Domestic Abuse Related Death (DARDR): Plymouth
Independent reviewer examining the circumstances surrounding the death of a young woman who had experienced domestic abuse and coercive control. The review identified multi-agency learning where domestic abuse, mental health, substance use and suicide risk intersect.
Child Safeguarding Practice Review (CSPR): Torbay
Lead reviewer; examined sexual abuse perpetrated by a care-experienced young person. Findings emphasised trauma-informed assessment, robust risk management, and multi-agency oversight during transitions.
National CSPR Panel Review: Safeguarding & Domestic Abuse
Independent Review of over 70 rapid reviews and CSPRs where children had died or been seriously harmed - the report Multi-Agency Child Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse, identified an “overly simplistic and optimistic” approach to domestic abuse and its impact on children. The review found most practitioners used the term domestic abuse without understanding its nature and impact, a lack of a co-ordinated multi-agency response and an overemphasis on physical violence. The report drew on a literature review as well as discussions with, and evidence from, national and local specialist domestic abuse services, child safeguarding partners and stakeholders from all sectors.
John Smyth QC Learning Lessons Church of England Review
Sarah co-delivered this independent review, examining the Church of England’s response to the serious abuse perpetrated by John Smyth and the opportunities that existed to identify, report and respond to that abuse. The review involved extensive engagement with victims and survivors, as well as families, friends and others affected. It identified significant safeguarding and institutional learning, including around reporting, accountability, information-sharing and responses to those who disclose abuse.
Pool of Reviewers: National CSPR Panel
Membership of national child safeguarding practice review panel pool of reviewers.
Domestic Abuse Related Death (DARDR): Liverpool
Independent reviewer; identified systemic gaps where domestic abuse intersected with serious crime, family and male victim support, and inter-agency coordination.
Independent Scrutineer – Safeguarding Children Partnerships
Statutory and thematic scrutiny, engaging families, parents, carers, children and practitioners, particularly those unable or reluctant to engage due to safety, trauma, or systemic barriers. Scrutiny includes anti racist practice, sexual abuse, harassment, harmful sexual behaviour (HSB), neurodiverse children, service pathways and risk management.