The benefits of supervision are that it gives those who safeguard a safe, supportive space to offload. We ourselves know from many years of being Designated Safeguarding Leads that it’s one of the most important and fulfilling roles in life. But we also know that it carries a lot of responsibility and that can feel weighty. Our belief is that every DSL and safeguarding team member needs and deserves support in this the vitally important work, where sometimes we are dealing with matters of life and death, and where always we are seeking to improve the life chances of children and vulnerable adults.
Those who work with us tell us how much they appreciate the safe, supportive space to offload and seek solutions. They tell us that it helps them to be a better safeguarding lead. But don’t just tale our word for it, see below for what one of our clients has fed back to us.
Firstly, what it is not. Sometimes we get asked, is it counselling? No, it isn’t that. It’s a place where you plug into the expertise, listening skills, problem-solving abilities and support of one of our safeguarding partners who knows what it is to be in your shoes.
We are experienced safeguarding leads who will guide you. We are cheerleaders, and we are critical friends when we need to be, focussed always on what we believe to be best in safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, but always with the intent of supporting YOU in your safeguarding and leadership too.
Anyone who is involved in safeguarding may benefit from safeguarding supervision, but it is especially beneficial to those who are Designated Safeguarding Leads, Deputy DSLs, ELSA leads and pastoral support workers.
Some DSLs and their teams see us monthly, most see us half termly. This involves a 1:1 online meeting, usually for up to an hour.
All of our clients are also invited to online group supervision sessions every half-term, where they have the chance to meet with other safeguarding leads from their part of the education sector – e.g. primary, secondary or colleges, depending on their age intake of children and/or vulnerable adults – and benefit from peer support and problem-solving.
Many clients work with us from the start of the academic year and sign up for support from September. We do, though, have people who join us part way through an academic year, when they realise that their team would really benefit from more support with safeguarding.
To sign up or find out more, please click into ‘Contact Us’ and we’ll be right in touch as soon as we hear from you.