An Online Masterclass on Transitional Safeguarding

Transitional Safeguarding – as defined by Holmes & Smale (2018) – is “an approach to safeguarding adolescents and young adults fluidly across developmental stages which builds on the best available evidence, learns from both children’s and adult safeguarding practice and prepares young people for their adult lives.” This framing emphasises the need for a mindset shift, moving away from service boundaries and towards a developmentally consistent, personalised safeguarding response that bridges systemic ‘cliff-edges’ around age 18.

This approach requires a shift in mindset: moving beyond rigid service boundaries and towards a developmentally consistent, personalised safeguarding response that bridges the systemic ‘cliff-edges’ young people often face as they turn 18.

The session is a 3-hour interactive masterclass led by Dez Holmes (Research in Practice) where participants will:

• Understand what the concept of Transitional Safeguarding is, and is not
• Explore the evidence based underpinning the need for Transitional Safeguarding
• Reflect on the six key principles of Transitional Safeguarding
• Hear how other local areas are approaching this kind of innovation
• Start to articulate how transitional safeguarding could become a reality, locally and regionally.

Importantly, Transitional Safeguarding is not a practice level intervention that can be rolled out. It is an issue of whole systems change that requires collaborative systems leadership. Practitioners will have much expertise to contribute to the session, however it is essential that managers and senior leaders are also represented.

Who is this session for?

The masterclass is open to practitioners, managers, and senior leaders working in safeguarding, youth services, health, education, and the wider voluntary and community sector. Transitional Safeguarding requires whole-system change, so participation from across levels and disciplines is important.

Do I need prior knowledge of Transitional Safeguarding?

No. The session will introduce the concept, explore its evidence base, and provide space for reflection and discussion. However, familiarity with safeguarding practice (children’s or adults) will help you get the most from the session.