Solid Safeguarding

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. We also 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 our 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.

This was a highly complex review into historic sexual abuse, systemic failures and institutional cover-ups. Also known as the 'Makin Review', this report had international impact and media coverage as it was published in November 2024. The review spanned 40 years of abuse and subsequent responses. Our report details how Church of England leaders were aware of Smyth's prolific physical, sexual and psychological abuse of boys and young men at Christian camps and Winchester College and at Universities in the 1970s and 80s, but failed to act effectively, allowing him to continue his abuse abroad in Zimbabwe and South Africa. Sarah co-delivered the review and engagement with many victims and survivors, their family members and friends.  The final report criticised the Church's historic response as "wholly ineffective" and a form of cover-up, leading to profound apologies from church leaders, including the (later resigned) Archbishop of Canterbury.  The review has been described as a 'landmark' review, with learning opportunities beyond the Church and religious organisations in the UK. 

The pool of reviewers assists the child safeguarding practice review panel when they undertake national reviews regarding child safeguarding.

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 included sexual abuse, harassment, harmful sexual behaviour (HSB), neurodiverse children, service pathways, and risk management. 

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. 

Independent reviewer; identified systemic gaps where domestic abuse intersected with serious crime, family and male victim support, and inter-agency coordination.