Annual Safeguarding Conference 2025

On 19th June, Jackie Van West, the Director of Safeguarding and Wellbeing for OHC&AT hosted our 2025 Annual Safeguarding Conference.

Guest speakers included Ian Russell, Chair of Trustees of the Molly Rose Foundation, father of Molly, who tragically took her own life at the age of just 14. The foundation’s mission is to increase awareness of suicide prevention, connecting young people to the help, support and the practical advice they need.

We then heard from Ben Byrford who (amongst other things) is an author, podcaster and games designer and who presented his fascinating insights into the field of AI and ethics. The conference also welcomed VWV, a specialist legal firm who provide insights into safeguarding, such as how to protect the well-being of vulnerable individuals.

This year, there was an emphasis on giving our Student Safeguarding Ambassadors the floor to present their own take on what their roles involve and the positive impact they can have on their student community.

Jacqueline Van-West, Director of Safeguarding and Wellbeing for OHC&AT expressed her thanks to everyone who attended the conference and to all the speakers who gave excellent and thought-provoking presentations.