NAASA Conference 2025

Last month, over 600 Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) from across the country came together for a powerful day of learning, reflection, and connection at our National DSL Safeguarding Conference 2024.

The day started with a warm welcome from our National Director of Safeguarding Jon Needham, followed by an insightful keynote from Andy McGowan from the Young Carers Alliance.

The key note set the tone – every session got to the heart of the matter rooted in research, critique of the current legislation and policy surrounding Safeguarding and positive case studies showcasing impact when we are prepared to continually reflet and respond to the ever changing landscape our young children are growing into.

Key highlights from the day included an awe inspiring session from Progressive Masculinity’s Mark Nicholson, insightful research and clarity of analysis from Sarah Bloomer and Jon Needham’s session A new approach to Sexting.

‘Meeting 600 DSLs from across the country pushes learning into a new space’ - Jon’s reflection illustrates the fact that there is agency and promise when DSLs are enabled to come together – to learn and grow together, to ensure children’s lives are safeguarded.

Thumbnail (L-R) back row: Paul David (OA Johanna), Matt, Jon, Sam Gourley (OA Arena), James Norris (OA Byron), Collette Johnston (OA Ryelands). Front row: Laura Evans (OA Temple Quarter), Kiran Satti (OA Woodview), Svinder Rana (OA Benson), Georgina Ighorae (OA Shirely Park, Secondary).