Safeguarding Round-Up- September 28th
Independent scrutiny, safeguarding in healthcare, charity governance, policing and tackling misogyny in schools.
A few significant developments to share in this week's safeguarding round-up, with a particular focus on organisational accountability, safeguarding culture and ensuring that policies translate into meaningful practice.
This edition brings together new research, a professional consultation, regulatory findings and government announcements relevant to those working across children’s and adults’ services, education, health, charities and wider organisations.
DfE publishes new research on independent scrutiny in safeguarding partnerships
Research published 24 September 2026
The Department for Education has published new research exploring how independent scrutiny operates across safeguarding partnerships in England and how it contributes to accountability, learning and system improvement.
Drawing on a national survey and stakeholder interviews, the research examines how independent scrutineers are commissioned and resourced, the evidence they use, governance and leadership arrangements, and how partnerships evaluate the impact of scrutiny. Importantly, it also considers how the voices of children and young people are incorporated into these arrangements.
Why does this matter?
Independent scrutiny should be more than an annual report or an additional layer of governance. Organisations and partnerships should be able to demonstrate how scrutiny informs decisions, challenges existing practice and contributes to meaningful improvement.
For those involved in safeguarding audits, governance and assurance, this research provides a useful opportunity to reflect on whether current arrangements are measuring activity or evidencing impact.
A question worth asking: Can we demonstrate what has improved as a direct result of our safeguarding scrutiny?
Read: Understanding independent scrutiny in safeguarding partnerships – DfE
GMC launches consultation on revised guidance for caring for and safeguarding children
Consultation opened 24 September 2026
The General Medical Council (GMC) has launched a consultation on proposed revised guidance covering the care and safeguarding of children and young people from birth to their 18th birthday.
The proposed guidance would combine two existing documents, 0–18 years and Protecting children and young people, into one updated resource.
It aims to strengthen professional understanding of communication, decision-making and the responsibilities of healthcare professionals when caring for children who may be experiencing, or at risk of, abuse or neglect.
The guidance is relevant to doctors, physician associates and anaesthesia associates registered with the GMC.
Why does this matter?
Safeguarding should not be viewed as something separate from everyday healthcare practice. Recognising risk, listening to children, understanding their needs and responding appropriately are fundamental aspects of providing safe and effective care.
The consultation provides an opportunity for professionals and organisations to influence the revised guidance before it is finalised.
Consultation closes: 17 December 2026.
Read the consultation and access the draft guidance – GMC
Save the Children International receives Official Warning from Charity Commission
Regulatory news reported 24 September 2026
The Charity Commission has issued an Official Warning to Save the Children International following regulatory concerns relating to its operations in Yemen.
The case followed the detention and subsequent death of staff member Hisham Al-Hakimi in 2023.
According to reporting by Civil Society, the regulator identified shortcomings relating to organisational oversight, safeguarding staff, implementation of policies and procedures, and ensuring appropriate governance arrangements were operating effectively.
Why does this matter?
An important reminder that safeguarding responsibilities extend beyond the people an organisation delivers services to. The safety and wellbeing of employees, volunteers and others working on behalf of an organisation must also be considered.
Having safeguarding policies, whistleblowing procedures and risk assessments is one thing. Being able to demonstrate that they are understood, implemented, monitored and acted upon is another.
For trustees, boards and senior leaders, this raises an important question:
How confident are you that your organisation's safeguarding arrangements work in practice, particularly when concerns relate to organisational culture, staff welfare or leadership?
Read the full report – Civil Society
DfE announces new whole-school approach to tackling misogyny
Government announcement – 26 September 2026
The Department for Education has announced plans to strengthen how schools tackle misogyny, harmful attitudes and negative influences affecting children and young people.
The proposed whole-school approach will include practical resources, teacher training and support for parents, with a focus on healthy relationships, respect, online influences and challenging harmful behaviours.
The announcement follows new data showing that:
50% of girls surveyed reported hearing misogynistic comments from other pupils during a week at school.
30% of Year 10 and 11 pupils reported recently hearing comments that made them concerned about girls' safety.
The government has also announced £150,000 for an RSHE expert advisory group and confirmed that two programmes have begun through its wider £16 million Violence Against Women and Girls Prevention Programme.
Why does this matter for safeguarding?
Misogyny should not automatically be dismissed as inappropriate language, banter or simply a behaviour-management issue.
Where harmful attitudes are becoming normalised, organisations need to consider the wider safeguarding context, including sexual harassment, harmful sexual behaviour, coercion, consent and the influence of online content.
For safeguarding leads, there is an important opportunity to consider how policies, reporting mechanisms, staff training, curriculum delivery and organisational culture work together to recognise and challenge emerging risks.
This also extends beyond schools into colleges, training providers, youth organisations and workplaces.
Read the government announcement – GOV.UK
Final reflection: Are we evidencing safeguarding activity or safeguarding impact?
Although these developments span different sectors, there is a common theme running throughout this week's round-up:
Safeguarding arrangements need to work in practice, not simply exist on paper.
Whether we are considering independent scrutiny, professional guidance, organisational culture, effective escalation or responding to harmful attitudes, the challenge remains the same.
Are we recognising risks early enough? Are people confident to raise concerns? Are leaders listening? And importantly, can we demonstrate that our safeguarding arrangements are making a meaningful difference to the people they are intended to protect?
At RLB, we support organisations across sectors to strengthen safeguarding practice through training, consultancy, independent audits, supervision and governance assurance.
Safeguarding people of all ages, in all places. Beyond compliance.