How can sport safeguard children?

My abuser said he was a scout for a professional club. I played for a team that he ran by himself, with no assistance from anyone else. He came and watched me play football at school after that, on the premise that he wanted to see how I was doing. And he scouted other boys …

Domestic violence and abuse – 6 things that everyone should know right now!

6 things that everyone should know right now.’ I have delivered training in Domestic Violence and Abuse (DVA) for many years now and I consider it an absolutely critical aspect of safeguarding knowledge that every member of the children’s workforce should have. Here is some important and up to date information about DVA that I …

2020 Amendment of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act

Essential Updates to your Single Central Record: 2020 Amendment of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act Summary: Important legal changes came into force on the 28th November 2020 to take into account a judgement by the Supreme Court. These changes are: Cautions given to under 18s are no longer legally disclosed The multiple conviction rule has …

Safeguarding Spotlight on Dennis O’Neil

A while ago I was delivering training and speaking with passion (I think) about a local Serious Case Review that had thrown up a number of insights. As I have said many times before, so much of my own continuing professional development is gained from reading Serious Case Reviews which tragically examine the death or …

Covid-19 and Mental Health

‘Self-isolating and social distancing was a bad habit I worked really hard to get out of. Now I’m being made to do it and being told it’s the right thing to do. It’s very confusing and I’m scared of falling back in to that cycle.’Survey Respondent, Coronavirus: Impact on Young People with Mental Health Needs, …

Are your staff getting their MANDATORY safeguarding induction training?

This time of year is the start of work for many new members of staff across the children’s workforce. Along with entrance codes, photocopying keys and how the tea and coffee supplies are organised, there is also the need to ensure that every induction should include training on safeguarding for each new staff member. Induction …

Are your staff getting their MANDATORY safeguarding induction training?