Practice what you preach! Updating my own learning

In line with the recommendations I make to my clients, alongside a regular programme of personal CPD I also renew key courses every 3 years.  So, the end of January,  I was welcomed onto a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) course with a group of teachers undertaking the training via Zoom.

It was really useful to be reminded of key documents which relate to the role of the DSL.  There was a useful update on legislation and I was particularly reminded that ‘upskirting’ is now a criminal offence.

‘The criminal offence of ‘upskirting’ was created under the Voyeurism Act when it received Royal Assent in February. Police and prosecutors have now updated their guidance to ensure the law is properly enforced – with offenders facing up to 2 years in jail and being placed on the sex offenders register.’
From :https://www.gov.uk/government/news/upskirting-law-comes-into-force

Many of you will be aware of the rise in Domestic Abuse during the pandemic.  The law has now changed in relation to Domestic Abuse.  I think we will all welcome a legal definition of domestic abuse which recognises children as victims in their own right. 

New criminal offences include post-separation coercive control, non-fatal strangulation, and threats to disclose private sexual images. 

There are various other changes which are summarised at:
https://www.womensaid.org.uk/what-we-do/campaigning-and-influencing/campaign-with-us/domestic-abuse-bill/

Alongside this change to the law, is the increasing concern about individuals with no recourse to public funds who find themselves in an abusive relationship.  More information can be found at:
https://www.nrpfnetwork.org.uk/information-and-resources/policy/support-for-victims-of-domestic-abuse

I enjoyed working with others on the course looking at the case studies.  It was interesting to see how schools manage safeguarding – there is much is common with the early years and voluntary sectors but of course some differences.  It was good to see we all shared the focus on the child and the child’s wellbeing, even if some processes were different.  It was also interesting to see that there is a wider understanding that sometimes we will be working with adults at risk as well as the children in our care.

So a useful session and I hope this update is useful for you.