Briefing: Victoria Marten Review

This briefing is delivered by the NSCP and is focused on the death of baby Victoria Marten prompted a national safeguarding practice review that identified important learning for all professionals working with children, families and vulnerable adults. While the circumstances of the case were exceptional, the review highlights themes that are frequently seen across safeguarding practice, including non-engagement, concealed pregnancy, information sharing, cumulative risk, professional curiosity and multi-agency working.

This briefing will explore the key events leading up to Victoria’s death, examine the findings of the national review, and consider what the learning means for practitioners across health, education, police, children’s services, and the community and voluntary sector. Participants will be encouraged to reflect on how agencies can work together to identify escalating risk, safeguard vulnerable babies and ensure that children do not become invisible within complex family circumstances.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the session, participants will be able to:

• Understand the key chronology and findings of the Victoria Marten Review.
• Recognise the importance of early and effective pre-birth safeguarding.
• Identify the risks associated with non-engagement, concealed pregnancy and cumulative harm.
• Understand the role of professional curiosity in safeguarding practice.
• Reflect on the importance of information sharing and multi-agency working in protecting vulnerable children.
• Consider how the review’s findings can be applied to strengthen safeguarding practice within their own role and organisation.