Thursday 14 January 2027 at Edgbaston Park Hotel and Conference Centre, Birmingham
Children who feel safe, feel safe to learn. At a time of significant change in education, it’s critical that trust safeguarding leaders, working at the intersections of SEND, inclusion, curriculum, attendance and behaviour, develop inclusive and coherent safeguarding systems to ensure that all children are protected by robust practice in every school.
This year’s CST Safeguarding Conference focuses on inclusion and coherence. It invites us to consider how we can develop systems and practice that respond to both the known and the less visible vulnerabilities of our children and communities. It also reinforces the importance of safeguarding coherence as we work towards greater integration of services, increase our focus on early identification and prevention, and seek to harness the rapidly evolving data and digital capabilities of trusts and other public services.
This fifth annual gathering of our professional community will be a day of connection, inspiration and practical insights to inform and sustain your leadership of safeguarding in your trust.
Hear from some of today's leading educational thinkers
Give you and your leadership team time to re-think how your trust works
Connect with colleagues from school trusts across the country
Engage with innovative providers to the school trust sector
This conference is an extension of the CST Safeguarding professional community - a unique space for school trust staff to network, share, and learn, all year round. Community membership is an integral part of CST membership.
Chief Executive, PSHE Association
Chief Executive, PSHE Association
Jonathan Baggaley is Chief Executive of the PSHE Association, the national membership body and charity for personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education, the school subject dedicated to preparing children and young people for life, and work. He has worked at a national level in education for years, bringing expertise in educating young people about risks, harms and opportunities of online technologies. Jonathan led the Association’s successful efforts to improve PSHE education’s status on the curriculum, resulting in mandatory relationships, sex and health education in schools.
Jonathan is also founder and editor of Fully Human – the PSHE Association’s research and development arm - which aims to better understand the impact of technology on children’s lives. Previously, Jonathan was Head of Education at the Child Exploitation and Online Protection centre leading an education programme used with millions of children and young people every year.
CEO, MYTIME Young Carers
CEO, MYTIME Young Carers
Krista Cartlidge is CEO of MYTIME Young Carers, a specialist organisation supporting young carers and their families, and a part-time PhD researcher at Bournemouth University exploring how young carers and schools can communicate more effectively.
A former teacher with over 20 years working alongside children and families facing inequality, Krista has built MYTIME into a nationally recognised force for change. Under her leadership, MYTIME developed the Young Carer Champion Academy, a CPD-accredited training programme equipping schools to identify and support young carers under the new Ofsted inspection framework, and published Punished for Caring, a landmark report on young carer exclusions launched in Parliament.
Krista is currently leading the Champion Young Carers Campaign alongside Vikki Slade MP, calling for a trained Young Carer Champion in every school in England.
She was inducted into the Charity Hall of Fame as a Changemaker in the Social Justice category in recognition of her work.
Principal Safeguarding Partner, EduShield & CST Consultant
Principal Safeguarding Partner, EduShield & CST Consultant
Louis is founder and principal safeguarding partner of EduShield and a former executive education (safeguarding) director at a nationwide school trust. He is recognised nationally for expertise in safeguarding, inspection readiness, crisis management, and school improvement across trusts. Louis has advised the Department for Education on safeguarding policy, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and is the first education professional to qualify as a Gold Multi-Agency Strategic Commander. He chairs the Queen Street Group Safeguarding Directors Forum, sits on the NASSA board, and serves on the British Army’s Independent Advisory Group. Trusted for his calm, strategic leadership, Louis supports leaders navigating complex safeguarding challenges.
For details about commercial tickets, please contact partnerships@cstuk.org.uk.
CST members only: Full conference access including keynotes, workshops, lunch, and resources
Book now£414 inc VAT at 20%
Non-CST member place for conference including keynotes, workshops, and lunch
Coming soon£486 inc VAT at 20%
Our conference takes place at the Edgbaston Park Hotel and Conference Centre, Birmingham.
We recommend using public transport wherever possible to attend.
Edgbaston Park Hotel and Conference Centre
53 Edgbaston Park Road
Birmingham
B15 2RS
The CST Safeguarding Conference takes place on 14 January 2027.
Registration will be from 08:00 with the main programme running approximately 09:15 to 16:00.
Delegate places include full access to conference main sessions, workshops, and exhibition, plus refreshments, and lunch during the day.
Overnight accommodation is not included and delegates are responsible for their own travel arrangements.
The event programme is provisional and subject to change. Booking terms and conditions apply.
Imagery is from past events and may not reflect future programmes.
Confederation of School Trusts · Registered in England & Wales, company no: 05303883 · Charity no: 1107640.
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Registered offices both at 167-169 Great Portland Street, 5th Floor, London, England, W1W 5PF