by Jason Tait, Director of Pastoral Care and DSL, and co-funder of The Student Voice and RESPOND Safeguarding
Darren Singh-MacPherson, Director of inclusion, Wellbeing and Compliance, Co-founder of RESPOND Safeguarding

Are we doing things right - complying with policy, procedure, and legislation?

Are we doing the right thing - connecting with children and young people by understanding their ‘living’ experiences?

A failure to answer either question can have devastating consequences for both individuals and the organisations entrusted with their care. Yet, with limited time and growing complexity, this balance is becoming harder to achieve.

In just over a decade, Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) has expanded from 40 to more than 150 pages. In 2014, there were four primary safeguarding threats; by 2025, there are over forty. As recognition of harm has broadened, so too has the challenge: how do we remain compliant and compassionate - systematic and human?

This blog will look at how we can bridge these potentially competing narratives to increase our Protective Capacity as safeguarding professionals.

Read Jason and Darren's blog in full here