OnDemand: The Safeguarding in the Voluntary Sector Conference 2026
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2026 Overview
As regulations evolve and public expectations rise, it is critical for charities to have strong safeguarding policies. Safeguarding policies should go beyond basic compliance, helping to foster a culture where safety, accountability, and respect are embedded in every aspect of the organisation’s work.
The Safeguarding in the Voluntary Sector Conference 2026 explored the most pressing safeguarding issues facing charities today. Hear from sector leaders on the latest regulatory developments, the role of board-level accountability and the importance of embedding safeguarding into organisational culture. Learn how to address digital threats, support intersectional needs and improve safeguarding outcomes across diverse communities, including faith-based groups.
2026 Agenda
Chair’s Opening Remarks
Simone Last, Designated Safeguarding Lead, Brook
Keynote: Building an Organisational Culture of Safeguarding
- Discovering how charity leaders and trustees can actively champion safeguarding as not only a policy, but a fundamental organisational value
- Ensuring that safeguarding becomes a central focus in decision-making and strategy by examining best practices for board-level oversight, risk management, and accountability
- Developing an environment where safeguarding practices are intrinsic to organisational life
- Exploring practical tools and techniques for embedding safeguarding into everyday practices and organisational routines.
Debbie Busler, Head of Safeguarding, British Red Cross
Keynote: Vicarious Trauma and Safeguarding
Sarah Lancaster, Director of Safeguarding, UNICEF UK
Questions and Answers
Comfort Break
Panel: Safeguarding Challenges Across Faith-Based Charities
- Balancing religious values with statutory safeguarding duties ensuring faith-based principles support responsibilities
- Addressing how stigma and community dynamics can prevent vulnerable individuals from coming forward
- Considering how leadership may influence how safeguarding concerns are addressed
- Strategies for supporting safeguarding in religiously grounded operations without compromising spiritual mission
Mark Clayton, National Safeguarding Lead Christians Against Poverty
Naomi Dickson, Chief Executive Officer, Norwood
Aflak Suleman, Head of Safeguarding, Islamic Relief Worldwide
Questions and Answers
Lunch Break and Networking
Keynote: Regulatory Overview: The Latest Safeguarding Guidance
- An essential overview of the most recent developments in safeguarding regulations and their implications for charities of all sizes
- Understanding the new legal requirements from the Charity Commission and best practice guidelines
- Ensuring your safeguarding practices are compliant and responsive to the changing regulatory environment
Mazeda Alam, Head of Trustee Guidance, Charity Commission for England and Wales
Keynote: Safeguarding Training and Awareness
- Designing, delivering and tailoring safeguarding training for the needs of your staff, volunteers, and trustees that is engaging, relevant, and impactful
- Creating a culture of continuous learning where safeguarding is an ongoing priority
- Evaluating the effectiveness of your training programmes and making improvements to ensure they are keeping pace with evolving safeguarding requirements
- Overcoming common challenges in maintaining high levels of safeguarding awareness
Becki Hinchliffe, Safeguarding Lead, AQA
Questions and Answers
Comfort Break
Case Study: Risk, Recruitment, and Intervention: Protecting Vulnerable Children and Adults
- Planning recruitment with safeguarding in mind and setting clear expectations
- Using interviews, references, and DBS checks effectively
- Noticing warning signs or gaps in applications
- Making safe, well-reasoned appointment decisions and keeping good record
Chris East, Co-Founder and Director, Cornerstone Safeguarding
Case Study: Everyday Strategies for Achieving Safeguarding Excellence
Emily Konstantas, Founder and Global Chief Executive Officer, The Safeguarding Alliance
Questions and Answers
Chair’s Closing Remarks
Simone Last, Designated Safeguarding Lead, Brook
Conference Close
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2026 Speakers
Mazeda Alam
Head of Trustee Guidance
The Charity Commission for England and Wales
Debbie Busler
Head of Safeguarding
British Red Cross
Naomi Dickinson
CEO
Norwood
Mark Clayton
Head of Safeguarding
Christians Against Poverty
Testimonials
A good conference with a varied selection of topics and speakers.
This was a really interesting and informative conference day.
Overall, I am very pleased I attended. There were a good range of speakers and issues covered.
Thank you for today, I enjoyed the content of the speaker presentations, and it was interesting to hear a range of safeguarding perspectives and learn more about the work covered by the voluntary sector. It is always good to network!
