Speakers
Sarah Richardson
Presentation
This session by the University of Derby explores how a whole-institution safeguarding transformation can move practice beyond compliance and into a culture of shared responsibility, early intervention, and student empowerment. Over the past two years, the provider has redesigned its safeguarding infrastructure to respond to the rising complexity of student need, particularly in mental health, domestic abuse and crisis-related risk.
The session will outline how a unified safeguarding framework, which combines reporting integration, triage, risk assessment and multi-agency case management, enables coordinated support for students whose circumstances affect their safety, wellbeing or ability to study. Central to this approach is the university's in-house support to study process and a multi-agency support group model that brings together conduct, support, disability, security, and external partners to deliver holistic, student-centred interventions.
Laura joined the University of Derby in July 2025 in the new role of 'Sexual Violence Harassment & Misconduct Response & Prevention Co-ordinator' where her responsibilities include developing and delivering training programmes for students and staff and redesigning the Sexual Violence Liaison Officer (SVLO) service. Within her role Laura represents the UoD community at local partnership boards including the Sexual Abuse sub-group of the Criminal Justice Board and the Violence Against Women & Girls action group. She also attends the CPS-led East Midlands Rape Scrutiny Panel.
Prior to joining the university, Laura has worked in a wide range of safeguarding roles including developing a risk management process within Derbyshire Constabulary; developing and managing the Derby city service supporting high risk domestic abuse, stalking and harassment, ‘honour’ based abuse and forced marriage victims; Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead at a large secondary school; Sexual Assault Referral Centre and Independent Sexual Violence Advisor manager at a specialist charity.
