multi-faceted international service that: coordinates support for the most vulnerable people in society; assesses and manages risk; addresses problematic behaviours and relationships; champions equality and social justice; optimises peoples’ strengths, promotes human decency and creates meaningful opportunities for social mobility”.
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Fighting Human Trafficking with Data and Technology | Sherrie Bosisto
“Once You See It, It’s Really Hard to Ever Look Away” A Deep Dive into Combating Human Trafficking with Sherrie Bosisto, CEO, Global Emancipation Network.
Sherrie Bosisto is the founder and Executive Director of the Global Emancipation Network, ( GEN ), a nonprofit at the forefront of using data and technology to fight human trafficking. With nearly two decades of experience in the field, Sherrie has built a reputation for bringing people together and finding practical solutions to some of society’s toughest challenges.
Currently serving as a Distinguished Research Scholar at North Carolina State University, Sherrie’s work centers on harnessing the power of data analysis and artificial intelligence to protect vulnerable communities and support law enforcement. Her career began with the Protection Project at Johns Hopkins University, and she’s held key roles with organizations like Orphan Secure, always keeping her focus on making a real difference.
We talk of the challenges she has found as she moves around the world advising countries and organisations on how to combat trafficking with the smart use of data.
Sherrie’s commitment to collaboration and innovation shines through in her latest project, the “Finding Freedom: Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery” podcast, where she brings together experts and advocates to share stories, successes, and lessons learned from the front lines.
A proud graduate of American University, where she earned her degree in international relations summa cum laude, Sherrie Bosisto is known for her steady leadership, her heart for service, and her unwavering belief that, together, we can build a safer world for everyone.
- Founder / Executive Director at Global Emancipation Network since 2016
- Also – Trafficking Investigations Hub Technical Projects Lead at California Polytechnic
- ‘Global eradication of human trafficking through data analytics’
- Sherrie brings over 10 years of experience combating human trafficking to the creation of the Global Emancipation Network. She is the author of several international legal policies and guidelines on trafficking and has collaborated with the United Nations, League of Arab States, Council of Europe, Interpol, and several governmental agencies to end modern-day slavery. She enjoys traveling and reads voraciously to feed a passion for creating new solutions to end human trafficking.
Global Emancipation Network
- https://www.globalemancipation.ngo/
- Based in California
- Bringing technology and data to frontline stakeholders
- Facilitating communication and technology-sharing initiatives between numerous anti-trafficking stakeholders across the globe
- Minerva – multi-tenant data analytics platform – collection of data on trafficking, texts, images from the deep web and dark web – work with experts to gain insight into the traffic on those sites
- Also collect thousands of trafficking cases, convictions, international legislation, public records
- All the data is available free of charge to the users – law enforcement, government agencies, researchers, academia, anti-trafficking non-profits – to be combined with their own datasets
- Over 2 million trafficking records
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Safeguarding in faith settings. Bishop of Bath & Wells Michael Beasley
Safeguarding in faith settings, Bishop of Bath&Wells Michael Beasley
The Rt Revd Michael Beasley is the 80th Bishop of Bath and Wells and was installed in Wells Cathedral on 12th November 2022. He grew up in rural Staffordshire and was educated in Stafford before studying biology and epidemiology at Imperial College, London and Oxford University.
Bishop Michael trained for ministry at Cranmer Hall, Durham, before being ordained in the Diocese of Lichfield in 1999. For many years he combined Christian ministry with a scientific career. The latter involved working with a research group based in the Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology at Imperial College that enabled programmes in low income countries designed to improve the health and education of school aged children. In 2015, he became the Bishop of Hertford in the Diocese of St Albans before coming to Bath and Wells.Bishop Michael is ‘married into Somerset’ having lots of in-laws here! He lives in Wells with his wife Lizzie and their two children.
He talks of his great sadness over recent national events and his conviction the churches have to become as safe as they can be. He talks of the recent audit of the Diocese’s safeguarding and his pleasure that all those involved, staff and volunteers as well as the dedicated safeguarding team, having received a positive result–always plenty to continue improving but recognised as serving the diocese well.
He emphasised that the church is an organisation where actions must match the rhetoric and not just look to preserve its reputation.
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Justin Humphreys CEO of Thirtyone:eight a Christian Safeguarding Charity
Justin Humphreys has over 30 years’ experience in social impact settings as a practitioner and leader in a variety of sectors. He is currently the CEO and Head of Safeguarding Development at Thirtyone:eight, the leading independent, Christian safeguarding charity operating across the United Kingdom and internationally. Established in 1977, the charity is a membership organisation and now supports in excess of 10,000 churches, charities/NGOs and others to create safer places for all through a variety od services and supports, including Criminal Records Checks, Safeguarding Helpline, Training, Consultancy, Research and Advocacy.
He has authored of a variety of books and peer reviewed journal articles, including: Understanding Child Abuse in Contemporary Times (2025), Just Leadership: putting integrity and justice at the heart of how you lead (2021), Escaping the maze of spiritual abuse (2019), Safeguarding Children who are Exposed to Abuse Linked to Faith or Belief (2019), and Spiritual abuse in Christian faith settings: definition, policy and practice guidance (2018).
Justin is a Fellow of the Institute of Leadership (FIoL), Visiting Fellow at the University of Kent (Department of Religious Studies), Honorary Lecturer at the University of Chester (School of Society) and Guest Lecturer at St. Mellitus Theological College.
He has been Chair of the Christian Forum for Safeguarding since 2017 and in co-founded the All Party Parliamentary Group on Safeguarding in Faith Communities with Sarah Champion MP in 2018. He has been its Principal Advisor since that time with Thirtyone:eight acting as Secretariat.
Justin holds an MSc. in Child Protection and Strategic Management, a BSc. (Hons) in Social Work Studies, a Diploma in Counselling Psychology & Psychotherapy, and is a certified Compassionate Leader with the Centre for Compassionate Leadership.
We talk widely about the awareness of safeguarding throughout faith communities as well as research and best practice.
Further links:
Thirtyone:eight
Safeguarding Standards Award
All Party Parliamentary Group on Safeguarding in Faith Communities
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John Pizzuro, CEO RAVEN. Online Child Exploitation Expert
John Pizzuro, CEO RAVEN. Online Child Exploitation expert, RAVEN is a 501(c)4 non-profit lobbying firm comprised of subject matter experts and retired law enforcement focused on legislative and policy solutions for child trafficking and child exploitation. John works with lawmakers, advocates, agencies, and organizations who are willing to challenge the status quo and fight to protect our most vulnerable citizens while advocating for more resources and support for those who fight for children. John has been called on as a subject matter expert to testify in both the US Senate and US Congress. John is routinely consulted on cyber related issues on child exploitation, Trafficking and Artificial Intelligence. Raven is currently involved in separate pieces of legislation and policy and fighting to get more protective Bills passed in Congress.
Online child sexual exploitation refers to the use of the Internet as a method to facilitate the sexual abuse of children. It includes a wide range of behaviors and situations that can take place directly online or through a combination of offline and online interactions.
