In September 2024, the Ann Craft Trust supported the launch of the Safeguarding in Higher Education Network.
This is a new initiative co-chaired with the Universities of Nottingham and Westminster, and with membership from across the sector. The Network was developed in response to increasing calls across the sector for a space to share practice, navigate new expectations of national regulatory bodies such as the Office for Students’ Condition E6, and collaboratively address shared safeguarding challenges.
Safeguarding in Higher Education Network – Purpose and Aims
Meeting quarterly, the network brings together colleagues from institutions across the UK in a supportive, non-competitive environment. Its purpose is to share best practice, explore sector-specific risks, and provide mutual support.
To date, the network has discussed:
- Safeguarding in apprenticeships and work placements.
- The role of Ofsted in university inspections.
- Managing staff-student relationships.
- Reporting platforms.
- Inclusive practice.
- Suicide prevention.
- Sport and society-based hazing.
Challenges, Priorities, Solutions
The minutes and transcripts from these sessions provide a valuable snapshot of emerging priorities, as well as the possible solutions.
The network has also raised certain challenges. These echo certain themes that have appeared in recent sector reports, such as the Office for Students’ review of safeguarding practices and Advance HE’s spotlight on institutional culture change. These reports highlight the need for a holistic approach to safeguarding. We need to go beyond compliance and embed wellbeing and inclusive practice across the university experience.
New Initiatives – Publications, Courses, Webinars
In response, the network is pleased to launch several initiatives to further support the sector:
- The Safeguarding Students in Higher Education Bulletin, a quarterly email update sharing insights, events and resources. To register your interest in receiving this bulletin, please complete this short form.
- A free webinar series, launching later in 2025, featuring case studies and good practice. Subscribe to the Bulletin for updates. If you are interested in presenting your practice, please contact us.
- A new Introduction to Safeguarding Adults in Higher Education e-learning course, tailored to the needs of the sector.
- A new Level 3 Training Course for Designated Safeguarding Leads and Managers in Higher Education. Learn more about this course and book your place.
- A new publication to map good practice in safeguarding across Higher Education.
As the network develops, we invite colleagues to engage with us in these initiatives and in creating a shared vision for safeguarding in Higher Education. Our vision is for a safeguarding culture that is grounded in collaboration, care, and continuous learning.
You can get email updates on developments through subscribing to our bulletin.
If you have any questions, or if you want to take part in any of our initiatives, you can also contact us directly. For example, if you want to arrange a bespoke Level 3 training course for your university, or you want to contribute to our new publication, email us at anncrafttrust@nottingham.ac.uk.