Advertise on podcast: Safeguarding Matters with the Ann Craft Trust

Lisa Curtis talks to Robert Keniwell, a social worker and Mental Capacity Act (MCA) specialist, about recent changes to the law regarding Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS).  In June 2026, the Supreme Court published a judgment changing the definition of deprivation of liberty. Lisa and Robert discuss the changes, and the implications they may have on health and social care staff, the people they support, and their families.

In part two of a two part series, Rachael Clawson, Associate Professor at the University of Nottingham, talks to Nadia about her experiences of transnational marriage abandonment (TMA). One of Nadia's relatives was the victim of TMA. This is a form of domestic abuse in which a spouse is intentionally left stranded in a foreign country. Once stranded, the abandoned spouse will usually have no paperwork, no resources, and no means of getting home. In part two of this series, Nadia discusses the numerous individuals and organisations who supported her relative throughout her TMA experience. She also outlines some measures that could help prevent future instances of TMA. Note: Nadia's name and voice have been changed to ensure anonymity.

In part one of a two part series, Rachael Clawson, Associate Professor at the University of Nottingham, talks to Nadia about her experiences of transnational marriage abandonment (TMA).  One of Nadia's relatives was the victim of TMA, a form of domestic abuse in which a spouse is intentionally left stranded in a foreign country. Once stranded, the abandoned spouse will usually have no paperwork, no resources, and no means of getting home. Nadia explains how TMA works, and how it usually follows a long pattern of domestic abuse and coercive control.

Lisa Curtis explores partnership working with Gavin Casey, Safeguarding Manager at Thames Valley Air Ambulance.  Gavin provides a unique perspective on how safeguarding can work in emergency first response situations. He also discusses how we can apply safeguarding polices and practices to a number of everyday scenarios.

Hannah Shah talks to Chris Harris, Partnership Manager, Broxtowe Women's Project, about the Domestic Abuse in Sport Toolkit. Domestic abuse can affect anyone. But anyone involved in sport and activity, whether they are participants, coaches, staff, volunteers, or supporters, is in a unique position to spot the signs, and provide support where it is needed. Hannah and Chris discuss the toolkit, and the role it could play in helping sport and activity organisations spot the signs of domestic abuse. They also talk about the various services Broxtowe Women's Project run across the Nottinghamshire area to support women experiencing domestic abuse.

Stuart Sale talks to P.C. Mandy Nutt, Police Constable Co-Ordinator, Metropolitan Police Service. They discuss Operation Pantera, a campaign launched in 2020 to tackle cuckooing in Camden and Islington. They also talk about the Crime and Policing Act 2026, which introduces new laws to help police fight cuckooing.

Laura Thorpe talks to Helen Pyper, Head of Policy and Campaigns at Dementia Carers, about the support they offer people who are looking after loved ones with dementia.  Dementia Carers Count is a UK charity providing information, advice and support to thousands of dementia carers every year. They provide online information, a telephone support line, and they run frequent online support groups. In this episode of Safeguarding Matters, Helen discusses the challenges that many dementia carers face, and outlines how their support can help them feel less overwhelmed, and less alone.

Hannah Shah talks to Jules Parke-Robinson, a Board Champion at British Wheelchair Basketball. They discuss the role of the Board Champion, and explore how Board Champions can help their organisations work towards a safer culture for everyone. Jules advises that, when it comes to safeguarding adults, we should aim to "stay curious rather than reassured", and talks about how this professional curiosity might work in practice.

Ann Craft Trust CEO Stuart Sale talks to James Watson-O'Neill, CEO of Sense. James discusses his experiences of working with The Ann Craft Trust as part of an external safeguarding audit, and highlights how such assurance can promote best practice, and help organisations focus on achieving their core missions. They also discuss the importance of centring individuals in all safeguarding practices, and how Making Safeguarding Personal can work in practice.

Hannah Shah talks to Louise Gallagher-Smith, Lead Safeguarding Officer at Herts Sport and Physical Activity Partnership, about her experience of completing the Safeguarding Adults in Sport Framework. The Safeguarding Adults in Sport Framework is an online assessment tool that supports sport and physical activity organisations to implement best practice in safeguarding adults.  The Framework is for National Governing Bodies, National Specialist Partners and Active Partnerships funded by Sport England and UK Sport. Completing the Framework will help to identify any gaps or areas of practice that need development, as well as supporting best practice and continued development in safeguarding adults. In this episode of our Safeguarding Matters podcast, Louise discusses her experience of completing the Framework as a Lead Safeguarding Officer, while sharing some best practice tips for anyone who is yet to start the process.

Laura Thorpe chats with Dr Claire Bates from Choice Support Supported Loving. Dr Claire Bates' research found that relationships were important to autistic people and people with learning disabilities, but that they often relied on staff support to begin and maintain these relationships. She founded Supported Loving in 2017 as a national network to promote best practice, with the goal of providing people with the support they need to enjoy the same sexual and romantic freedoms as everyone else. In this episode, Laura and Claire discuss how research, training, and accessible information on sex and relationships can help to make love a reality for everyone

Hannah Shah talks to Liz Wright, Sports Welfare Officer at Active Cumbria. Hannah and Liz discuss a recent Safeguarding Adults in Outdoor Activities event, which Active Cumbria hosted with the Outdoor Partnership.   They explore some insights from the event, highlighting the importance of safeguarding knowledge for hosts of outdoor activities. They also discuss upcoming events planned by Active Cumbria.

Ann Craft Trust Safeguarding Adults in Sports Manager, Hannah Shah talks to Natalie Harris, Events and Safeguarding Manager and Karen Cheese, Events and School Games Co-ordinator from Active Kent & Medway. Natalie and Karen discuss the possibilities of using AI to assess and provide feedback on safeguarding policies. They explore how this approach could make the process more efficient, allowing them to provide clearer feedback to more organisations and build relationships. They share the practicalities of the process, along with certain risks, limitations, and best-practice guidelines.

Ann Craft Trust Safeguarding Adults Manager Laura Thorpe speaks with Duncan Craig OBE, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of We Are Survivors. They discuss how their safeguarding roles contribute to creating a world free from abuse. Duncan shares insight into the specialist services provided by We Are Survivors. This includes male survivors of abuse, such as survivors who have offended, with the aim of preventing further harm. They also touch upon Duncan’s work as a consultant on TV storylines addressing male sexual violation. The conversation reflects on Duncan’s work with government. They consider this progress made towards recognising men and boys as victims in their own right, and the need of a distinct approach for this.

Jodi Evans talks to Lucy Kidd from Kent County FA, and Andy Fearn from Protection Approaches, about how active bystander training can help prevent harmful situations from escalating. They talk about the Flag It Active Bystander workshops, which provide practical tips on how people can safely intervene when they encounter potentially abusive situations in a football setting. What stops people from coming forward and speaking up?How can we prevent harm without endangering ourselves?If we can't prevent abuse from happening, how can we offer the right support?