Most commonly this includes grooming, live streaming, producing and trading child sexual exploitation material, and coercing and blackmailing children for sexual purposes.
https://www.linkedin.com/company/ravenassociation/
Prior to Raven that John spent 25 years in the New Jersey State Police conducting, managing and leading investigations in Terrorism, Organized Crime, Narcotics, Trafficking, Child Exploitation, and Corruption. John spent his last six years as The Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Commander where he led a team of 200 including 71 Law Enforcement Agencies. John has created a framework for other countries to investigate Child Exploitation through the International Center of Missing & Exploited Children and consulted with governments and organizations on child exploitation and how to protect children.
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Disaster Social Work, Digital Support & Global Collaboration with Professor Johnston Wong (China)
Professor Johnston Wong is a social work and psychology expert at Beijing Normal Hong Kong Baptist University and co-founder of Social Workers Across Borders. With two decades of international experience, he shares insights into disaster response, digital innovation in psychosocial support, and the growing need for global collaboration in social work.
Episode Highlights: Audio at bottom of this page
- How digital platforms like WeChat and WhatsApp transformed disaster response during COVID-19 and beyond
- Training social workers for frontline disaster interventions in regions like Nepal, Syria, and Vietnam
- Tackling social injustice in humanitarian aid distribution
- The importance of multi-agency and global collaboration in tackling human trafficking, poverty, and post-disaster trauma
He is the Chair of the International Committee of Social Workers across Borders (SWAB).
Professor Johnston HC Wong. Programme of Applied Psychology, Head of Master of Social Work Programme,
Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Beijing Normal Hong Kong Baptist University
Johnston, after studying Sociology in the Brock University of Canada, started his career in social work and social management in Hong Kong. He acquired extensive experience in applying case, group, and community approaches to youth work, family life education, school social work, civic education, and health education. He has taught at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels and assumed leadership roles in school administration and healthcare management. He is the Chair of the International Committee of the Social Workers across Borders (SWAB). SWAB is an NGO registered in Hong Kong focusing on disaster social work and crisis interventions. Since 2006, he resided and taught social work, social administration and psychology in Zhuhai, China. His teachings concern mainly with socio-medical, socio-legal and social psychological issues.
Social Workers Across Borders is a Hong Kong NGO founded after the December 26, 2004 Tsunami hit South East Asia. The NGO works mainly in post-disaster areas to provide emotional and mental health support.
SWAB sent several teams to the areas affected by the Wenzhou Earthquake in 2008. That was it’s first major project in the Mainland.
Since 2013, SWAB began a training for its “Heart Partner” Mainland China program, which sends people to work in disaster-affected areas. 693 people making up 42 teams have been sent to disaster-affected areas as part of this program.
Other areas that SWAB sent teams to include Taiwan, Qinghai, Gansu, Shenzhen and Chongqing, responding to typhoons, earthquakes, and landslides and floods.
https://chinadevelopmentbrief.org/ngos/social-workers-across-borders/
SWAB is currently recruiting volunteers from the region to assist in Myanmar following the devastating earthquake.
Special Training
EQ, Six Seconds, USA.
Instructor, CISM, International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, USA.
CCISM, University of Maryland
Research Interests
Disaster Social Work, Social Work in Health Care, Social Legislation, Positive Psychology, and Post-traumatic Growth, Industrial Health and Occupational Social Work, Working with Youth, Student Development in Higher Education, Emotional Intelligence, Adversity and Resilience, College students mental health, Social Innovations and Enterprises, International Social Work, and Social Indicators Research.
Awards
Ten Outstanding Young Persons, Hong Kong, 1990. Presidential Citation Award, ACPA, 2014.
International Critical Incident Intervention Leadership Award, ICISF, 2015.
Published Books
Wong, H. C. J. & Yu, B. S. S. (to be in early 2026). Community Change through Social Service and Business Partnership, IGI Global Scientific Publsihing.
Wong, H. C. J. (2025). Healthy Cities in the Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao Greater Bay Area, Sun Yat Sen University Press. ISBN: (in print)
Wong, H. C. J., Xie, T. X. N., Lai, N. L., Zhou, T. C. (2022). Handbook for Community Social Work, Social Workers across Borders. Social Workers Across Borders Publication.
Wong, H. C. J., Lui, C. X., F., Lai, N. L., Zhou, T. C. (2022). Handbook for Social Work Intervention in Public Emergencies, Social Workers across Borders. Social Workers Across Borders Publication.
Wong, H. C. J., (2021). Children and Youth in China since 1978, Opportunities and Challenges (Ed.). New York: Nova Science Publishers. ISBN: 978-1-68507-149-3, DOI: https://doi.org/10.52305/OETH8715
Zhao, X. B., Wong, H. C. J., Lowe, C., Monaco, E., & Corbett, J. (2021), Covid-19 Pandemic, Crisis Responses and the Changing World, Perspectives in Humanities and Social Sciences (ed.). Singapore: Springer. ISBN: 978-981-16-2429-2
Wong, H. C. J., (2019). Internationalization and Localization of Student Affairs in Higher Education – the Unique Experience and Exploration of the BNU-HKBU United International College. Beijing University of Technology Press. ISBN：978-7-5639-6652-3
Wong, H. C. J., (2018). Modern City Emergency Management and Social Work Interventions – Roles and Cases. Beijing: China Social Press.
Wong, H. C. J., (2018). Disaster Social Work from Crisis Response to Building Resilience, New York: NOVA Science Publishers. ISBN: 9781536144352
Wong, H. C. J., (2017). Integrated and Seamless Services for Older People, a model of elderly care from Zhuhai to China. Guangzhou: Sun Yat Sen University Press. ISBN：9787306060921
Wong H. C. J., (2016). Disaster Social Work Handbook. Guangzhou: Sun Yat Sen University Press, ISBN：9787306056016.
Wong H. C. J., (2013）. Social Work and Related Laws and Regulations — Case Analysis and Applications. Guangzhou: Sun Yat Sen University Press, ISBN：9787306046802.
Wong H. C. J., (2011）. Disasters Across Borders – Social work Interventions Case Studies, published by Social Workers across Borders, Hong Kong. ISBN：9789881841858
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Policing, Community Safety, and Public Trust with Clare Moody, Avon & Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner
Clare Moody Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset , elected in May 2024 and bringing extensive experience across diverse sectors to the role.
Her career spans public service, advocacy, and leadership. Clare has served as a Member of the European Parliament, worked at the heart of government in No.10 Downing Street, and dedicated over two decades to representing workers’ rights as a Trade Union officer. Before her election as PCC, Clare was the co-Chief Executive of Equally Ours, a leading UK charity focused on equality and human rights.
Key areas that Clare has focused on :-
- Strengthening neighborhood policing and ensuring more visible law enforcement
- Tackling serious youth violence and violence against women and girls
- Addressing modern policing challenges, including cyber crime, human trafficking, and organized crime
- The importance of public trust and accountability in policing
Clare’s varied career has equipped her with a deep understanding of how to navigate complex systems, foster collaboration across organisations, and address challenges with practical, results-oriented solutions.
As PCC, Clare is focused on preventing crime, supporting victims, and improving standards of policing. She also serves as the both the Prevention and the Victims Lead for the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, driving national efforts to prevent crime and improve support for those affected.
