Student voices and expert insight shine at OHC&AT Safeguarding and Wellbeing Conference 2026

Colleagues from across Orchard Hill College & Academy Trust (OHC&AT) gathered for a dynamic and inspiring annual Safeguarding and Wellbeing Conference, hosted by Jackie Van-West, Director of Safeguarding & Wellbeing. The conference brought together expertise, lived experience and student voice in a powerful day of learning and reflection.

The event opened with a warm welcome from Laurie Cornwell, Deputy CEO, who thanked staff for their continued commitment to safeguarding and for supporting the event and discussed the future approach to safeguarding across OHC&AT.

We were then delighted to welcome Paul Clarke from Progressive Masculinity for a thought-provoking session. Paul explored key themes around male identity, behaviour and societal expectations, encouraging participants to reflect on the role these factors play in safeguarding practice. As a result of the session some attendees have already reached out to Paul to arrange sessions at their settings.

Meanwhile, behind the scenes, a group of Student Safeguarding Ambassadors from across OHC&AT were preparing for their moment. Taking to the stage the students delivered one of the most memorable highlights of the day, a powerful rap centred on the message “If not you, who?” The students had written and rehearsed a powerful rap focused on personal responsibility and speaking up. The performance was so impactful that it was repeated as an encore. The energy in the room reflected both pride in the students and a shared understanding of the importance of a safeguarding culture across the organisation.

A Student Safeguarding Ambassador said; “It has been brilliant to meet up with other students, I have made some new friends, performing was fun, can we try and do more things together?”

Another Student Safeguarding Ambassador said; “I’ve had the  best day, I was so nervous but we did it, we performed our rap and everyone seemed to like it. I have felt like a VIP today!”

The afternoon programme welcomed representatives from Abianda – Fiona, Antionette and Charlie, who led a two-part interactive session to help attendees better understand and respond to the complex realities of young women and girls affected by criminal exploitation and violence. Staff were encouraged to think critically and collaboratively about sustainable approaches to change.

As the day drew to a close, the focus shifted to wellbeing. Claire Griffiths of Etheric Sound led a calming sound bath session. Introduced as a fitting conclusion to a conference centred on both safeguarding and wellbeing, the session gave attendees time to pause, reset and reflect. The immersive experience was met with appreciation as staff embraced the opportunity to recharge after a full and engaging day.

Reflecting on the day, OHC&AT’s Director of Safeguarding and Wellbeing, Jackie Van-West said: “This conference captures exactly what safeguarding should look like across our organisation, collaborative, reflective and led by both professional expertise and student voice. The contribution from our Student Safeguarding Ambassadors was particularly powerful, reminding us all that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Events like this strengthen our shared culture and ensure we continue to put safeguarding and wellbeing at the heart of everything we do.”