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
More information coming soon...
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 Growing Up Digital: The Merits and Challenges - Boris Radavanovic, Head of engagement and partnerships, South West Grid for Learning
As today's children navigate an increasingly connected world, the digital landscape is evolving at a rapid pace—bringing both opportunities and risks. This keynote will explore the latest developments in online safety, including recent updates to laws and policies, emerging technologies, and shifting behaviours that shape how young people experience the internet.
Also in this session, we will unpack growing concerns such as harmful content, exploitation, and misinformation, while highlighting promising trends, tools, and protections that can support a safer, more empowering digital journey for the next generation.
16:00 Close of conference