Clare’s website
OPCC for Avon and Somerset – The official website of Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner
She regularly conducts interviews online with the Chief Constable Sarah Crew a previous guest on the podcast
As mentioned, here is the link to information on Police Question Time (or can easily be found when searching on the main website, link above)
http://Police Question Time – OPCC for Avon and Somerset
David is a member of the International Advisory Panel of the Global Institute of Social Work.
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Safeguarding, Social Work, and Multi-Agency Collaboration with Steve Myers
Safeguarding, Social Work, and Multi-Agency Collaboration with Steve Myers
Vice Chair of the Association of Child Protection Professionals, (AOCPP) Steve Myers is a registered Social Worker with a background in child protection and youth justice. He has worked as a Social Worker in both statutory and voluntary organisations and been involved with the education of social workers in Higher Education for the past 25 years, including leadership roles. Steve has researched and written about strengths-based and solution focused practice, working with violent behaviour including sexual violence and assessment in social work practice
The Association of Child Protection Professionals is a registered charity and membership association – the only one in the UK that provides training, support and professional development opportunities for those working across multiple disciplines within child protection and adult safeguarding. Through sharing knowledge, research and examples of best practice, what started as a small inter-professional membership association grew and today we are the only multi-disciplinary professional membership association, with charitable status, of its kind.
We provide support, professional development and representation to government and policy makers for those working in child protection and safeguarding.
We believe access to research, sharing expertise, engaging with complexity, and informed policy-making, produce better outcomes for children and families.
Our vision is a world in which all children and vulnerable adults can grow up in safety and security, without risk of being abused or neglected
Child Abuse Review is an interprofessional journal for research, practice and policy in child maltreatment and is the official journal of the Association of Child Protection Professionals.
The Journal is a publication for all professionals working in the field of child protection, providing access to the latest research findings, practice developments, training initiatives and policy issues. While publishing research from leading international researchers, the Journal maintains a practice-orientated focus, actively promoting practice-relevant research and facilitating the use of research findings to enhance good practice and influence policy.
The Association is committed to multi agency safeguarding practice and their membership reflects this. Check out their website
https://www.childprotectionprofessionals.org.uk/
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Leadership, Transparency, and Safeguarding . Chief Constable Sarah Crew
Sarah Crew is the Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police, with a career spanning nearly three decades. As the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for adult sexual offences, she has been instrumental in shaping policies on policing, public confidence, and safeguarding.
She became an officer in September 1994 and took on the role of Deputy Chief Constable in June 2017. In November 2021, she became Avon and Somerset’s first female Chief Constable.
Sarah has undertaken a wide variety of roles during her career with Avon and Somerset Police, both in uniform and as a detective. Previously, she has held the roles of Head of Investigations in Bristol, South Gloucestershire Area Commander, and as programme director for Force Reorganisation.
Sarah was pivotal in the launch of Operation Soteria Bluestone, a transformative programme which sees police professionals work alongside leading UK academics to change the police response to rape and sexual assault. Nationally, she is the National Police Chief Council (NPCC) national lead for Rape and Adult Sexual Offences (RASSO) in the current cross-Government review of the way the criminal justice system responds to rape.
As Chief Constable, Sarah has placed rebuilding public trust and confidence at the top of her agenda with Avon and Somerset’s corporate vision of delivering “Outstanding Policing for Everyone”. Her key objectives to achieving this vision include a relentless focus on the perpetrators of crime; openness to scrutiny; and a move towards becoming a trauma-informed organisation.
She continues to lead on the delivery of Avon and Somerset Police’s Inclusion and Diversity Strategy (2019-2024) and the organisation’s ambition to become the most inclusive police force in the UK, by building a representative workforce where difference is valued, and people thrive.
Sarah says:
“My drive for fairness and equality lies at the heart of my passion for policing.
“I have always been determined to stand up for the underdog and against the bully, and policing seemed to me to offer the greatest opportunity to help people directly on a personal, practical and human level. It’s also important to me to be part of a team with the same clear mission and values.
“I believe policing is about helping to create the conditions that help people and their communities to thrive and make life choices and opportunities better for everyone.
“I know policing cannot do this alone, but it certainly has a role to play in establishing safety, confronting those who threaten that safety and standing up for those within our communities who are less fortunate, less equipped or have a quieter voice.”
http://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk
To support the site please visit https://www.patreon.com/c/socialworldpodcast
A podcast is planned with the Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset looking at her perspectives and challenges.
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Prof Jonathan Singer Podcasting in Social Work Education
Jonathan Singer , Professor of Social Work at Chicago Loyola University and presenter of The Social Work Podcast for over fifteen years co edits this excellent new publication. Podcasting in Social Work Education.
https://www.amazon.com/Podcasting-Social-Work-Education-Educators/dp/1032215585/
Technology innovations have changed how social work educators teach and students learn. This book is designed to assist social work academics and educators in enhancing their students’ critical thinking, reflective capacity and skills in clinical and research settings through the integration of social work content podcasting.
Written by Mim Fox and Jonathan B. Singer―social work educators, practitioners, and hosts of the award-winning Social Work Stories Podcast and The Social Work Podcast, respectively―this book is an indispensable resource. It is packed with practical tips, insightful advice, compelling case studies, and helpful media links. Essential for all social work educators and practitioners, this book is essential reading for any social worker who is interested in podcasting in social work.
Jonathan B. Singer, PhD, LCSW is an internationally recognized expert in youth suicide and social work technology. He is Professor of Social Work at Loyola University Chicago, Past-President of the American Association of Suicidology, coauthor of two editions of the best-selling text Suicide in Schools: A Practitioner’s Guide to Multi-level Prevention, Assessment, Intervention, and Postvention, co-lead of the Social Work Grand Challenge “Harness Technology for Social Good,” and founder and host of the award-winning Social Work Podcast, for which he was named an NASW Social Work Pioneer in 2023. In 2024 he was inducted as a Fellow of the Society for Social Work and Research.
Dr. Singer has chaired national committees for the National Associate of Social Workers (NASW) and Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and served on advisory boards for Sandy Hook Promise, Jed Foundation, Suicide Prevention Resource Center, and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. He is the author of over 90 publications and his research has been featured in national and international media outlets like NPR, BBC, Fox, Time Magazine, and The Guardian. Dr. Singer is a well-regarded speaker who has presented continuing education workshops, keynote addresses, and presentations on youth suicide, ethics, technology, adolescent development and attachment-based family therapy in the USA, Latin America, Asia, and Europe. In 2024 he was inducted as a Fellow of the Society for Social Work and Research. He lives in Evanston, IL with his wife and three children and can be found on X/Twitter as @socworkpodcast and Facebook at facebook.com/swpodcast.
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Isabelle Trowler CBE Chief Social Worker for Children
Isabelle Trowler CBE Chief Social Worker for Children and Families took up the post in September 2013. She is well known for co-designing a practice framework for delivering child and family social work, which has influenced the children’s social care practice system across England.
We talk across the range of issues confronting social workers home and abroad with reflections spanning the eleven years she has been in her position. She is the first person in her post and discusses the challemges and the successes.
