“ The scope of safeguarding is constantly evolving. You only have to reflect on the themes which have emerged over the last few years to see that new risks emerge regularly – and this will continue. For example, AI now presents new exploitative risks. So, as legislation evolves, safeguarding must keep pace.
Best practice through ongoing CPD is the main way we can develop the skillset to protect children and young people, staff and the organisations we work in. To work effectively access to high quality up-to-date training is essential. ”
Sam has over 40 years safeguarding experience, working to safeguard children in multi-agency roles.
A former strategy manager for school improvement, as Director of Safeguarding Sam heads up the Safeguarding Content Authoring team which produces the content for the Safeguarding Concern tracking & management system, our courses, articles, audit and policy library. In addition, she leads on best practice and duty of care responsibilities for our Ask a Specialist team and hosts our Safeguarding Conversations weekly podcast.
Utilising her vast practice experience, including serious case review management and specialist consultancy with schools and academies, Sam and her teams are responsible for ensuring all SSS Learning content reflects latest research and is compliant with all the latest statutory and legal requirements.
Sam holds dual qualifications bridging Education and Health, holding an MA in Education (by research) and a BSc in Health. Her education research study for the Department of Educational Studies at the University of York, examined the impact of postgraduate accreditation on the professional development of teachers in England.
“ It's often hidden from view, but the child safeguarding work teachers and healthcare workers conduct is vital. My great passion lies in creating the right policies, support structures, training and development opportunities to keep our children and young people safe from abuse and neglect. ”
Extended biography
Sam has lectured in the UK, Northern Ireland and Iceland on safeguarding practice, policy implementation in education, childhood studies and health practice. She has extensive experience of supporting schools through her previous work as a local authority school improvement strategy manager, achieving awards for her strategy to support under 16yrs pregnant schoolgirls. Her previous roles include strategic development with the Department of Children, Schools & Families, Department of Health and the Home Office. She has also advised the Scottish Parliament policy development office on the redevelopment of community practice in schools and more recently on the development of legislation for Female Genital Mutilation offences and best practice professional development.
Much of her work and research has focused on education within inner city, high deprivation areas and has focused on policy development, designing implementation frameworks to improve both practice at service level and the outcomes for children. She has participated in many central government inspection processes, including Joint Area Reviews and specialist focus inspections. She has a wealth of experience in school inspections and has assisted schools to consider school development planning whilst completing the self-evaluation process. In addition to her work in schools, Sam has headed a specialist unit for vulnerable children (3-13yrs) under the national On Track initiative and an inner city Children's Centre. She is currently a specialist safeguarding advisor to HomeStart Kirklees.