The Safeguarding in the Voluntary Sector Conference 2026
Supporters include:
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.
Join us at the Voluntary Safeguarding Conference 2026 to explore 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 and the LGBTQI+ community. Connect with peers and experts to share knowledge, build safeguarding networks, and help shape a more resilient and responsive voluntary sector.
2026 Agenda
Registration
Chair’s Opening Remarks
Simone Last, Designated Safeguarding Lead, Brook (CONFIRMED)
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 (CONFIRMED)
Keynote: Vicarious Trauma and Safeguarding
Session coming soon…
Sarah Lancaster, Director of Safeguarding, UNICEF UK (CONFIRMED)
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 (CONFIRMED)
Naomi Dickson, CEO, Norwood (CONFIRMED)
Questions and Answers
Breakout Networking: Adapting and Responding to External Pressures and Crises: Collaborative Solutions for Safeguarding
This networking session provides a unique opportunity to connect with peers, exchange insights, share experiences, and guidance. Collaborate with fellow professionals to learn from one another and leave with practical solutions to address pressing safeguarding challenges.
Lunch Break and Networking
Keynote: Regulatory Overview: The Latest Safeguarding Developments
- 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 (CONFIRMED)
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 (CONFIRMED)
Questions and Answers
Comfort Break
Case Study: Risk, Recruitment, and Intervention: Protecting Vulnerable Children and Adults
- Navigating specific challenges and risks encountered by vulnerable children and adults and learn how to tailor safeguarding practices to meet these needs comprehensively and effectively
- Understanding new advancements in risk assessment and intervention strategies
- Implementing recruitment practices that are vigilant with DBS checks
- Examining real-world case studies showcasing successful safeguarding initiatives
Case Study: Safeguarding the LGBTQI+ Community in the Voluntary Sector
- Recognising the specific risks and barriers LGBTQI+ individuals may face when accessing support.
- Supporting inclusive safeguarding practices into training and frontline delivery.
- Challenging discrimination across all levels of your organisation.
- Partnering with LGBTQI+ groups to co-design safe, affirming, and responsive services
Questions & Answers
Chairs Closing Remarks
Simone Last, Designated Safeguarding Lead, Brook (CONFIRMED)
Conference Close
Get in Touch
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!
Why You Should Attend?
- Discover practical solutions to safeguarding challenges, including digital risks and transparent reporting, through real-world examples from leading sector professionals
- Learn strategies to embed safeguarding into organisational culture through leadership, governance, and comprehensive staff training
- Connect with senior leaders and fellow professionals, building partnerships and sharing best practices to strengthen safeguarding frameworks
Who Should Attend?
| Job Title Examples | Organisation Type Examples |
| Head of Safeguarding | Small, Medium, and Large Charities |
| HR & People Leaders | Health Care providers and adjacent organizations |
| Head of Governance and Compliance | Charities which work with vulnerable individuals |
| Volunteering Development Leads | Social Care providers |
Pricing Options
PRIVATE SECTOR
Your delegate place at this leading conference gives you: Full access to the conference; E-guide; Networking opportunities during the day; Access to presentations post conference; 8 CPD Points.
PUBLIC SECTOR
Your delegate place at this leading conference gives you: Full access to the conference; E-guide; Networking opportunities during the day; Access to presentations post conference; 8 CPD Points.
VOLUNTARY SECTOR
Your delegate place at this leading conference gives you: Full access to the conference; E-guide; Networking opportunities during the day; Access to presentations post conference; 8 CPD Points.
Sponsorship
Raise Your Profile, Showcase Your Solutions, Generate New Business
If your products, services, and solutions can support our audiences in their roles, and you want to make connections and generate new business with key stakeholders, decision makers, and influencers, then please contact us HERE
IMPORTANT: There are only a small number of sponsorship opportunities available to ensure maximum exposure and ROI – contact us today to secure your place.
Virtual vs F2F
Whilst F2F provide better options for networking, there are many distinct advantages of sponsoring our online conferences including:
- Wider geographical reach of delegates and a different audience who prefer online to f2f
- Lower sponsorship package costs
- No travel/accommodation
- Less time out of the office
- No stand materials required (lower costs)
- 1 of only 2 sponsors involved – less competition on the day
- Prime speaking slot in the morning of the conference including Q&A – less distractions and easier for delegates to hear/absorb information
- Receive all delegate data after the conference to follow-up directly with those who attend and don’t attend (small % but still key stakeholders)
- Ongoing exposure via OnDemand access (coming soon)
To find out more and discuss your specific objectives, please contact us below:
