I offer a fully bespoke safeguarding service. It really is up to you to decide how much support you need and where you need it. Please contact me to discuss how I can help.

Research

Records of training and safeguarding concerns are stored in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998 and Working Together to Safeguarding Children 2023

Charges:

I charge £350 per day.

If travel is required, mileage is charged @45p per mile and overnight accommodation and meals at cost price.

"The Talking Room - how do rapport and question type impact the accuracy and confidence of children's responses in forensic interviews?"

Current Research

PhD - Liverpool John Moores University

I began my academic journey soon after leaving policing, acheiving a First Class BSc(Hons) degree in Forensic Psychology through the Open University. I was awarded a Distinction in my MSc in Forensic Psychology at the University of Gloucestershire where I met Professor Jacqueline Wheatcroft, a leading expert in all areas pertaining to question style and forensic interviewing.

With Jacqueline as my supervisor, I began my PhD research at the University of Gloucestershire, moving with Professor Wheatcroft to Teesside University and then again to Liverpool John Moores where I remain.

Previous Research

Child-Safe

In 1998 I was awarded a Home Office Police Research Award for Innovation for my work entitled “Preventing the abuse of foreign exchange students”. This later became the international charity Child-Safe.

I worked with Chris Gould, travelling the world speaking at conferences about the issues identified and raising awareness of the lack of legislation and monitoring in this field. Achievements of note included:-

• Targeted books of information and guidance

• Working with practitioners, law enforcement and law makers in the UK, New Zealand, Australia, New York, Miami, Canada, Belgium and Spain

• Co-presenting at both the UK and European Parliaments

• Organising, fund raising, staffing and running the Child-Safe International Conference in Bath

• I was also subject of TV Close up West documentary where I took a safeguarding disclosure during live radio interview as I was being filmed by the BBC!

Testimonials

"The portfolio is one of the best if not the best portfolio of evidence that I have seen in ten years of assessing... The porfolio is one that could be used as a model for other trainers to follow. I congratulate you on this excellent piece of work"

Publications

Think Smart Travel Safe - An essential guide for young travellers abroad

Child-Safe, Avon and Somerset Constabulary, UK - Apr 1, 2006

For many young people, the experience of travelling abroad, particularly if it is their first time, can be very daunting. This book provides young people with a step-by-step guide to ensure that they are fully prepared for the experiences they may encounter. It encourages them to take responsibility in the preparation for their trip, offers advice and guidance on how to stay safe, as well as providing practical guidelines on staying with a host family abroad. A free personal safety card is included.

Travel-Safe Advice for Host Families

Child-Safe, Avon and Somerset Constabulary, UK - Sept 1, 2002

Providing a home for a foreign student can be a rewarding, but also challenging experience, not only for the adults in the host family but also for their children. The Travel-Safe Advice for Host Families book provides essential reading for families who wish to host a young person as part of an educational, cultural or language exchange programme. The book provides invaluable information and advice on how to provide a safe and secure environment and will help families to manage the experience of hosting with greater confidence and competence.

Travel-Safe Advice for Schools

Child-Safe, Avon and Somerset Constabulary, UK - Aug 1, 2004

The Travel-Safe Advice for Schools book provides essential reading for head-teachers, educational visits co-ordinators, governors and anyone involved in planning a school visit abroad.
This book provides information about the practices and procedures that should be in place before cultural, educational or language homestay visits abroad are embarked on. It sets out the issues to be considered before pupils travel, and what standards and processes should be expected from the tour operator and or host establishment. It also deals with preparing young people for their adventure and the type of information that should be made available for parents. It covers what to do in emergency situations and looks at the issues concerning duty of care of pupils whilst they are away.

Travel-Safe Advice for Parents and Guardians

Child-Safe, Avon and Somerset Constabulary, UK - Sept 1, 2002

We provide practical help and advice for parents and guardians to keep their children safe when they are away from home. Many parents and guardians rely on the information given to them by the tour organisation or school. They believe that the organisers have made all the necessary checks and have safeguarding and child protection procedures in place. Sadly this is not always the case and every year we send our children thousands of miles across the world, to countries where they may not understand the language and culture, to stay with complete strangers.
The Travel Advice for Parents and Guardians guidebook provides practical advice on what you should know when your child leaves. This includes everything from asking the right questions of the organisers to preparing your child for their adventure. This book provides you with the reassurance and confidence of knowing that the trip organiser has followed all the correct procedures to protect your child’s safety and welfare.

Travel-Safe Advice for the Voluntary Sector

Child-Safe, Avon and Somerset Constabulary, UK - Sept 1, 2002

Voluntary and community groups provide a wealth of opportunities and experiences for young people. Keeping children safe in these groups is an important responsibility for groups leaders and volunteers. We provide a range of free resources and child protection awareness seminars to voluntary and community groups working with children and young people in the community*. Clubright Online is a free members website that provides ongoing support and advice, as well as free downloadable resources, to help voluntary groups keep children in their care safe.