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Black & Diverse Safeguarding Professionals CIC
Strengthening representation and equity across the safeguarding sector.
Who We Are
Founded From Lived Experience
Our Mission
Black and Diverse Safeguarding Professionals CIC was founded from the lived experience of racism, workplace pressure and systemic barriers within the safeguarding sector.
We exist because representation matters, not just for professionals, but for every child and family whose safety depends on a workforce that truly understands their lived reality.
We are a Community Interest Company dedicated to amplifying the voices of Black and racialised safeguarding practitioners, equipping them with the tools, networks and confidence to thrive and lead.
Our Core Belief
A more supported, connected and representative safeguarding workforce is better equipped to protect children, strengthen families and deliver genuinely culturally competent practice.
Equity within the profession is not a peripheral concern, it is central to better outcomes for all.
Registered CIC
Company No. 16750136
National Reach
Serving professionals across the UK
What We Do
Our Four Pillars of Activity
BDSP CIC delivers a comprehensive programme of activities designed to strengthen every dimension of professional life for racialised safeguarding practitioners from national visibility to everyday wellbeing.
National & Regional Events
Conferences, awareness days and networking opportunities that bring together global majority safeguarding professionals to share knowledge and influence systemic change.
Coaching & Leadership Development
Structured programmes equipping racialised practitioners with the confidence, skills and strategies to progress, overcome systemic barriers and reduce workplace isolation.
Training & Workshops
Anti-racism approaches, restorative supervision and cultural competence training delivered to practitioners, teams and organisations to strengthen workforce approaches and improve outcomes for children and families.
Resources & Publications
Toolkits, guides, planners, journals and digital content supporting practitioners' learning, wellbeing and professional development, accessible and practically focused.
National Events
The Black Diverse Safeguarding Conference (BDSC)
The BDSC is our flagship annual event, a national convening of Black and racialised safeguarding professionals with our allies that amplifies voices, fosters collaboration and drives innovation across the sector.
It is the only national space of its kind in the UK supported by Isabelle Trowler CBE and Jess Phillips MP.
The conference brings together frontline practitioners, team managers, independent consultants and sector leaders to share evidence-based practice, explore systemic challenges and celebrate professional achievement.
BDSC 2026 is currently in development.
Knowledge Sharing
Workshops, panels and keynotes by leading voices in safeguarding and race equity
Professional Networking
Structured and informal networking to reduce isolation and build lasting professional connections
Systemic Influence
A collective platform to advocate for policy change and culturally competent safeguarding practice
Leadership & Training
Coaching, Development & Anti-Racism Training
Coaching & Leadership Programmes
Systemic barriers to career progression remain a significant and documented challenge for Black and racialised professionals within safeguarding and social care. Our coaching and leadership programmes provide structured, culturally informed support designed to close that gap.
Participants build confidence, develop strategic career planning skills and access a network of peers and mentors who share their experience. Programmes address business development for independent practitioners alongside internal career progression for employed professionals.
Training & Workshops
Our training offer spans anti-racism approaches, restorative supervision models and cultural competence, delivered directly to practitioners, teams and whole organisations. We work with local authorities, voluntary sector bodies and independent safeguarding services.
Training can also extend to supporting families who are involved with social services, offering parenting support, personal development and risk reduction, placing the workforce's growth in direct service of community benefit.
Community Impact
Why Representation in Safeguarding Matters
The case for a more diverse and representative safeguarding workforce is not simply one of equality, it is one of effectiveness. Research consistently demonstrates that culturally competent practice leads to better engagement, better assessments and better outcomes for children and families from racialised communities.
Better Outcomes for Children
A workforce that reflects the communities it serves is better placed to build trust, communicate effectively and deliver assessments that genuinely account for cultural context.
Stronger, More Resilient Sector
By reducing isolation and increasing collaboration, BDSP CIC helps professionals sustain rewarding careers in safeguarding — retaining skilled, experienced practitioners who might otherwise leave the sector.
Direct Community Benefit
Our work reaches beyond professionals — training extends to families engaged with social services, providing parenting support and personal development that reduces risk and strengthens family resilience.
Who We Serve
The Professionals at the Heart of Our Work
BDSP CIC exists to serve the practitioners who dedicate their careers to protecting children and vulnerable communities, yet who too often do so without adequate institutional support, representation or recognition.
Frontline Social Workers
Practitioners working directly with children, young people and vulnerable families across local authority, public and voluntary sector settings.
Safeguarding Leads & Managers
Senior practitioners and team leaders navigating organisational systems whilst advocating for equitable practice.
Independent Practitioners & Consultants
Self-employed professionals building safeguarding businesses, often without the peer networks afforded to those in larger organisations.
Black & Global Majority Professionals
All racialised practitioners experiencing the intersection of professional pressure and racial inequity within the sector.
In Development
Current & Forthcoming Initiatives
BDSP CIC is actively developing a portfolio of national programmes designed to address the most pressing needs of Black and racialised safeguarding professionals across the UK. These initiatives are informed by direct consultation with the communities we serve.
1
Wellbeing Programmes
Trauma-informed wellbeing support initiatives tailored to the specific pressures experienced by all safeguarding workers and particularly racialised safeguarding practitioners, including peer support structures and professional resilience resources.
2
BDSC Conference 2026
Our flagship national conference returns on 19th September 2026. A landmark gathering for the safeguarding sector, bringing together practitioners, leaders, entrepreneurs and advocates from across the country.
3
Resource Library
An expanding suite of toolkits, planners, journals and digital publications supporting continuous professional development, practitioner wellbeing and culturally competent safeguarding practice.

We are currently developing wellbeing programmes and national initiatives to support safeguarding professionals across the UK. If you are a funder or partner interested in supporting this work, we would welcome a conversation.
Partner With Us
Support Work That Strengthens Safeguarding for Everyone
BDSP CIC offers funders and grant-making bodies a clear, evidenced and high-impact opportunity. Investment in our work directly strengthens the UK's safeguarding workforce, creating lasting benefits for children, families and communities across the country.
Our activities are grounded in lived experience, informed by evidence, research and designed for measurable outcomes. We are a registered Community Interest Company with transparent governance, committed to demonstrating the difference that investment makes.
Registered CIC
Company No. 16750136
National Reach
Events and programmes across the UK
Clear Impact
Direct benefits to children, families and communities
Get in Touch
To discuss funding partnerships, programme collaboration or to learn more about our work, please visit our website or reach out directly. We welcome conversations with funders, commissioners and strategic partners who share our commitment to equity in safeguarding.
Email: info@socialworkcoachinghub.com