Lessons Will Be Learned

The safeguarding and child protection challenges in education have never been more complex, nor the legal duties on schools and colleges more stringent. The criminal and sexual exploitation of children, FGM, radicalisation and online safety are sadly all now part of the remit, as are self-harm and mental health issues. And these safeguarding challenges are found not only in urban communities, but also in leafy suburbs and rural idylls throughout the UK. The responsibility on safeguarding leads in schools, colleges and multi-academy trusts is huge, and Covid-19 (and its inevitable after-effects) has only added to the complexity.

This book sets out how you can transform your safeguarding arrangements, with a strategic framework that will help you and your governing body or MAT board to develop and implement outstanding practice across your whole organisation. It is based on an 8-point strategic safeguarding model that will enable you to anticipate potential problems, deal with concerns more effectively, and build a robust safeguarding culture that is underpinned by a strong network of support, both internally and externally. Ultimately, this approach will support safeguarding leads in their vital role of protecting children; enable senior leaders, governors and trustees to provide appropriate leadership and support for safeguarding; help to improve the effectiveness of multi-agency working; and support educators in their vital work of preparing learners for life.

Martin is a former chief police officer whose 38-year career spanned five UK police forces, including significant spells in counter-terrorism in London and in homicide investigation. As a chief officer he was responsible for all aspects of safeguarding and child protection and managed the risks posed by violent and sexual offenders living in the community.
Martin’s most recent policing role was as Chief Constable of Dorset Police. During his time in charge, his officers and staff delivered eight consecutive years of crime reduction and achieved national ‘best in class’ public confidence ― the highest of any police force in England and Wales. In 2006 he was awarded The Queen’s Medal for Distinguished Police Service (QPM).
Today, Martin is CEO and co-founder of The Safeguarding Company, the makers of MyConcern. He’s also an experienced school governor in both primary and upper schools, and is currently a director of a multi-academy trust.

Mike had a varied policing career, ultimately serving as an Assistant Chief Constable (in Dorset Police, responsible for the delivery of all operational policing across the county, including adult and child protection. As a young detective he volunteered to become a trained Child Protection Officer and led many serious and complex child abuse investigations. Later, as Head of CID, he was responsible for all child and adult safeguarding and headed numerous major crime investigations involving vulnerable children and adults. He was also chaired the Local Criminal Justice Board and represented Dorset Police on the Local Children’s Safeguarding Board.

Mike is currently the Chief Safeguarding Officer at The Safeguarding Company and he is regularly invited to speak at national and international conferences and events to share his expertise on safeguarding.
He too is an experienced school governor, and has been a Chair of Governors for over 10 years.