2G: Safeguarding: can school staff realistically manage the current challenges and who is safeguarding them? | HMC Autumn Conference 2023

Workshop synopsis:

Issues relating to schools having to fill the gap left by a cash-strapped NHS and social care, and how KCSIE has increased schools’ responsibilities sometimes beyond what they can reasonably control/do. An overview of some of the challenges facing DSLs and Safeguarding Teams with practical tips and suggestions of how to support young people without the wellbeing of staff being compromised.

About Ruth Sullivan:

Dr Ruth Sullivan became Head of Sherborne Girls in September 2018, and since then one of her main priorities has been to develop women of the future: wellbeing, voice, empowerment, adaptability, digital agility and resilience. One aspect of this has been strengthening the unique relationship with Sherborne School and the two schools’ ‘separate yet together’ offering, where pupils from each school can benefit from the best of both worlds. Ruth advises on a number of committees including the HMC Pastoral and Safeguarding Committee.  

Ruth was previously Deputy Master at Haileybury College; Head of Sixth Form at The Queen’s School, Chester; Head of Geography at Glenalmond College and Housemistress at St John’s School, Leatherhead. Ruth was educated at City of London School for Girls and Sherborne Girls. She read Geography at Edinburgh University and in 2007 took four years out of teaching to complete an MSc (Population and Health) and PhD (Epidemiology) from London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Ruth has travelled extensively throughout the world, often on foot or on bike, and competed in numerous marathons, half-ironman and ironman events.