Conference programme
09:35 Welcome and introduction- Jon Galling, Strategic Lead for Safeguarding and Vulnerable Groups, Devon Education Services and Jack Newton, Interim Deputy Director, Head of Inclusion and Learning
09:45 The correlation between easily available online adult pornography and Harmful Sexual Behaviour (HSB) in children, young people and young adults - Louise Barraclough, Associate Director of Safeguarding, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Lead, Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Louise will talk about her practice based knowledge and research into Harmful Sexual Behaviour in children and young people, thresholds for interventions, opportunities for prevention and the influence of easily available online pornography on individuals, wider misogyny, the normalisation of harmful and illegal acts such as non-fatal strangulation and rape culture.
11:00 Refreshments, networking and exhibition
11:30 Top 5 Safeguarding tips from different areas
- Jackie Colby – working in Partnership – link to DfE requirements via Working Together
- Team lead from Children’s Social Care – what does the Front Door do when you ‘press the button’ to make decisions
- Jenny Goodall - Data Protection Officer – Safeguarding v UK Data Protection – top tips when recording and sharing
12:30 Lunch, networking and exhibition
13:30 Autism and radicalism, an overview - Alistair Barfield, Director and Founder, Deflect and Protect cic
In this session, Alistair will cover the myriads of factors that lead his community towards disenfranchisement, including interactions with figures of authority, the medical model of disability and more
He will also explore the themes surrounding online interactions with an emphasis on how the primary form of socialisation comes from the internet. Explaining how online safe spaces have slowly become infiltrated by those with nefarious intent and how radicalisation happens.
Finally Alistair will share warning signs, how to have conversations with Safeguarding leads surrounding concerns and best practise for referring to prevent.
14:45 Comfort break
14:50 The Safeguarding Compass: Charting a Course Through Today’s Online Risks Ken Corish, Online Safety Director, South West Grid for Learning
The digital world is evolving at a pace never seen before, bringing new opportunities—and new threats—to the lives of young people. In this dynamic one-hour session, experienced speaker Ken Corish offers a frontline review of the current online landscape, explores emerging threats shaping safeguarding practice, and outlines key legislative updates and best practice guidance.
Attendees will gain access to essential resources and support services, empowering them to lead effective safeguarding strategies in their schools. Expect sharp insights, practical takeaways, and a renewed sense of purpose in navigating the complex, connected world our young people inhabit.
16:00 Close of conference
