Briefing Note: Defining Safeguarding in Higher Education
On 26th July 2023, 108 participants from around 90 institutions and organisations attended our online ‘Policy Pitstop’ event - Defining Safeguarding in Higher Education - introduced by Susan O’Donnell, Specialist Consultant and Trainer at Plinth House.
The event explored the way that the term ‘safeguarding’ is increasingly being used within the higher education sector to describe incidents and scenarios that go beyond the legal safeguarding duties placed on institutions, in their dealings with Under 18s and Adults at Risk.
In response to the confusion resulting from this inconsistency in language and definitions, Susan outlined a back-to-basics reminder on these legal responsibilities and led a discussion with participants to explore the implications for the sector.
We've created a briefing note summarising the key information from the event and including some of observations from those that participated in the discussion.
To access the PDF briefing note, use the link below:
Briefing Note - Defining Safeguarding in Higher Education - August 2023 - Plinth House
.pdf
Download PDF • 222KB
An accessible version of the briefing note is also available using the link below:
Briefing Note - Defining Safeguarding in Higher Education - August 2023 - Plinth House - A
.
Download • 171KB
Our Good Practice Guide, Higher Education Institutions and the Legal Duty to Refer to the Disclosure and Barring Service, is also available for download.
Looking for support with your safeguarding responsibilities?
Through our consultancy and training services, Plinth House can support you with meeting your safeguarding responsibilities:
Reviewing your safeguarding policy and related arrangements
Governing body and executive level briefings on safeguarding
Designated Safeguarding Officer training specifically for the higher education context
Mentoring of lead and principal safeguarding role holders
You're welcome to contact us with any requirements you have or subscribe to our mailing list to be kept up to date on our latest updates, insights and events.
Our next Policy Pitstop event
Our next free Policy Pitstop, titled 'Serious incident reviews following a student death – Are HEIs being steered in the right direction?', takes place on Wednesday 6th September. Bookings are now open.