Isabelle is currently a member of:
- the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel
- the Attendance Action Alliance
- the Family Justice Board
- the Relationships, sex and health education review panel
She also chairs the National Practice Group with oversight of the development of:
- the children’s social care national framework
- the early career framework for social workers
- the revision of ‘Working together to safeguard children’
Isabelle was a founder member of the What Work’s Centre for Children’s Social Care, which is now known as Foundations. She has over 30 years’ experience in the children’s sector, and has previously been involved in:
- the Independent Review of Child Protection (2011) led by Professor Eileen Munro
- the design group for the Independent review of children’s social care, 2022
Isabelle was awarded a CBE in the New Years Honours 2024, for services to children’s social care.
- Children’s social care: national framework – GOV.UK
- Working together to safeguard children – GOV.UK
- : Keeping children safe, helping families thrive – GOV.UK
- Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel: annual report 2023 to 2024 – GOV.UK
- National review into child sexual abuse within the family environment – GOV.UK
- Local government finance policy statement 2025 to 2026 – GOV.UK
David is a member of the International Advisory Board of the GISW.
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167 Christina Gabbitas Child Exploitation County Lines
Christina Gabbitas is a writer, educator, Honorary Member of the NSPCC Council, Coronation Champion, and founder of the Children Literature Festivals charity, who was awarded a Prime Ministers Points of Light Award in 2023.
We talk of the critical situation threatening thousands of young people in the UK. The grooming by organised criminals and, as a result, the destruction of their childhood with many going missing or being locked into a nightmare.
Her impactful writing commissions include collaborations with organisations such as Humberside Police & Crime Commissioners Office, amongst other organisations and charities. Notably, her recent work, “Trapped in County Lines,” commissioned by North Yorkshire Police and the North Yorkshire Fire & Crime Commissioners Office, reflects her dedication to educating children and young people about the signs of exploitation. Christina actively partners with various Police Forces, contributing to her transformative impact on children’s literature and safety education. Christina has visited over 400 schools delivering early intervention sessions with her work surrounding county lines.
Christina’s safeguarding stories are in the NSPCC Library and online shop raising funds for Childline. Trapped in County Lines was book of the week at the NSPCC in October 2023 and was a finalist in The People’s Book Prize
www.trappedincountylines.co.uk
http://www.christinagabbitas.com
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Karim Rajwani International Financial Crime Expert
Delighted to have Karim back after 6 months giving update on the shocking financial cost of Human Traffiking and Slavery. The The growth of the Follow the Money strategy is such an important addition to the investigation and interruption of crimes that are conservatively put at costing over 500 Billion dollars a year. Karim Rajwani, B.A, F.C.A. C.P.A. ACAMS talks to me of his extensive history in several settings helping combat these scourges on our communities. We discuss the growth of these crimes as well as strategies adopted to support law enforcement. We talk about the huge need for more training, awareness raising accross the world. So much known yet so much to do including practical ideas that everyone can help with–such as challenging your own financial providers-banks, insurance companies etc – to say what training their staff has had in methods to shine a light on traffikers, slavery in all its forms and child exploitation. Currently he is an independent Financial Crimes Consultant advising financial instructions, consulting firms and FinTech’s and is also on several NGOs/NPOs advisory boards focused on fighting human trafficking and child sexual exploitation.
He was the SVP, Chief Operating Officer at Scotiabank, leading the bank’s Financial Crime remediation activities including transaction monitoring and screening. Mr. Rajwani also had global responsibility for AML Threat Intelligence, as well as the Strategic Planning, Project Management Office and the AML Solution Delivery.
Prior to that was he was the Global Head of Financial Crime Investigations and Intelligence, the Global Head of Financial Crime Technology Strategy, and the Money Laundering Reporting Officer at Deutsche Bank. In this role he was also responsible for the AML remediation program in response to regulatory actions as well as major client investigations.
He was also the Chief Anti-Money Laundering lead for the RBC Financial Group (RBC), where he oversaw the design, implementation and the day-to-day management of the Anti Money Laundering, Sanctions, Anti Bribery and Corruption and High-Risk Client Management) Programs for more than 15 years. In addition, he was responsible for the AML Compliance, Investigations and Data Science teams globally.
All links referred to for further information and support
https://polarisproject.org/training/
https://www.acams.org/en/training/certificates/fighting-modern-slavery-and-human-trafficking-part-1
https://free.learningacademy.hopeforjustice.org/store
https://followmoneyfightslavery.org/events-2/
https://www.protectchildren.ca/en/
https://www.canadianhumantraffickinghotline.ca/
https://www.modernslavery.gov.uk/start
https://www.cybertip.ca/en/online-harms/sextortion/
https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety/common-frauds-and-scams/sextortion
https://www.met.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/sexual-offences/sextortion/
https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/crime-info/types-crime/sextortion/
https://www.nationalcrimeagency.gov.uk/what-we-do/crime-threats/kidnap-and-extortion/sextortion
https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/guidance/sextortion-scams-how-to-protect-yourself
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165 Larry Cameron International Human Traffiking expert
For the past three years, as a Human Traffiking expert of considerable experience, Larry has worked as President & Founder of Paradigm Intelligence Ltd, a global organisation that focuses on forensics, investigations, open-source intelligence, force protection and public safety.
Website: https://quantusintel.ocugroup.
Training and speaking to communities all around the world, Larry is only too aware of the scale of the problem and the need for more awareness raising. Resources to combat what is an epidemic of abuse covering sex trafficking, slave labour, cyber and financial abuse to name a few and the huge involvement of organised crime.
Recently Larry started a new position as Head of Cyber Security at CRO Cyber Rights Organization for the United Nations
The Anti Human Trafficking Intelligence Initiative (ATII) combats global human trafficking by promoting corporate social responsibility through increasing awareness, facilitating intelligence integration and technology advancement, and encouraging strategic data collaboration.
The Anti-Human Trafficking Intelligence Initiative aims to disrupt the market of human trafficking, child exploitation and child sexual abuse material (CSAM) through the advancement of preventions, detection, investigation and reporting mechanisms. ATII is committed to raising awareness and developing strategic partnerships with intelligence, technology, and data leaders.
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164 Anne Longfield CBE
Anne Longfield CBE is the author of Young Lives, Big Ambitions: Transforming Life Chances for Vulnerable Children and Teens.
Anne is CEO of the Centre for Young Lives and was Chair of the Commission on Young Lives.
From March 2015 to February 2021, she was Children’s Commissioner for England.
Anne has spent the last three decades working to improve the life chances of children, particularly the most vulnerable.
She previously led a national children’s charity and has also worked on the delivery of the Sure Start programme in the Cabinet Office.
Anne is a passionate champion for children, influencing and shaping the national debate and policy agenda for children and their families. She spent many years campaigning for better childcare, often at a time when many saw the issue as obscure or niche.
As Children’s Commissioner, Anne spent six years championing the rights and interests of children with those in power who make decisions about children’s lives, acting as children’s ‘eyes and ears’ in the corridors of power in Whitehall and Westminster.
Anne is also Special Advisor to the Lords Public Services Committee on their inquiry into public services and vulnerable children and is the Independent Chair of the NHS Children and Young People Learning Disability and Autism Board.
