
19th September 2026
The UK’s ONLY Conference for Global Majority Safeguarding Workers
Founded by Le'Siran Edwards
Est. 2024
The BDSC Awards recognise black and global majority individuals and organisations whose work strengthens safeguarding, community wellbeing and equity across our sector.
NOMINATIONS CLOSED.




In today's complex safeguarding landscape, understanding the unique challenges and strengths of Global Majority professionals whilst on the frontline working with communities is essential for emotionally safe and effective practice.
By bringing together diverse voices the Black & Diverse Safeguarding Conference fosters a collaborative environment where innovative solutions emerge from authentic dialogue between practitioners, trainers and educators.
Delving into the complexities of DEI roles and leadership and discover practical solutions.
Building meaningful collaboration between statutory services and partner organisations.
Creating reciprocal learning spaces with allies for best practice and exploring strategies for culturally informed personal growth and wellbeing.
The BDSC is a UK national platform founded in 2024 by Le'Siran Edwards to address the lived experiences of Global Majority professionals in the safeguarding workforce.
We bring together safeguarding professionals from community, public and private entities to engage in honest conversations about race, equity in the workplace and safeguarding practices.
Our mission is to spotlight voices too often pushed to the margins and to equip allies with the knowledge and tools to do better within the safeguarding landscape.
BDSC champions Global Majority-owned businesses and organisations, creating a vital platform to connect safeguarding professionals with business enterprises and foster powerful cross-sector collaboration.

The exceptional success of our sold-out 2024 conference demonstrated the demand for spaces dedicated to advancing culturally responsive support for Black & Global Majority safeguarding professionals. Representatives travelled from Scotland, Wales, Durham, London, Manchester and much more, to join us in the West Midlands.
Practitioners, educators, youth workers and community leaders from across the UK safeguarding landscape.
Leading voices in safeguarding practice.
Addressing critical practice & practitioner issues in the safeguarding domain.
Delegates reported a strong sense of belonging and expressed clear support for the conference’s continuation.
The event became a landmark gathering for professionals committed to supporting each other and transforming practice.

Malachi Nunes, Clair Graham, Karylle Phillips, Patriche Bentick (BASW), Dr Beverley Barnett Jones MBE, Le'Siran Edwards, Social Matters, Lisa Zaranyika, RASPECT Rebellion, Dr Sariya Contractor (Left to right) Ty'rone Haughton & George the Poet


Last year’s conference magazine – featured profiles of participating businesses, speaker highlights and insightful articles for both professional and personal development. A valuable resource and lasting record for the first conference.

Capturing memorable moments from our impactful conference.
Professionals connecting and sharing expertise
Learning through collaborative discussions
Creating a network of safeguarding professionals
Enhancing skills and practices
Bringing together global majority owner businesses from across the UK



The keynote speeches and panel discussions were insightful, reflective and thought provoking, and it was incredible powerful as an event.
Vicki Shevlin - Social Work Consultant
Le'Siran not only captured the spirit of our shared values but also set a foundation that will shape a legacy of safety and progress for generations to come.
Nicole Ledgister, Nima Recruitment

Le’Siran Edwards is a visionary social work leader, multi-award-winning coach, and the trailblazing founder of the UK’s first and only National Black & Diverse Safeguarding Professionals —now proudly incorporated as a Community Interest Company (CIC). This groundbreaking platform was born from the urgent need to centre Black and Global Majority voices in safeguarding, leadership, and systemic change.
With over 25 years’ experience across children’s social work, trauma-informed practice, and senior leadership, Le’Siran is more than an expert—she’s a movement. Internationally recognised for her transformative work, she has been named Birmingham’s Best Coach for three consecutive years and ranks among the UK’s top podcast hosts.
Guided by both lived experience and professional excellence, Le’Siran established BDSC CIC to challenge exclusion, disrupt systemic inequality, and amplify the brilliance of those too often overlooked in safeguarding spaces. Her sessions don’t just inform—they ignite change.
Whether speaking on workplace trauma, anti-racism, wellbeing, or ethical leadership, Le’Siran brings courage, clarity, and care to every stage. She doesn’t just lead conversations—she reshapes them.
20th September 2025, Wolverhampton, West Midlands
Including an international speaker
England's Chief Social Worker, Cllr Mariam Khan,
Jess Phillips MP



BDSC 2025 Photo Highlights
Capturing memorable moments from our impactful conference. Conference Engagement Professionals connecting and sharing expertise Knowledge Exchange Learning through collaborative discussions Community Building Creating a network of safeguarding professionals Black & Diverse Safeguarding Conference 2025


The sold-out 2025 conference demonstrated the demand for spaces dedicated to advancing culturally responsive support for Black & Global Majority safeguarding professionals. Representatives travelled from Sunderland, Lincolnshire, Durham, London, Northampton and much more, to join us in the West Midlands.
Practitioners, educators, youth workers and community leaders from across the UK safeguarding landscape.
Leading voices in safeguarding practice.
Addressing critical practice & practitioner issues in the safeguarding domain.
Delegates reported a strong sense of belonging and expressed clear support for the conference’s continuation.

Local Authority Heads of Service, Team Managers, Learning and Development Leads, HR Leads, Social Workers (children's and adults), Senior Practitioners, Police Officers, Probation Officers, Mental Health Professionals, Teachers, Nurses, Independent Social Workers, Early Years Professionals, Social work and Social Science Professors, Youth and Community Workers, Safeguarding Entrepreneurs, Foster Care Agencies, Child-focused Charities, Equality and Diversity Leads.
The 2026 event will take place in Birmingham. It is accessible by car and public transport.
We prioritise the safety of all attendees, particularly those working in public services such as the Police and Social Care. The full venue address is shared exclusively with ticket holders, exhibitors and sponsors at least 2 weeks before the event. In the meantime, you'll receive details of the nearest station and recommended hotels, upon request, so you can plan your journey with ease.
The 2026 venue has free parking and an accessible building, with lifts.
As an exhibitor at BDSC 2026, you'll be right at the heart of the action, not tucked away in a side room.
Here's what's included:
Past exhibitors included:
Business funding and development, Social Work Planners, SEN Education support, Training Companies, AI & tech companies, Children's Activities, Afro hair products, Skin care companies, Authors, Contact Centre, African print clothes, Counsellors.
Audience outline:
Predominantly black and global majority individuals, male and female (mainly female), Allies (White British/White Irish individuals).
Ready to showcase your work to a room full of passionate safeguarding professionals? We'd love to have you.
Email us at: info@socialworkcoachinghub.com
Headline Sponsor: Banya Fostering Agency
Awards Sponsor Welcare Global Limited
Headline Sponsors: EPAC UK, SF Connects, Eugenie Arnaud,
Reach for a Star C.I.C, Leicala
Considering event partnership or being an exhibitor?
Email: info@socialworkcoachinghub.com or send a message to Le'Siran Edwards on LinkedIN

Black and Diverse Safeguarding Professionals CIC 16750136
National Black & Diverse Safeguarding Conference & Awards 2026