Considering current pressures, how do we lead and manage safeguarding in further education?

Aimey Adamson, Vice Principal Students and Communications at Middlesbrough College and Executive Board Member at the National Association of Managers of Student Services

Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) in further education (FE) institutions shoulder immense responsibility in an era marked by rapid societal change and increasing student vulnerabilities. Tasked with ensuring the safety and wellbeing of learners, these leaders must navigate a labyrinth of challenges, ranging from policy implementation to resource constraints, while also addressing the complex personal and societal issues impacting students. Leadership and management of safeguarding within further education involve examining the pressing concerns confronting DSLs and analysing innovative practices that are redefining safeguarding approaches. Emphasising the necessity for systemic change, safeguarding leaders play a critical role in fostering safe, supportive, and inclusive educational environments.

Leadership and management of safeguarding

Leadership in safeguarding encompasses a multifaceted and evolving set of responsibilities. At its core, safeguarding leadership is about protecting the welfare of young people while ensuring compliance with stringent regulatory frameworks, such as Keeping Children Safe in Education. However, in further education, safeguarding transcends traditional child protection to encompass broader concerns, including mental health, trauma-informed practice, and behavioural interventions.

DSLs frequently operate within the organisational context of student services, a department encompasses mental health support, behavioural management, and welfare responsibilities. Consequently, DSLs face the challenge of integrating safeguarding into wider institutional frameworks while ensuring that safeguarding practices remain focused, strategic, and effective. The expansion of the safeguarding remit requires a redefinition of the role itself. It is no longer sufficient to view the DSL position as a functional responsibility. Instead, it must be recognised as a strategic leadership post that informs and shapes institutional priorities.

A persistent challenge in the management of safeguarding arises from the complexity of multi-agency collaboration. Effective safeguarding depends on seamless information sharing between colleges and statutory partners, such as police, social services, and healthcare providers. However, DSLs frequently report barriers in getting timely and complete information. This lack of transparency not only impedes risk assessments but also places colleges in a position where they are unable to adequately support vulnerable students. The need for robust multi-agency information-sharing protocols is therefore critical. Without these, safeguarding leaders face significant obstacles in their efforts to develop coherent and effective strategies for student protection.

Resource allocation further compounds the challenges faced by safeguarding leaders. Financial and staffing constraints remain a significant barrier to the implementation of comprehensive safeguarding measures. Many institutions struggle to recruit and train specialist staff, leaving DSLs to juggle increasing volumes of safeguarding referrals without adequate support. The sheer breadth of responsibilities entrusted to DSLs often leads to role overload, with safeguarding leaders describing the position as unsustainably demanding. The mix of safeguarding and welfare functions within institutions exacerbates this strain, as DSLs must manage not only immediate safeguarding risks but also the wider wellbeing of students.

Current concerns in safeguarding

The pressures on safeguarding leaders are heightened by the increasing complexity and volume of safeguarding concerns. In recent years, external factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the cost-of-living crisis, and social media have significantly impacted student welfare. These societal challenges have contributed to a surge in safeguarding referrals, with DSLs reporting unprecedented levels of student mental health issues, behavioural problems, and disengagement from education.

One of the most pressing concerns for safeguarding leaders is the rise in behavioural challenges among students as outlined in the National Association for the Managers of Student Services (NAMSS) Behaviour Insights Report (2024). Poor attendance, low engagement, and disruptive behaviours are becoming increasingly prevalent in FE institutions. These issues are often rooted in trauma, anxiety, and socio-economic stressors, leaving students unable to fully participate in their education. The phenomenon of internal truancy, where students attend college but avoid lessons, exemplifies this disengagement. Additionally, safeguarding leaders face the task of addressing complex behaviours linked to modern societal phenomena, such as online bullying, smartphone addiction, and harmful sexual behaviours.

The mental health crisis among young people presents another significant concern for safeguarding leaders. The lingering effects of the pandemic have left many students grappling with anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress. Further education institutions often become the frontline for addressing these issues, yet many colleges lack the resources to provide adequate mental health support. The demand for counsellors, therapists, and specialist interventions far exceeds the supply, leaving safeguarding leaders to navigate a landscape of unmet needs and limited capacity.

Another pressing issue is the emergence of increasingly complex safeguarding cases involving vulnerable groups, such as unaccompanied asylum seekers, LGBTQ+ students, and care-experienced individuals. These students often face unique challenges, including discrimination, trauma, and a lack of familial support. Safeguarding leaders must develop tailored interventions that address the specific needs of these groups while ensuring their integration into the wider college community.

Innovative practices in safeguarding

In response to these challenges, many further education institutions are adopting innovative practices to enhance safeguarding provision. These approaches reflect a shift from reactive safeguarding to proactive and preventative strategies, underpinned by relational and trauma-informed frameworks.

One of the most transformative developments in safeguarding practice is the adoption of relational approaches to behaviour management. Inspired by the work of experts such as Paul Dix, relational practice emphasises the importance of building trust, empathy, and mutual respect between staff and students. This approach seeks to create a sense of belonging within the college community, which is critical for reducing behavioural issues and fostering positive engagement. Colleges that have embedded relational practice into their culture report significant improvements in student behaviour and wellbeing, as well as stronger relationships between students and staff.

The integration of technology into safeguarding practices has also emerged as a key innovation. Digital tools, such as Smoothwall Pulse, enable colleges to conduct regular wellbeing check-ins with students, providing an efficient and accessible way to monitor mental health and identify at-risk individuals. These technologies allow safeguarding leaders to intervene proactively, ensuring that support is provided before crises escalate.

Many institutions are also developing targeted interventions for vulnerable groups. For example, care-experienced students are offered dedicated mentoring, life-skills training, and transition support to help them navigate the unique challenges they face. Male-only wellbeing drop-in sessions have been introduced to address the mental health needs of male students, who are often reluctant to seek help through traditional channels. These tailored programmes reflect a growing recognition of the need for inclusive and responsive safeguarding practices.

Collaborative initiatives with external partners further enhance safeguarding provision. Colleges are working closely with local police to establish stop-and-search scrutiny panels and hate-crime awareness workshops. These partnerships not only improve institutional policies but also empower students to play an active role in safeguarding efforts. By fostering a culture of collaboration and community engagement, colleges are able to address safeguarding issues more effectively.

What is needed

Safeguarding in further education is an increasingly complex and demanding field that requires strategic leadership, innovative practices, and systemic support. Designated Safeguarding Leads play a pivotal role in addressing the multifaceted challenges of safeguarding, from managing behavioural issues to supporting vulnerable students and navigating resource constraints. Their work is critical to creating safe and inclusive learning environments that enable all students to thrive.

To sustain and enhance these efforts, FE institutions must prioritise the professionalisation of the DSL role, invest in training and resources, and advocate for improved multi-agency collaboration. Adopting relational and trauma-informed practices, leveraging technology, and fostering community partnerships are crucial steps in responding to the evolving safeguarding landscape. The future of safeguarding in further education depends on the ability of leaders to adapt, collaborate, and champion the wellbeing of their students in an ever-changing world.