New Safeguarding PG Programme Strives to Transform Organisation Cultures to Protect Those at Risk

All organisations that work with, and for, children, young people and adults have a duty to embed safeguarding practices into the core of their business. The University of Lincoln, UK has worked with a range of key organisations across a variety of sectors to develop a new Postgraduate (PG) Certification in Safeguarding: Leading Safer Organisations.

The University has collaborated with the Church of England, The Methodist Church, Save the Children, ActionAid International, and Lincolnshire County Council to form the content of the course.

Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York said: “I welcome wholeheartedly the opportunity the qualification in Leading Safer Organisations offers to explore good safeguarding practice and how we can all individually contribute to create safer organisations. 

“This course equips leaders with the knowledge, skills and understanding they need to enhance the work already being done to embed safeguarding in all we do, and to make our organisations safe spaces for children, young people and vulnerable adults.  I hope many will be interested in the flexible study options that are available.”

Intended to be transferable across all industries, the teaching encourages participants to explore their specific context and generate workable approaches, in turn implementing positive change within their businesses.

Ms. Sarah Lepley, Programme Lead for the new PG Certification, said: “The University of Lincoln are proud to have worked with partners in the faith, third sector and international organisations to develop an innovative programme to help organisations be safer for those who they support and work with.

“As safeguarding becomes ever more complex for all of us, we need to be able to respond to risks in an agile and proportionate way. This programme offers organisations and individuals the unique opportunity to explore concepts, culture and practice related to safeguarding and apply that learning directly in their workplace.”

The two modules will be titled ‘Safeguarding for Senior Leaders’ and ‘Safeguarding in an Organisational Context’. Primarily aimed at leaders and future leaders in medium to large organisations, the skills taught are designed to help introduce safe practices and cultures to protect those who are at risk while equipping businesses with the processes to protect against allegations, should they occur.

The programme has attracted applications from across the UK as well as international learners, representing national sporting bodies, international charities, the Church of England and other third sector organisations. The safeguarding qualification promises to offer a wide range of perspectives for shared learning.

The PG Cert is planned to start with a two-day induction on Tuesday 19 and Wednesday 20 September taking place both on campus and online, to meet the needs of all learners. Teaching is then due to commence on Wednesday 27 September and continue every Wednesday morning online throughout the academic year finishing on the 29 May 2024.

For more information, including how to apply, visit: www.lincoln.ac.uk/course/saflsopc