Now that Child Protection Week has drawn to a close, it’s essential to keep the momentum going.

This year’s theme was “Every conversation matters: shifting conversation to action”, reminding us that talk is not enough.

Here are some simple, practical things organisations that work with children can do to keep safeguarding front of mind for the next twelve months:

• Keep the conversations going: Make child safeguarding a regular part of team meetings, discussions with parents, and leadership briefings. Everyone should be encouraged to reflect on their role in safeguarding – not just when something goes wrong, but as part of everyday culture.
• Make safeguarding visible: Display key safeguarding messages and information about reporting pathways, and protective behaviours. Visibility builds understanding, grows confidence, and normalises action when issues arise.
• Embed safeguarding in routines: Include child safeguarding reminders in your planning cycles. You could develop a safeguarding calendar to plan events and communications and keep track of key actions and reviews.
• Celebrate good practice: Acknowledge staff who model safe behaviours, speak up, or support others. Positive reinforcement helps build a culture where safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
• Make a commitment and check in: Encourage each team or individual to commit to one or two concrete safeguarding actions. Program regular check-ins to review progress, share learnings, and ensure those commitments don’t get lost in the busyness of day-to-day work.