Amazon link https://amzn.to/47xyPEh
Next programme Larry Cameron International Traffiking expert
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162 Jakub Sobik — Modern Slavery & Human Rights PEC
Jakub Sobik — Modern Slavery & Human Rights PEC
Jakub Sobik is a communicator with over one and a half decades of experience of working on addressing modern slavery. He worked at Anti-Slavery International, the world’s oldest human rights organisation committed to ending of all forms of slavery across the world. Now, as a Communications Director at the Modern Slavery and Human Rights Policy and Evidence Centre (Modern Slavery and Human Rights PEC), he has helped to establish the Centre’s reputation as an independent, trustworthy, equitable, policy focused and forward-thinking funder and producer of modern slavery research. His work includes promoting the PEC research across the mainstream, trade and digital media, promoting survivor voices, and initiating research on framing of modern slavery.
The Modern Slavery and Human Rights Policy and Evidence Centre was created by the investment of public funding to enhance understanding of modern slavery and transform the effectiveness of law and policies designed to address it. The Centre funds and co-creates high quality research with a focus on policy impact, and brings together academics, policymakers, businesses, civil society and survivors to collaborate on solving this global challenge.
Hosted by the Humanities Division at the University of Oxford, the Centre is a consortium of three universities consisting of the Wilberforce Institute at the University of Hull, the University of Liverpool, and the Bonavero Institute of Human Rights at the University of Oxford, with the Bingham Centre for the Rule of Law (part of the British Institute of International and Comparative Law (BIICL)) working in close partnership. The Modern Slavery PEC is funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council on behalf of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
Read more about the Modern Slavery and Human Rights PEC at www.modernslaverypec.org.
Links: Modern Slavery PEC publications across four areas of: prevention, survivor identification and support, effectiveness of legal enforcement and global supply chains: https://www.modernslaverypec.org/resources.
Practical interactive workshops for frontline practitioners in local areas across the UK: https://www.modernslaverypec.org/resources/interactive-workshops-regional-partnerships
UK Modern Slavery Helpline (run by Unseen): https://www.modernslaveryhelpline.org/.
Next podcast on 23.09.24 Anne Lonsdale CBE. CEO Centre for Young Lives. Former Children’s Commissioner for England and Author of new book ‘Young Lives Big Ambitions’
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161 Ann Marie Christian Independent Safeguarding Consultant
Ann Marie Christian Independent Safeguarding Consultant qualified as a social worker in 1996.
She has worked for various local authoritieson on the front line, in management, Local Safeguarding Children Board Trainer, LADO, Safeguarding advisor to schools, school improvement advisor, Designated Safeguarding Lead trainer and Designated Safeguarding Lead coordinator. She has a thorough knowledge of safeguarding in education.
She is well known amongst her peers and is very passionate about keeping children safe and sharing her knowledge about child abuse, violence against women and children and anti-racism work. Ann Marie has specialised in safeguarding from 1992 and specialised within education and childcare settings since being a school-based social worker in 1999. She progressed on to manage social workers in schools for a Local Authority.
In 2010, she became an independent social worker and provided associate consultancy and training to various organisations including NSPCC, Local Authorities, ISI Consultancy, Early Years Teams, Youth Justice Teams, Boarding School Association, The Key for Leaders, Optimus Education, Council of International Schools, AEGIS, Charities, Faith organisations, Premier League, Multi Academy Trusts and more.
Ann Marie frequently delivers workshops and keynotes at National & International conferences. She raises the awareness of child abuse and promotes child protection internationally and over the last few years delivers training and keynotes in Dubai, Singapore, Monaco, Jamaica, Japan, and Armenia.
She was’ Highly Commended’ and received an award at the Win Trade Awards 2019 for ‘Woman in the Public Sector’ and nominated in 2018 & 2019 in the NSPCC Child Protection Trainer of the Year.
Ann Marie is a member of AOCPP (Association of Child Protection Professionals) and a Trustee since 2020. She is a safeguarding governor at a school in the UAE since September 2023.
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160 Dr Craig Newman, author, recovery from abuse programme.
Dr Craig Newman, author of recovery from abuse programme.. A Clinical Psychologist and Innovator, with over 25 years experience in supporting mental health recovery alongside research and innovation. Craig is an author, founder and creator of ‘Get Out Get Love’ which is a proposed universal recovery model from experiences of abusive relationships shaped into both a self-help book and later developed self-delivered digital recovery programme. The programme supports self-referred people who seek to get answers, escape and/or recovery in addition to supporting domestic abuse services who are struggling to meet demand, not able to support those who prefer not to opt into face to face therapy and not able to offer long-term help beyond crisis and stabilisation. The programme has been evaluated with funding from Innovate:UK and the National Institute of Health Research, showing positive effect for people in need and services who support them.
Craig has over 15 years of experience in developing digital solutions to support at needs groups, winning national prestigious awards for his work to improve dementia assessments internationally, to reduce the risk of unexpected deaths in epilepsy and to support the wellbeing of NHS staff through the COVID period, to name a few. His work has international impact and his apps have helped 1,000s of clinicians and patients across the world. This experience he brings to the domestic abuse sector, in response to his own experience as a victim, and attempt to support people where the system struggles to help – namely long-term and towards the experience of self-love.
His book was published in 2023, and despite no track record as an author and no social media presence, the book has already attracted publication contracts for the UK, USA, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Estonia and Romania. Craig recommends the book as a read for anyone who even questions a past relationship, suggesting that at worse it is an informative read and at best it could empower your life going forwards – the words of reader testimonials, not his.
‘Craig’s book Get Out Get Love, published by Sheldon Press is available now’ https://www.sheldonpress.co.uk/titles/craig-newman/get-out-get-love/9781399810357/
LINKS:
- www.getoutgetlove.com (the programme)
- www.getoutgetlove.com/dasevidence (evidence summary for interested services)
- https://learn.getoutgetlove.com/courses/self-compassion-course-6-weeks ( a free 6-week programme, for those wanting to reduce self-blame and regret, following an abusive relationship)
- https://www.getoutgetlove.com/abuse-support-organisations (where to go if you feel you need help, in person)
- https://www.getoutgetlove.com/suicide-risk (where to go if you feel suicidal / at risk of self harm)
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David Mandel International author and trainer on domestic violence
David Mandel International author and trainer on domestic violence. I talked with David about his new book ( see below ) and more widely on his road to where he is today.
With over 35 years’ experience in the domestic violence and child welfare fields, David is the creator of the Safe & Together Model, a transformational approach to changing how systems and practitioners respond to domestic violence when children are involved. He has identified how a perpetrator pattern-based approach can improve the ability to partner with survivors, intervene with perpetrators as parents, and improve outcomes for children.
David is the founder of the Safe & Together Institute, which works with governments and NGOs across the globe, including Canada, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, the United Kingdom, and Europe. Through their live training, organizational consulting, e-learning, and trainer certification, the Safe & Together Institute provides organizations and systems with a wide range of practice change tools. Currently, the Institute supports almost 300 Certified Trainers and 80 Partner Agencies worldwide. The Model has proven its relevance to multiple sectors, including family court, substance use, law enforcement, mental health, multi-agency efforts, and other disciplines.
David has written or co-written numerous journal articles, book chapters, and white papers, including his most recent one on the alignment of the Safe & Together Model with the children’s best interest framework. The Institute’s work is regularly the subject of research studies, including a current project examining the relevance of the Model in a First Nation context in Australia. He has just published his first book, “Stop Blaming Mothers and Ignoring Fathers: How to Transform the Way We Keep Children Safe from Domestic Violence,” which is available online through Amazon.com. Follow this link to the book https://mybook.to/mK39V
Contact Information:
Safe & Together Institute
Box 745 Canton CT 06019
Email: davidmandel@safeandtogetherinstitute.com
http://Web: www.safeandtogetherinstitute.com
As always, please use Speakpipe on the home page of every podcast to leave messages/questions Thank you.
