The Safeguarding Network is a vital termly forum uniting educators and practitioners from schools, colleges, and training providers who are dedicated to safeguarding the welfare of learners and fostering safe educational environments. This collaborative Network allows professionals to engage with critical safeguarding issues, share effective practices, and strengthen their approach to protecting learners from harm.
Participants will use the Network to explore core safeguarding responsibilities while addressing pressing issues such as the Prevent Duty, tackling gang-related culture, and safeguarding in an increasingly complex digital landscape. The Network also provides a unique opportunity to engage in discussions about emerging concerns, including the government’s ongoing exploration of banning social media for under-16s and the rising impact of drug-related crime on young people.
This network will include a presentation of SaferSpace from Ruth Sparkes and Sunita Gordon. SaferSpace is a web-based platform and mobile app to help report and prevent unacceptable behaviours such as sexual harassment, discrimination, radicalisation and other harmful behaviours in the workplace, and on campus. Organisations can immediately identify hotspots and patterns and intervene quickly.
The Network is led by Vicki Stockdale, Safeguarding and Behaviour Management Consultant who benefits from over 20 years’ experience working as a teacher, manager and Safeguarding/Looked After designate in FE. Vicki hasI conducted safeguarding audits for education organisations, and worked on Quality Improvement Plans that ensure a more robust safeguarding provision.
It is important to me that we don’t stand still but constantly seek to improve to enhance the experience of our students. Examples of this happening under her leadership are:
· Being the first college in the country to achieve the Carers Federation Standards Award
· Having the accolade of winning NAMSS Team award,
· Being shortlisted for TES support award
· Direct reference in Ofsted report to exemplary safeguarding and outstanding support are all indicators of the team ethos of the teams I led.
During her time in FE Vicki has worked hard to establish positive working relationships with all the external agencies. Her work was recognised by the inspector during an Ofsted inspection and helped to acknowledge that safeguarding within the organisation she worked at was exemplary.
Register now to secure your place!
What will we explore?
Sessions over the course of the academic year will explore a range of hot topics and current trends such as the role social media plays in the lives of young people. From online grooming to cyberbullying and the spread of harmful content, educators face significant challenges in mitigating these risks. With the UK government exploring the potential ban of social media for under-16s, the implications for education could be profound. The Network will provide a space to discuss how such a policy might reshape digital literacy teaching, pastoral care, and strategies for ensuring young people develop safe and responsible online behaviours.
Another critical area of focus is the rise of drug-related crime, including county lines exploitation, which disproportionately affects vulnerable young people. Educational providers are uniquely positioned to recognise the signs of exploitation, intervene early, and provide support to those at risk. The Network will explore how schools, colleges, and training providers can enhance their safeguarding strategies to protect learners from the influence of drugs, gangs, and criminal networks while working in collaboration with external agencies.
Call for speakers:
EducationScape is inviting safeguarding leads, educators, and leaders to share their insights and experiences as part of this term’s session. Whether discussing successful interventions, tackling emerging risks, or sharing strategies for working with external safeguarding agencies, your voice can make a difference. Submit your 150-200 word proposal and contribute to shaping the future of safeguarding in education and training by emailing
Who should attend?
The Safeguarding Network is open to safeguarding officers, designated safeguarding leads (DSLs), senior leaders, and educators across schools, colleges, and training providers who are dedicated to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all learners.
Make a difference:
As safeguarding challenges continue to evolve, the role of educators in protecting young people has never been more crucial. By attending the Safeguarding Network, you will join a proactive community of professionals committed to creating safe learning environments and addressing the risks that threaten the safety and well-being of learners. Together, we can share ideas, solve challenges, and develop innovative solutions to protect all students and ensure they are free from harm.
Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of an inspiring and impactful Network!