The important role your governing body has in safeguarding your own safeguarding policies

We all know safeguarding students is a cornerstone of any school's responsibility. But are we doing enough to safeguard our own safeguarding practices?

This might seem counterintuitive. After all, most schools have risk management protocols and incident response plans. The problem lies in a lack of intentional planning. Safeguarding isn't a set of one-off procedures; it's a constantly evolving discipline that needs school-wide engagement.

Here's why your governing body is the key to truly elevating and protecting your safeguarding practices.

1. Strategic strength: Anchoring safeguarding in your core values

Your international school's strategic policy is the foundation for every decision. Including safeguarding in this policy ensures it becomes an enterprise-wide priority, not just a departmental responsibility. This creates a common understanding across the entire school community, especially crucial in diverse international settings.

Think of it like your school's mission statement. When faced with difficult safeguarding situations, a clear strategic policy provides a guiding light. It helps validate decisions around student care, both proactive (like trip planning) and reactive (like bullying investigations).

2. Safeguarding as risk management

Safeguarding is a prime example of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM). It's a school-wide issue that requires ongoing evaluation. Just like any risk, safeguarding requires coordinated efforts across different departments.

Imagine a potential bullying incident. Addressing it effectively requires collaboration between teachers, counselors, and administrators. Similarly, safeguarding decisions can impact insurance coverage and other risk mitigation strategies.

While the governing body shouldn't be micromanaging protocols, they should be overseeing the bigger picture. This includes ensuring ongoing risk assessments, not just from internal threats, but also external factors like political instability.

3. Future-proofing safeguarding: Protecting your practices

Embedding safeguarding in your strategic policy makes it resistant to change. This protects these vital practices from leadership or budgetary fluctuations.

Think of it from the governing body's perspective. They're there to ensure the school's long-term well-being. Having safeguarding as a core responsibility gives them a mandate to prioritize it. This fosters a common language and understanding for everyone involved, making difficult conversations around student care more manageable.

Ultimately, a well-informed governing body can become your greatest ally. By empowering them with knowledge, you can leverage their influence to support and safeguard your safeguarding practices. This ensures a vibrant, enterprise-wide approach to student well-being, making your school a safer place for everyone.