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158 Global Social Work Agenda in A Precarious World
This episode is a slightly different one as it is the recording of the Global Social Work Talk from 28th March 2024. The Global Social Work TALK aimed to deliver “ideas to change the world”. I was one of three speakers on the session. Listen to this episode and hear some of the challenges across the globe for social work today.
Keynote Speaker: Professor Antoinette Lombard, Nominated for Incoming President, International Association of Schools of Social Work, started her academic career at the University of Pretoria where she became a full professor in social work and head of the Department of Social Work. She was the Vice President of the Association for Schools of Social Work Education Institutions (ASASWEI) and is IASSW Chair of the Global Agenda for Social Work and Social Development. She served on the executive of the Association for Schools
of Social Work in Africa.
David Niven, presenter of the podcast Thoughts on the Social World for 10 years interviewing a wide choice of guests, national and international appearing on the programme and the variety of subjects covered make good listening and provide a great research opportunity. He has over 30 years of experience working with the media as a former Chair of the British Association of Social Workers.
Professor Ngoh Tiong TAN, Chair, Global Institute of Social Work, for access to online training of social workers all around the world. Dr Tan is Director, Joy Foundation, Good Harvest International and President Connexions International as well as former Treasurer International Association of Social Workers, former Regional President IFSW (AP) and past President, Singapore Association of Social Workers.
Forum Chair: Dr Terence Yow, Vice President, GISW
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157 Unseen, the Leading UK Anti-Slavery Charity
Andrew Wallis OBE founded Unseen, the Leading UK Anti-Slavery Charity. It’s an organization that fights tirelessly against all forms of slavery. Today’s podcast covers ground related to law enforcement, survivor’s welfare, training, the world wide nature of the crimes, predictions and the under application of legislation. Unseen provides safe housing and essential support services to survivors of trafficking, and they also operate the UK’s Modern Slavery and Exploitation Helpline. Unseen works alongside businesses and other entities to eliminate slavery. Andrew is an advisor to the Competent Boards Program and Tech Against Trafficking. He co-chairs the UK Home Office’s Modern Slavery Engagement Forum and chaired the landmark report on modern slavery in the UK called “It Happens Here.” His expertise was crucial in developing the UK Modern Slavery Act of 2015, for which he received an OBE. Andrew has faced many challenges over the years, from building flat-pack furniture for Unseen’s first safe house to advising multinational corporations on supply chain slavery. He also collaborates with governments on policies and legislation to combat modern-day slavery. Andrew frequently appears in the media to discuss modern slavery, human rights, and how they intersect in society and business. People who know him describe him as “the loveliest disruptor you could ever meet.” His contribution to the fight against slavery is invaluable.
Please note all contact details:-
https://www.unseenuk.org/modern-slavery-training/
https://www.unseenuk.org/business/
https://www.modernslaveryhelpline.org
http://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewwallis
David is on the International Advisory Panel of the GISW
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156 Traffiking and Slavery. Follow the Money.
Traffiking and Slavery. Follow the Money. Such an important addition to the investigation and interruption of crimes that are conservatively put at costing over 150 Billion dollars a year. Karim Rajwani, B.A, F.C.A. C.P.A. ACAMS talks to me of his extensive history in several settings helping combat these scourges on our communities. We discuss the growth of these crimes as well as strategies adopted to support law enforcement. We talk about the huge need for more training, awareness raising accross the world. So much known yet so much to do including practical ideas that everyone can help with–such as challenging your own financial providers-banks, insurance companies etc – to say what training their staff has had in methods to shine a light on traffikers, slavery in all its forms and child exploitation. Currently he is an independent Financial Crimes Consultant advising financial instructions, consulting firms and FinTech’s and is also on several NGOs/NPOs advisory boards focused on fighting human trafficking and child sexual exploitation.
He was the SVP, Chief Operating Officer at Scotiabank, leading the bank’s Financial Crime remediation activities including transaction monitoring and screening. Mr. Rajwani also had global responsibility for AML Threat Intelligence, as well as the Strategic Planning, Project Management Office and the AML Solution Delivery.
Prior to that was he was the Global Head of Financial Crime Investigations and Intelligence, the Global Head of Financial Crime Technology Strategy, and the Money Laundering Reporting Officer at Deutsche Bank. In this role he was also responsible for the AML remediation program in response to regulatory actions as well as major client investigations.
He was also the Chief Anti-Money Laundering lead for the RBC Financial Group (RBC), where he oversaw the design, implementation and the day-to-day management of the Anti Money Laundering, Sanctions, Anti Bribery and Corruption and High-Risk Client Management) Programs for more than 15 years. In addition, he was responsible for the AML Compliance, Investigations and Data Science teams globally.
He also has significant experience in financial crime technology, managing artificial intelligence/data science teams as well as developing strategies for tacking human trafficking and child sexual exploitation, including leading a number public-private partnership. He continues to advise Fintech as well as NGOs/NPOs. He is a Board Member/Advisory Board Member for various NGOs and Hospitals.
In addition to his risk management experience, Mr. Rajwani is a Chartered Accountant both in Canada as well as the UK and has worked for various Financial Institutions, Chartered Accounting and Management Consulting firms. In these roles, he has overseen the implementation of several enterprise-wide risk management and compliance initiatives and in total 40 years of risk management, compliance, audit, and financial accounting experience.
Mr. Rajwani was also a member of the Advisory Council on National Security for the Office of the Prime Minister of Canada between 2009 and 2012. He created and the Co-Chaired the Canadian Chapter of the Association of Certified Anti Money Specialists (ACAMS) and was a member of the Advisory Board of ACAMS. Currently on the advisory boards of Rahab’s Daughters and the Anti Human Trafficking Intelligence Initiative, he is also a lecturer and international speaker including at the UN, training law enforcement, ACAMs as well as University Masters Programs.
https://www.protectchildren.ca/en/
https://fintrac-canafe.canada.ca/intel/operation/exploitation-eng
https://followmoneyfightslavery.org/
https://www.iwf.org.uk/
David is on the International Advisory Panel of the GISW
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155 Trapped in County Lines. Christina Gabbitas
In this episode I speak to award-winning children’s author, Christina Gabbitas, about her book ‘Trapped in County Lines’. This is a follow up book to ‘No More Knives or County Lines’. We discuss why books like this are important in how we educate young people and their parents about issues like county lines. Christina shares the work she does with her book alongside the police and in schools and speaks of the power of storytelling around these difficult topics.
We also talk about her poetry competition launching on 1st March 2024.
About Christina:
Christina Gabbitas is an award-winning children’s author, Honorary Member of the NSPCC Council, Coronation Champion, and founder of the Children Literature Festivals charity, who was recently awarded a Prime Ministers Points of Light Award. Her impactful writing commissions include collaborations with organisations such as Humberside Police & Crime Commissioners Office, amongst other organisations and
charities. Notably, her recent work, “Trapped In County Lines,” commissioned by North Yorkshire Police and the North Yorkshire Fire & Crime Commissioners Office, reflects her dedication to educating children and young people about the signs of exploitation. Christina actively partners with various Police Forces, contributing to her transformative impact on children’s literature and safety education. Christina has visited over 180 schools delivering early intervention sessions with her work surrounding county lines.
