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The case studies you have just examined provide important insights into how organisations might respond more effectively to safeguarding concerns, highlighting some of the causes and consequences of failure.

You will learn more about some of these points in greater detail as the course progresses, but it is worth highlighting a few key lessons learnt now:

• Safeguarding is not only about challenging the harmful behaviours of individuals but the attitudes, norms, power relationships and working cultures within organisations. This is often known as ‘organisational culture’.
• The needs of victims and whistleblowers should always be prioritised over the reputational consequences for the organisation. This is known as taking a ‘survivor-centred approach’.
• Organisations should respond effectively and transparently to safeguarding concerns and uphold appropriate standards.
• Organisations have a responsibility to share information with appropriate authorities, taking a risk-based approach to survivors.