Barbara Manning

Comes to this role after a 30+ year career in secondary education and latterly as an executive leader in a Devon multi academy trust. Has many years of experience in both the DSL role, as a Trust Safeguarding lead and as a Trustee with oversight of Safeguarding. Has a zeal for and commitment to social justice for all children, young people and families and understands how safe, relational, and nurturing school environments can be, and often are, crucial in this regard. Also understands how and why safeguarding is a business-critical risk and why and how safeguarding should be a coherent and cohesive thread running through all school provision. Is particularly sensitive to the current external pressures on schools and Trusts and the knock-on effect that this has on capacity to engage and deliver.

Has a deep-seated interest in quality evidence based Continuing Professional Development and Learning and understands that for safeguarding leaders this goes way beyond the biennial training requirement. Also believes that safeguarding is absolutely “everyone’s responsibility”, that “it does happen here” and that, as such, it should be a transformational cultural warp and weft in every setting. Is committed to developing and supporting opportunities for leaders and all practitioners to learn and reflect and develop and grown their practice especially though partnership and collaborative opportunities. Is also keen to ensure that children and young people experience a safeguarding rich curriculum that develops their self-awareness and their own resilience and self-efficacy so that they know how to safeguard themselves.