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National Black & Diverse Safeguarding Conference & Awards 2026
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.

Official 2024 BDSC Conference Highlights

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Black & Diverse Safeguarding Conference Showreel #blacksocialworkers #socalworkevent

Black & Diverse Safeguarding Conference, Birmingham, West Midlands Showreel shot by Joe Whittaker Check him out here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joewhittaker92/

Why This Conference Matters
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.
Equitable Opportunities
Delving into the complexities of DEI roles and leadership and discover practical solutions.
Community Partnership
Building meaningful collaboration between statutory services and partner organisations.
Knowledge Exchange
Creating reciprocal learning spaces with allies for best practice and exploring strategies for culturally informed personal growth and wellbeing.
About BDSC
Our Foundation
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.
Fostering Dialogue
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.
Amplifying Voices
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.
Promoting Belonging
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.
2024 BDSC Conference Highlights
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.
100+
Delegates
Practitioners, educators, youth workers and community leaders from across the UK safeguarding landscape.
10+
Expert Speakers
Leading voices in safeguarding practice.
2
Specialist Panels
Addressing critical practice & practitioner issues in the safeguarding domain.
100%
Satisfaction Rate
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.
BDSC Speakers 2024
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
BDSC 2024 Event Magazine
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.
BDSC 2024 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
Expert Speakers
Enhancing skills and practices
Diverse Businesses
Bringing together global majority owner businesses from across the UK
BDSC 2024 Support & Testimonials
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
About the founder
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.

BDSC 2025 we levelled up!
Theme: Belonging
20th September 2025, Wolverhampton, West Midlands
1
3 key note speakers
Including an international speaker
2
Government event attendance
England's Chief Social Worker, Cllr Mariam Khan,
Jess Phillips MP
3
19 workshops

4
Over 30+ expert speakers

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



BDSC 2025 Supported By

2025 BDSC Conference Highlights
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.
100+
Delegates
Practitioners, educators, youth workers and community leaders from across the UK safeguarding landscape.
30+
Expert Speakers
Leading voices in safeguarding practice.
3
Specialist Panels
Addressing critical practice & practitioner issues in the safeguarding domain.
100%
Satisfaction Rate
Delegates reported a strong sense of belonging and expressed clear support for the conference’s continuation.
Who attends BDSC?
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.
Location
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.
Venue Facilities
The 2026 venue has free parking and an accessible building, with lifts.
Exhibitors
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:
  • 1 table, 2 chairs and space for a roller banner
  • A prime spot in the main conference room, alongside delegates throughout the day
  • Your organisation listed in the official conference brochure
  • An invitation to our exclusive online pre-event networking meeting
  • Access to Caribbean lunch and snacks available for purchase on the day
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.
Here’s Why Leading Organisations Partner with BDSC

  • Engage directly with safeguarding professionals from frontline public services
  • Opportunity to position your work within a trusted, purpose-led space focused on safeguarding practice and wellbeing
  • High-quality engagement with an audience actively seeking tools, support and sustainable ways of working
  • Targeted national visibility across BDSC’s digital platforms, event marketing channels + more
Next Event Date
Saturday 19th September 2026
2026 Sponsors
Headline Sponsor: Banya Fostering Agency
Awards Sponsor Welcare Global Limited

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