Christina’s safeguarding stories are in the NSPCC Library, and she is currently liaising with Childline about online content surrounding county lines. Trapped in County Lines was book of the week at the NSPCC in October.
www.trappedincountylines.co.uk
www.nomoreknifecrime.co.uk
Schools Feedback. Check what’s been said.
https://www.benthamcpschool.org.uk/news/2022/no-more-knives-or-county-lines
https://planetradio.co.uk/greatest-hits/harrogate-yorkshire-dales/news/no-more-knives-or-county-lines-primary-school-christina-gabbitas-author/
https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/19662948.author-christina-gabbitas-backs-police-county-lines-scheme/
https://www.northyorkshire.police.uk/news/north-yorkshire/news/news/2021/october/police-and-childrens-author-work-together-to-deliver-a-key-message-on-the-dangers-of-county-lines-drug-dealing/
Children perspective https://www.nomoreknifecrime.co.uk/humberside-police/
Animation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXNVQ4VcBts
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154 Safeguarding Communications, Miriam Rich
When it comes to facing the public after a serious event, safeguarding communications expert Miriam Rich has developed skills and experience highlighting the key factors that should always be present–truth, sensitivity and a priority for victims and survivors.
Miriam is a crisis communications consultant and media relations specialist with a background in safeguarding. She’s handled communications for some of the most high-profile incidents and investigations of recent decades, including London’s multi-agency crisis response to Covid-19, the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, the trial of the London ‘nailbomber’, the Soham murders of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman, the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, and multiple investigations into child sexual abuse. She started as a press officer at New Scotland Yard in 1999 in the aftermath of the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry, working on portfolios including counter-terrorism, racial and violent crime and the Commissioner’s press office. In 2006 she went on to be a founding member of staff and Head of Media at the Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre, the government agency (now part of the National Crime Agency) set up in response to the explosion of the internet and what were, at that time, new threats to children via social media. She left the public sector in 2011 to work independently, founding her company which provides media training and crisis communications support to organisations with a safeguarding responsibility. Clients include schools and colleges, fostering agencies, religious organisations and charities. Public and private sector clients include leading day and boarding schools, universities, law enforcement agencies and charities, for whom she provide support, advice and guidance at board level and develop targeted communications materials for stakeholders. She provides media training in crisis communications to individuals and groups, working with a professional cameraman to provide an authentic experience that builds confidence and prepares you for the real thing.
Miriam has specific expertise in criminal justice, child protection, education and safeguarding issues with experience gained at New Scotland Yard, the National Crime Agency, the Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre and a wide range of other organisations and companies. She helps clients to respond to crises and reputation-threatening situations through:
providing strategic direction and media training at board level
• developing / implementing a communications strategy to manage media interest and other enquiries
• handling media enquiries and guiding press office responses during times of crisis
• advising on authentic and meaningful communications to key stakeholders
• supporting in-house press and marketing teams
Contact details. www.miriamrich.co.uk
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153 The small but important charity grows!
Grantown Remakery is a charity based in the Scottish Highlands, in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park near Aviemore. I talked about this, a year or so ago, with George Livingstone as the guest. It seemed a good idea to see how they weathered the pandemic and did George have views on how the wider community could support the causes and challenges they saw. We will hear that the project has changed since we last spoke in a number of ways.
We talk of the wider social trends and challenges faced by those they help. 3 strands of work for the 3 days they can afford to open.
1) Working with young learning disabled adults often isolated and lonely
2) Existing work with children helping to transition from school to further education.
3) developing a partnership with Job Centre Plus and 16 to 25 year olds who were deemed ‘not work ready’
It is a community social work scheme whose value to the area is significant, especially when the fall out from the pandemic adds to the existing challenges from rural poverty.
In addition they are also working on two new developments; 1) meeting shortly with the local Medical Practice with the view to becoming and organisation that GP’s can use on a social prescribing basis, and 2) are about to meet with ex forces representatives to consider what support we might provide to veterans who are having difficulty accessing work. This would involve opening for a further day.
All of this assists with fundraising as they can apply for funds for each discrete part of the project rather than on a blanket basis.
Also acknowledge that they are a member of Circular Communities Scotland, a national organisation which is about encouraging reuse of items rather than replacement which opens up further funding opportunities to them and enables the support of core work.
Also George is thinking of stepping down over the next year or two so any interested parties in the NE of Scotland can contact and have a conversation.
Grantown Remakeryhttps://www.grantownremakery.org.uk provides Employment Skills Development, volunteering opportunities and support for Young People who may be having difficulty in Transition from School to Further Education and Employment, Adults with a Disability or with Mental Ill-Health, supporting all in their journey to recovery and towards fulfilment of their personal goals.
It aims to provide an alternative to landfill disposal by repairing, upgrading, recycling and reselling of goods through a Community based system. This helps pay for coaching and supervision. They have developed strong business relationships with both Partners and the Local Community to identify the best service for individuals in need of support and skills development within strong environmental awareness and action
Email info@grantownremakery.org.uk Tel 01479 873612
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152 Peter Garsden President of the Association of Child Abuse Lawyers
In this episode I interview Peter Garsden, the President of the Association of Child Abuse Lawyers. I first interviewed Peter on this podcast 10 years ago. You can listen to that original episode here. In our updated conversation we talk about the changes that have happened over the last 10 years and the work that Peter does with the Association of Child Abuse Lawyers.
Peter has been a solicitor for over 40 years, and is the current President of A.C.A.L (Association of Child Abuse Lawyers, an organisation he helped found in 1981.
He is a Solicitor Consultant at Scott-Moncrieff & Associates . He also designed and maintains his own website Abuse Advice 4 Survivors. For nearly 30 years he ran his own firm Abney Garsden, Solicitors of Cheadle Hulme, Cheshire. He is a member of the Law Society Multi Party Action Group.
For several years he headed a specialist department of Child Abuse Personal Injury Lawyers and was the co-ordinating solicitor for most Child Abuse compensation claims and group actions in the North of England, including a 5 home 900 Claimant action based in Manchester. He is a former Secretary and founder member of a charity called Abuse Watch. He has also assisted an international charity called Innocence in Danger.
He has written and lectured on the subject of child abuse litigation and has extensive media experience on radio, television, and in the National newspapers.
Peter and his firm have won several local and national awards such as Personal Injury Team of the Year (Eclipse Personal Injury Awards 2011), Small Firm of the Year (Manchester Legal Awards, 2011 and 2013, Most Innovative Use of Legal Software (2010). Peter was made Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year in the Manchester Legal Awards of 2013, Solicitor of the Year at the QualitySolicitors Annual Awards in 2014, Law Society Solicitor of the Year (Private Practise) in 2016, Personal Injury Lawyer of the Year at the Eclipse Personal Injury Awards in 2018, and given a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Claims Management Awards in 2017. In 2023, he was awarded a Pride of Britain Award for his dedication to child abuse, and fostering children.
