top of page

Insights & resources

Briefing Note: Defining Safeguarding in Higher Education

  • Writer: William Brown
    William Brown
  • Aug 3, 2023
  • 2 min read

Updated: Mar 11

On 26th July 2023, 108 participants from around 90 institutions and organisations attended our online ‘Policy Pitstop’ event - Defining Safeguarding in Higher Education.

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, we 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:


An accessible version of the briefing note is also available using the link below:



Looking for support with your safeguarding responsibilities?


At Plinth House, we deliver safeguarding training that is written from a higher education perspective – not just marketed to higher education. Our courses are designed to cut through confusion and provide clarity on what safeguarding really means for universities and HEIs. Find out more and download our safeguarding brochure.


You are also welcome to contact us or book an appointment for an informal video call to have a initial discussion about your requirements and we can confirm our future availability, once we know more about the specific type of training or consultancy support that you would find helpful. You can also subscribe to our mailing list to be kept up to date on our latest updates, insights and events.

Our next training events
Level Two 'Safeguarding in practice in higher education': an online training event (two half-day sessions)

Level Two 'Safeguarding in practice in higher education': an online training event (two half-day sessions)

14 Jul 2026

Confident panel practice for Fitness to Study / Support to Study chairs and panel members: an online training event

Confident panel practice for Fitness to Study / Support to Study chairs and panel members: an online training event

27 Aug 2026

Top-up session for Level Three ‘Safeguarding for Designated Safeguarding Leads / Officers in Higher Education’

Top-up session for Level Three ‘Safeguarding for Designated Safeguarding Leads / Officers in Higher Education’

1 Oct 2026

Explore our training courses

Fostering students' self-reliance using practical coaching skills

This practical course explores the nature of coaching, the GROW coaching model, how to frame effective coaching questions, and what a coaching approach looks like in practice when working with students.

Practical coaching skills - hero image.jpg
bottom of page