Treating Racism as a Safeguarding Concern

Jeffrey has a particular interest in issues surrounding race, masculinity, education and popular culture. Jeffrey taught English to 11 to 18 year olds for 15 years and now provides training for schools, universities and businesses.

Racism is something that needs to be seen and acknowledged before it is understood. And once understood, it can be tackled.

Online Safety

Sarah leads the development of the Foundation’s educational output, expanding the range of online safety talks to include current threats such as radicalisation, fake news and sextortion.

Breck Foundation was founded in 2014 in response to the tragic loss of Breck Bednar, a 14-year-old boy who was groomed and murdered by an online predator.

StudyTravel Magazine Update on international trends in the secondary sector

Matthew has worked for StudyTravel since 2011 and is currently the News Editor of StudyTravel Magazine, a specialist b2b website and print publication for the international education industry, read by agents in 127 countries, as well as educators and service providers.

A representative from the DfE department which has oversight of the National Minimum Standards for Boarding Schools will give a background to the standards and rationale behind Standard 22.

Val founded QEG in 2016, an independent body which specialises in providing authoritative advice and guidance on all aspects of international student provision.

Through QEG, Val is committed to ensuring that international students receive the highest standards of care, support and guidance from schools, colleges and universities, working collaboratively with educational guardians.

Martin Ayres has substantial experience in child protection and safeguarding, including as the Head of Local Authority Children’s Services, Senior Consultant to the Department of Health, as HMI and Head of Inspection for ISI.

He has been working with Val as part of QEG with a clear focus on strengthening Child Protection arrangements in Boarding Provision.

Steph leads the Oxbridge Guardians (Gold Standard Accredited) team as their Director of Compliance and Safeguarding (DSL). She has a wealth of experience informed by knowledge of the sector and experience in both guardianship and international education.

Her areas of specialism are safeguarding, policy, compliance and host family management.

Jemma has worked in the independent boarding school sector for 15 years. During this time, she has worked in a variety of roles across both academic and boarding; with her passion being in the promotion and education of the importance of positive wellbeing for students.