The DfE has updated this statutory guidance which will apply from 5 September 2016. Whilst there are no major changes to policy, the guidance does provide further clarity and emphasis in certain areas. The key changes relevant to governing boards include:
- A clearer expectation for governing boards to have a nominated governor who is responsible for the school’s safeguarding arrangements (this does not absolve the rest of the governing board of responsibility for safeguarding and you should ensure that regular reports are received and discussed by the governing board about safeguarding);
- Ensuring the safeguarding and child protection policies account for peer-on-peer abuse, additional safeguarding challenges for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and honour-based violence;
- Providing opportunities for staff to contribute to the development of such policies based on their safeguarding experiences;
- The fact that the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) must be a member of the senior leadership team and cannot delegate this responsibility;
- Ensuring (rather than considering how) safeguarding is taught as part of a broad and balanced curriculum;
- Checking for section 128 directions (these will be flagged in a DBS check) which prohibit or restrict a person from taking part in the management of an independent school (including academies and free schools) including in a management position as an employee, as a trustee, as a member or local governor;
- Inclusion of the requirement for maintained school governors to provide enhanced DBS certificates.
In the light of this new guidance, Governors Services have updated their Safeguarding Governor Role Profile. Please contact Brenda Bruno for a copy. Also, in Haringey, there is now a Designated Leads Forum and your governing body may want to ensure their lead is engaging with your governor responsible for safeguarding.