Advanced Safeguarding Leadership Programme

Deepening insight, strengthening leadership, elevating safeguarding practice

This Advanced Safeguarding Leadership Programme is designed to build upon existing safeguarding knowledge and skills, equipping experienced DSLs with the expertise needed to navigate increasingly complex and challenging safeguarding landscapes. The programme looks at the leadership of safeguarding and its impact on whole school improvement. It recognises that safeguarding is not static, but rather a dynamic field requiring continuous professional development to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children and vulnerable adults.

The programme is spread out over the academic year and starts with a face-to-face day, followed by a mix of face to face days and four twilight webinars. Also included are three one-to-one coaching sessions.
 
Some of the themes that are covered, by leading experts in the area are contextual safeguarding, Parental and Community Co Production, Self evaluation and distributed leadership, and Supporting Vulnerable Students including those in Specialist Provisions

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Session 1: Face to Face – Friday 17 October 2025, ASCL HQ, Leicester

Session 2: Webinar on Contextual Safeguarding – Tuesday 4 November 2025 3.30-5pm

Session 3: Webinar on Parental and Community Co Production – Tuesday 2 December 2025 3.30-5pm

Session 4: Face to Face - Thursday 15 January 2026, ASCL HQ, Leicester

Session 5: Webinar on Compliancy, Quality Assurance and DSL Development (Introduction to DSl standards and tools available) – Tuesday 10 February 2026 3.30-5pm

Session 6: Webinar on Supporting Vulnerable Students including those in Specialist Provisions - Tuesday 3 March 2026 3.30-5pm

Session 7: Face to Face - Tuesday 23 June 2026, ASCL HQ, Leicester

£599 + VAT for members
£699 + VAT for non members

Multiple delegate discounted rate
£539 + VAT for members
£629 + VAT for non members

      Margaret Mulholland
SEND and Inclusion Specialist

After several years as ASCL Council’s representative on SEND, Margaret joined ASCL’s policy team as SEND and Inclusion Specialist in September 2019. 

She is also Project Director for Whole School SEND and Nasen leading an Education Endowment Foundation trial to evaluate the impact of the SEND Review Framework. 

A leading advocate for the role SEND settings play in improving understanding of inclusive teaching and learning, Margaret brings over 20 years experience in ITT innovation and practice. She spent seven years as Director of Development and Research at a leading special school and thirteen years at the Institute of Education, where she was responsible for innovative employment-based routes to QTS, PGCE secondary partnerships. 

Margaret sits on the Universities’ Council for the Education of Teachers, is an advisor to the UK Government on ITT curriculum development and works with local authorities as an external advisor for NQTs, ITT and leadership development. She also writes a column on research and inclusivity for the Times Educational Supplement. 
 
         
      Victoria Raynor
Director of Raynor Safeguarding Ltd
 

Victoria Raynor is a highly experienced safeguarding consultant with a proven track record in developing, implementing, and delivering robust safeguarding strategies across a variety of sectors, including education, youth services, and community organisations. With over twenty years of hands-on experience, Victoria is dedicated to creating safe environments where children are protected, heard, and empowered. Victoria has extensive experience of working as a Designated Safeguarding Lead, Trust Safeguarding Lead and most recently a safeguarding consultant in both the UK and Internationally.

A qualified NSPCC Train the Trainer practitioner, Victoria is equipped to deliver advanced safeguarding training to professionals at all levels. Her expertise extends to risk assessment, policy development, case reviews, and multi-agency collaboration. She is known for her practical, no-nonsense approach that blends deep subject knowledge with real-world application. Victoria also ensures that all areas of the pastoral agenda are considered within all training and believes that safeguarding is truly the golden thread.

Victoria’s work is underpinned by a passion for prevention, early intervention, and equipping frontline staff with the tools and confidence they need to respond effectively. Whether facilitating workshops, advising senior leadership teams, or leading safeguarding audits, Victoria brings clarity, compassion, and compliance to every conversation.
         
      Kate Gaunt
Safeguarding consultant

Kate Gaunt is a dedicated and knowledgeable safeguarding consultant committed to helping organisations cultivate safe and supportive environments. Drawing upon 15 years of experience in the safeguarding sector, Kate has collaborated with a diverse range of organisations, including education and further education, the faith sector, local authority and voluntary sectors to strengthen their safeguarding frameworks and practices.

With a reputation for her clear communication and practical solutions, Kate delivers impactful training programs, conducts comprehensive safeguarding reviews, and provides expert guidance on complex case management.
Her in-depth understanding of safeguarding legislation, risk assessment, and child protection principles empowers organisations to confidently navigate safeguarding challenges and promote a culture of vigilance. Kate is passionate about empowering individuals and organisations to proactively safeguard those in their care and believes that effective safeguarding is a shared responsibility. She studied Psychology at Newcastle University which focused on child development and has a particular interest in supporting children with social, emotional and mental health needs. She is a trainer in Safer Recruitment and is in the first cohort completing a PG Cert in Leading Safeguarding in Education.
         

Suitable for: Directors and Deputy Directors of Trust Safeguarding, experienced DSLs and those who have a strategic leadership role in safeguarding

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