Lead Reviewers
Out team of SILP accredited reviewers have all undertaken our University Accredited Course. They are required to refresh their training annually with us and are subject to mentoring and supervision throughout their reviews. We appraise our reviewers annually using our competency framework to support them in reaching their goals.
All Reviewers can be contacted through Review Consulting:
Donna Ohdedar – Head of SILP
Donna has 16 years public sector experience, including her last role as Head of Law for a leading metropolitan authority. Now a safe-guarding adviser and trainer, Donna is involved in serious case reviews in both children’s and adults’ safeguarding, domestic homicide reviews and, of course, SILP, and is a SILP Lead Reviewer and Mentor.
Motivated by her big mission to improve practice in reviews, Donna offers ‘SILP School’, her university accredited SILP review course, continuing professional development for reviewers & a free online network for ‘leaders’ in review practice. Click here to join.
With an aspiration to share her vision more widely & learn with others about what will be needed in the next phase of learning & improvement work, this group is open to all until February 2020. The focus is on how we lead ourselves & others in reviews. Those attending the SILP Conference on 25 March 2021 may remain post conference & will form a new accountability group.
Tune into Association of Child Protection Professionals’ podcast where Donna discusses ‘What Will be Needed from Reviews in the Next Phase?’. You can listen below:
‘Donna ensured the events were well attended and those I saw involved in the discussion were obviously well prepared for the meeting, which was well chaired’
‘She made me feel comfortable and we were given a lot of reassurance during the process, This was the first meeting of this kind I had attended. I feel that I was not spoken down to by the other professionals in attendance, which was important..’
Nicki Pettitt – Head of Practice Development
Head of Practice Development for SILP, Nicki qualified as a Social Worker in 1989. She worked in Children’s Services in London and the South East and was Head of Service for Children’s Social Care in a City Council on the South Coast.
Since moving to Gloucestershire in 2008 Nicki has undertaken a large number of Serious Case Reviews both as Chair and Overview Author. She is a SILP Lead Reviewer and Mentor.
Christopher Brannan – SILP reviewer
Over 40 years of extensive social work experience specialising in safeguarding. Working initially as a front line practitioner progressing to Senior Officer roles. This lead to the positions of Director of Residential Childcare and Specialist Education Services. The vast experience held within safeguarding provided the foundation to take on the role of chairing safeguarding commissions within Hereford and Shrewsbury Catholic Dioceses and Telford and Wrekin. Direct involvement in report writing and the successful completion of a Serious Case and Domestic Homicide Review. Looking forward to bringing all of this experience as a future Lead Reviewer with SILP.
Cath Connor – SILP reviewer
Cath is an accredited SILP Lead Reviewer. A qualified social worker with PhD which focussed on looked after children and youth justice. Cath has broad experience as a practitioner and manager in the areas of substance misuse, child mental health and neglect and has authored reviews on these subjects.
Cath is committed to enabling the involvement of family and professionals in reviews to maximise opportunities for learning. Cath’s has received positive feedback from young people and parents following their involvement and has facilitated successful learning events for practitioners and managers with sensitivity and challenge – references are available.
Excellent presentation of learning event – well-structured with plenty of scope to discuss other matters arising.
It is clear that the success of an SCR event hinges a great deal on the ability, skills and personality of the SCR author and Chair. In this case their openness, honesty and rigour has been really appreciated. Thank you.
This has been very interesting – it has helped me evaluate my own actions and practice and I will be using these experiences to improve my practice and that of the team I work with and the parents I work with.
It is clear from both the questions and qualitative comments that participants found the SCR to be well organised and very well facilitated. There was only positive feedback. the LSCB can be assured that in line with the LiPP quality marker the broader learning and improvement culture of an organisation was strengthened from practitioners who were constructively involved in an SCR
Karen Perry – SILP reviewer
Karen’s last permanent job role was as Assistant Director for Safeguarding and Specialist Services; child protection, children in care and SEN. Her previous experience includes Head of Children’s Health commissioning. As well as undertaking SCRs/CSPRs/case reviews since 2016, Karen is also an independent chair of a local authority fostering panel and sits on Fitness to Practice panels for the HCPC.
Karen also volunteers as a Dementia Champion for the Alzheimer’s society and for Citizens Advice; providing advice to and advocacy for vulnerable people.
‘I was very nervous about attending today but want to thank you for the sensitive way it has been led.’ (practitioner)
‘I liked the way that you drew people into the conversation and also asked them to expand, challenging but in a way that allowed them to explain their understanding.’ (LSCB Observer)
‘The review report, although addressing complex issues, was succinct, and written in a style that enabled partners to understand the main themes and the roles of various professionals within the delivery of services. The recommendations made, were clear and achievable. Her attention to detail was impressive and Karen ensured she met agreed timescales and adhered to Board expectations.’ (Board Manager)
Adrienne Plunkett – SILP reviewer
Adrienne qualified as a SILP reviewer in 2014. She has high level skills in engaging families, including children, in the review process, as well as practitioners and front-line managers, handling complex group dynamics and facilitating collaborative problem solving. In addition, Adrienne writes reports which are clearly written, accessible, analytical and identify the key learning and recommendations.
‘I have found Adrienne to be proactive, maintaining momentum and ensuring highly focussed and productive panel meetings. Adrienne interacts positively with lead professionals to ensure clarity of purpose and negotiates her way through complex and at times challenging conversations maintaining positive and constructive working relationships. ‘
Karen Rees – SILP reviewer
Karen’s background is paediatric nursing, school nursing and health visiting. Karen progressed to safeguarding adult and children roles at various levels in the NHS. Karen was integral in the multi-agency management team setting up an Adult and Child MASH. Karen represented NHS Trusts on several LSCB & LSAB sub groups including policy, training and SCR/SAR, including chairing and vice chairing.
Leaving the NHS in 2015 to become an independent safeguarding consultant, Karen has undertaken several SCRs and SARs and other reviews using SILP methodology.
‘Karen has acted as overview author / lead reviewer for 2 of our SCR’s. I have found her to be organised, thorough and always meets agreed deadlines. Karen is not afraid to professionally challenge others but is always reflective and open to the perspective of others. Karen’s management of the professionals reflection / engagement events was particularly skilful in ensuring a no blame culture within the meeting whilst still extracting learning and encouraging reflective practice. I would recommend Karen and use her again in the future should the need arise.’
Allison Sandison – SILP reviewer
Allison is a trained barrister who has over 10 years experience working as a safeguarding lead on behalf of the police. She has undertaken a number of reviews and is now an accredited SILP reviewer. Her legal background means that she is a thorough researcher with excellent analytical and reasoning skills resulting in organised and concise reports.
Ian Vinall – SILP reviewer
Ian has been a qualified social worker for 28 years. He is a highly experienced service head and leader with a significant history of working in local government in Children’s Services safeguarding roles including Head of Safeguarding and Head of Service. Ian is trained and accredited to chair and author Domestic Homicide Reviews (DHR) through AAFDA and the Home Office and is SILP trained to undertake Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews (CSPR). Ian is an associate chair of Domestic Homicide Reviews for Standing Together. He has been a CSPR and DHR panel chair, panel member and has been the author of 2 CSPRs. Ian has undertaken safeguarding peer reviews for the Local Government Association and has undertaken safeguarding audits, reviews, training and facilitation for schools, local authorities and the voluntary sector. Ian is an experienced coach and mentor and has been in several improvement roles in local authorities. Ian is passionate about supporting social work and multi-agency practice in achieving good outcomes for children. Ian is very proud to be a White Ribbon Ambassador, working to end male violence against women and is a Trustee for a domestic abuse charity.
