EducationScape backs SaferSpace app to support schools, colleges, training providers and universities in tackling sexual harassment and discrimination
After a year of co-development, EducationScape and SaferSpace relaunch app to support robust safeguarding and compliance in UK education and training settings
EducationScape, the publishers behind Schools Week and FE Week has formally announced the relaunch of SaferSpace, a confidential reporting app designed to help students and staff across the education and training sectors report harassment, bullying and discrimination.
Originally launched in 2024 by Ruth Sparkes and Sunita Gordon, SaferSpace was created to address the lack of secure, accessible reporting routes in the workplace and education. Over the past year, EducationScape has invested in the platform and worked closely with the SaferSpace team to refine its features and ensure it meets the needs of colleges, universities, training providers and schools alike – for both learners and staff.
The relaunch comes at a time when safeguarding expectations are under increasing scrutiny. A 2021 review by Ofsted found that nearly 90% of girls in some secondary schools had received unwanted explicit images, and most said incidents of sexual harassment were so common they did not see the point in reporting them.
In higher education, nearly one in three female students has reported experiencing sexual harassment during their studies.
Apprentices, many of whom work in employer settings without full access to safeguarding support, face similar challenges. A Department for Education study found that many apprentices are not adequately informed about their rights or how to report inappropriate behaviour.
SaferSpace responds directly to these gaps. The platform allows users to submit anonymous or named reports via a mobile-first interface, access institution-specific safeguarding policies, and receive updates on outcomes. It integrates seamlessly with existing reporting and governance frameworks, aligning with guidance from Ofsted, the Office for Students and the new Worker Protection Act.
“Since our involvement with SaferSpace began, we’ve worked hard to ensure the app is genuinely useful to those on the front line,” said Shane Mann, Chief Executive of EducationScape. “This is about giving HR, designated safeguarding leads, pastoral staff and students a reliable and secure tool that fits within existing reporting frameworks. The emphasis is on good reporting, not just technology.”
A standout feature is the app’s built-in AI-driven chatbot, trained on the UK Equality Act. It helps users understand if what they’ve experienced might constitute discrimination or harassment, especially where they may feel unsure.
“Some students don’t always know whether what they’ve experienced is serious enough to report,” said Ruth Sparkes. “The chatbot helps them check, understand what’s happened, and supports them if they choose to submit a report.”
For safeguarding and HR teams, SaferSpace offers a comprehensive governance dashboard. Institutions can identify trends, track incident resolution timelines, and monitor activity across campuses or departments. Reports are triaged confidentially and managed through a consistent, auditable system that allows for both timely response and long-term oversight.
This level of visibility allows organisations to demonstrate compliance with external frameworks, while allocating support resources effectively and building trust internally.
For large institutions or multi-site providers, the platform ensures that safeguarding data is no longer siloed or inconsistently managed.
EducationScape and SaferSpace are now inviting HR leaders, safeguarding leads, DSLs and senior leadership teams to book a demonstration.
Several FE and HE institutions have already begun piloting the platform ahead of the new academic year.
Visit the SaferSpace IO website for more information: https://saferspace.io