Annual Safeguarding Conference 5 November will close with SACPA Awards Ceremony honouring top contributors to safeguarding and child protection
[LONDON, 22 October 2026] — As the Cornell 7 scandal thrusts safety in education into the international media spotlight, safeguarding leaders will gather to discuss best practices among regulatory changes, new threats from emerging technology, and how to strengthen culture and improve outcomes for children. The Safeguarding and Child Protection Association (SACPA), in partnership with the Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA), will host the Annual Safeguarding Conference 5 November, 2026 at Broadway House in London.
“Safeguarding professionals must keep ahead of regulatory requirements, including the recent removal of supervisory exemption, while grappling with the impact of artificial intelligence and ensuring they build and maintain a child-focused, resilient culture,” says Dr. Mariya Ali, Director of Safeguarding and Child Protection Association (SACPA). “At the Safeguarding Conference 2026, experts will provide practical guidance for meeting the incredibly wide range of challenges that safeguarding leaders face while keeping the focus on protecting and improving outcomes for children.”
Agenda highlights:
- Dr. Jessica Taylor, CEO of VictimFocus, chartered psychologist, and Sunday Times bestselling author will deliver a keynote address, “Why Knowing and Challenging Ourselves Influences Safeguarding,” exploring how organisations can embed resilient, relationship-based safeguarding cultures.
- Tricia Young brings a 20 year track record as committed advocate for children, youth and social justice, and will share with delegates how involving children in recruitment and organisational decision making can strengthen safeguarding culture and accountability.
- Kevin Hartley, Senior Consultant for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC), will prepare delegates for upcoming inspections by providing practical advice on the latest safeguarding, legislation and inspection expectations for education and safeguarding professionals.
See the full agenda and register to attend the Annual Safeguarding Conference.
Following a full day of speakers sharing essential insights for safeguarding professionals across the education, health, social care, sports, and voluntary sectors, SACPA will announce the winners of the SACPA Awards to recognise and celebrate outstanding contributions to safeguarding and child protection.
SACPA Awards Finalists:
Safeguarding Inclusion Award
- Little Pioneers Cooperative Childcare
- TMP College
Safeguarding Initiative Award
- Abingdon School
- Liverpool Football Club
- Safeguarding HE
Outstanding Commitment to Safeguarding Award
- Active Learning Group
- Chetham’s School of Music
- Denstone College
- Herts Young Homeless
- Queen Anne’s School, Caversham
- Review Consulting Ltd
- TMP College
International Safeguarding Award
-
GEMS Education
-
St George’s International School
Contact:
Jamie Hyman, Head of Communications, Abitas Group
+44 7985159862
About SACPA
The Safeguarding and Child Protection Association is the voice of safeguarding, providing a channel to government and other key agencies. The association represents organisations, associations, agencies and individuals involved in safeguarding the welfare of children and adults at risk in the UK and overseas.
About Abitas Group and BSA
Abitas Group is the new trading name of BSA Group, which comprises several associations and subsidiaries specialising in safeguarding, wellbeing and inclusion. Collectively, the Group serves 4,500 individuals and organisations in 50 countries. BSA refers to The Boarding Schools’ Association, which champions boarding and promotes boarding excellence. The BSA represents over 600 independent and state boarding schools in the UK and overseas. BSA services include professional development, government relations, communications, media, publications, conferences and events.