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151 John Pizzuro CEO Raven anti child exploitation part 2
Join me for part 2 of my conversation with John Pizzuro, the CEO of Raven about anti child exploitation.
John is the CEO of Raven, the first and only 501(c)4 group ( social welfare, not for profit ) focused on child exploitation in the United States, John works with lawmakers, advocates, agencies, and organizations who are willing to challenge the status quo and fight to protect our most vulnerable citizens. Prior to that John spent 25 years in the New Jersey State police where John had spent his last six years as The Internet Crimes Against Children Commander where he led a team of 200 investigators. In that capacity John served as Chair of the Outreach Committee, and US representative to INTERPOL. John developed a penchant for neuroscience, understanding social engineering and how criminals lured their victims and in return used those same techniques to lure criminals out of the shadows. John made it is mission to protect the innocent and leveraging partners skillsets in order to accomplish that. John’s Task force arrested over 1500 individuals that preyed on the innocent. John has developed and teaches classes on Cognitive Interviewing. John speaks frequently regarding leading and managing large scale investigations, leadership, online grooming, child exploitation, Human trafficking, social engineering, and how technology has impacted society and their behavior. He has written framework for other countries to develop their own investigative units with best practices. John is certified as a Master Neuro Linguistic Practitioner and has an M.A. in Human Resource Development and Training
John and colleagues from Raven addressed Congress this week and talked of how complex and challenging the threats to children are in our communities. check out the link. https://www.linkedin.com/company/ravenassociation/
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150 Lyn Romeo. Chief Social Worker for Adults
In today’s episode I speak to Lyn Romeo, the current Chief Social Worker for Adults. After 10 years Lyn is ready to move on from this role. In our discussion we talk about some of her achievements over the past 10 years, what new issues have emerged as a focus and the activity she has personally undertaken. We hear about some of the challenges facing social care and what it is really like to be in the role of Chief Social Worker for Adults. This is a fascinating conversation.
About Lyn Romeo:
Lyn Romeo took up her post as Chief Social Worker for Adults in September 2013 and I first interviewed her in February 2014 for this podcast. ( No 19 )
Previously, Lyn worked as the Director for Adult Social Care and Joint Commissioning in the London Borough of Camden. She has also worked as an inspector with the Social Services Inspectorate, as well as working in Yorkshire for over 20 years as both a field social worker and in a variety of management roles across children and adults services.
The Chief Social Worker for Adults works collaboratively with the Chief Social Worker for Children and Families. Together they work from the Office of the Chief
Social Worker to:
– support and challenge the profession to ensure that children and adults get the best possible help from social workers
– provide independent expert advice to ministers on social work reform, and the contribution of social work and social workers to policy implementation more generally
– provide leadership and work with key leaders in the profession and wider sector to drive forward the improvement and reform programme for social work
– challenge weak practice to achieve decisive improvements in the quality of social work
– provide leadership to the network of principal social workers
It’s good to have had 10 years to assess and measure change.
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149. Eileen Dong. UN Ambassador, survivor and author
In today’s episode I speak to Eileen Dong, UN Ambassador, survivor and author. We discuss the challenges facing the world around human trafficking. Eileen, as a survivor of human trafficking now provides education and support for other survivors. We discuss how we can practically learn from people’s experiences and how human trafficking is a non partisan global issue.
Eileen shares her book, ‘Thank Your Predator: A guide to Trauma Recovery from Abuse’ which is an educational guide and seeks to consider the role of prevention in human trafficking. She also highlighted the 2023 International Conference on Abuse and Awards talking place on October 26th. More information can be found below.
Eileen Dong is a trailblazer combating gender-based violence and human trafficking, is the Founder and Executive Director of Hope Pyx Global. As a UN Ambassador, her mission encompasses ending abuse, exploitation, trafficking, violence, and torture for people of all backgrounds. With a diverse background as a Petroleum Engineer, NASA Scholar, and Supply Chain Executive, Dong’s approach extends to collaborating with DOJ, ICE, and FBI on trafficking and money laundering cases.
A TEDx speaker, author of “Thank Your Predator: A Guide to Trauma Recovery from Abuse”, Dong’s expertise combines personal and professional experiences, fostering innovation and partnerships to combat trafficking comprehensively. A member of national human trafficking leadership councils, and formerly a diplomat at the British Consulate General, she influences inclusive, equitable, and data-driven policies. Her involvement with the Center for Countering Human Trafficking and training of law enforcement and victim service providers bridges gaps in culturally sensitive care.
Eileen Dong’s leadership is exemplified by her speech at the 2023 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, embodying the theme of not leaving any victim behind. Honored with “Eileen Dong Day” by Houston’s Mayor, her achievements, including the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award and Addy Award, have reached a global audience of 37.2 million through media features on ABC, Fox, and TED Talk.
You can find information about the things we discussed below:
2023 International Conference on Abuse (Oct 26, HYBRID): 2023 International Conference on Abuse & Awards
“Thank Your Predator: A Guide to Trauma Recovery from Abuse”: https://a.co/d/bIkDsuG
To learn more Eileen Dong, or to book Ms Dong for speaking or advising: https://eileendong.com/
To stay up to date about future events: http://www.hopepyxglobal.org/
International Survivors Network: https://www.facebook.com/groups/168664085021368
The Ms Texas Show: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMsTexasShow
To make a charitable donation: Donate Now – HOPE PYX GLOBAL
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148 Donna Ohdedar. Perception of Safeguarding.
Donna Ohdedar. Perception of Safeguarding. From time to time I like to have a talk with those who manage essential parts of the safeguarding landscape. Today I’m talking to Donna who is CEO of a company that conducts serious case reviews into adult and child deaths and serious incidents.
Donna has 16 years public sector experience, including her last role as Head of Law for a leading metropolitan authority. Now a safeguarding adviser, solutions focused mentor, public speaker & trainer, Donna offers her university accredited training programme, SILP School. She is also host of the Safeguarding & Domestic Abuse Sector podcast.
Donna is involved in serious case reviews in both children’s and adults’ safeguarding, domestic homicide and is a SILP Reviewer and Mentor. S.I.L.P. stands for Single Incident Learning Process.. Donna offers ‘SILP School’ her university accredited training course, CPD for reviewers & a free online network for leaders in review practice. She is also the host of the SILP School Podcast. S.I.L.P.Training is now an established process.Some reports are too long for what’s required and a rapid review can, when appropriate, deliver suitable learning recommendations that can bolster public confidence.—which took us on to the responsibilit of the safeguarding professions to find better ways to show the mainstream media all the vast amount of good work going on–just to balance the cases that result in serious injury or death–in fact it’s only the criminal cases that command space.
Changes could include an improvement in the number of reviews that contain the voice of the family–in 2021 one third of children’s reviews didn’t include this.Now there are over 70 people who have undertaken S.I.L.P.Training. These include child protection professionals from Health, Legal, Social Work and Police.
Our conersation ranged widely and covered safeguarding accross the sector.
All details of Donna and her work are on the links below
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-ohdedar-review-consulting-ltd
SILP School: https://donna-ohdedar.mykajabi.com/silp-school-blue-light
Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Sector Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-safeguarding-and-domestic-abuse-sector-podcast/id1554898339
Reviews: https://donna-ohdedar.mykajabi.com/child-safeguarding-practice-review
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