Safeguarding sofa sessions

A focused discussion unpacking what the latest safeguarding data is really telling us; including where schools are making progress, where gaps remain, and why consistent practice continues to be a challenge.

This session explores:

• the gap between recognising concerns and acting consistently
• where safeguarding culture is strongest and where it is not yet embedded
• the role of leadership, governance and staff confidence

A practical, experience-led conversation on what it takes to move beyond compliance and embed safeguarding into everyday practice.

This session explores:

• how organisations are building consistency across staff
• what is genuinely improving reporting culture
• how schools and trusts are moving toward earlier, more proactive intervention

Trust Lead for Safeguarding, Attendance and Inclusion, King’s Group Academies

Laura leads safeguarding strategy across the trust, specialising in translating policy into effective, consistent practice and leading key initiatives including work on violence against women and girls.

Trust Strategic Lead for Safeguarding, Outwood Grange Academies Trust

Natalie brings over 20 years’ experience as a teacher and counsellor, leading safeguarding strategy with a focus on risk management, digital safety and operational consistency.

Strategic Lead for Safeguarding, Howard Partnership Trust

Jo has over 20 years’ experience in safeguarding and child protection, leading trust-wide frameworks and delivering training and supervision for safeguarding leads.

Co-founder, Safeguarding Scenarios

John has over 30 years’ experience in education and school improvement, specialising in safeguarding curriculum and professional development through real-world scenarios.

National Director, Regulation and Social Care, Ofsted

Yvette leads national work on regulation and social care at Ofsted, bringing extensive experience across children’s services, safeguarding and system-level improvement.

Head of Safeguarding for schools, Dukes Education

Rachael has over 14 years' experience in education and safeguarding, providing strategic leadership and hands-on experience to create safe, supportive environments where every child can thrive.

Safeguarding Consultant

Ann Marie supports schools and trusts to strengthen safeguarding leadership, systems and culture through consultancy and advisory work.

Director of Safeguarding and Compliance, Shaw Education Trust

Brian brings extensive experience in embedding consistent safeguarding practice at scale across multi-academy trusts.

Trust Lead for Safeguarding, Attendance and Inclusion, King’s Group Academies

Laura leads trust-wide safeguarding and inclusion strategy, with a focus on translating policy into effective practice across schools.

Safeguarding and Welfare Officer, Globeducate

Katherine brings over 30 years’ experience in education, including leadership roles and experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead, supporting safeguarding across international schools.

Head of Safeguarding and Welfare, Endeavour Learning Trust

Heather leads safeguarding across the trust, drawing on over 20 years’ experience to build strong safeguarding cultures beyond compliance.

Group Head of Operational Risk, International Schools Partnership

Andrew leads operational risk across a global group of schools, including safeguarding, governance and compliance across diverse international contexts.