Posted on: 3 July 2025
On a powerful and insightful day dedicated to improving safeguarding practices and promoting sexual safety, we hosted our annual Safeguarding Conference under the theme “See me, hear me, believe me”. The event brought together leading voices in healthcare, safeguarding, and psychological support to address the complex realities of responding to sexual abuse and ensuring safety and dignity for both children and adults.
The conference was opened by Claire Murdoch, Chief Executive of CNWL. Claire set the tone for the day by reaffirming CNWL’s unwavering commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals through compassionate, trauma-informed care and systemic cultural change.
Emma Kay, Head of Safeguarding Children at CNWL, initiated the sessions with a powerful reflection on the importance of language specifically the need to challenge victim-blaming terminology that can perpetuate harm and hinder recovery.
The morning sessions featured experts from The Havens, London’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre, including Dr Alice Monfrinoli, Dr Briony Arrowsmith, and Rashidah Namusisi, who shared evidence-based approaches to recognising and responding to sexual abuse in children and adults. Their presentations emphasised trauma-informed, child- and adult-centred practices that prioritise belief, validation, and psychological safety.
The significance of psychological support in recovery was explored in-depth by Dr Kate Madden and Dr Emma Facer-Irwin, both senior psychologists at The Havens. Their session, highlighted the essential role of accessible, specialist therapeutic care in addressing trauma following sexual assault.
Promoting a culture of safety and advocacy
Following a reflective lunch break and CNWL’s Wednesday Webinar, the afternoon focused on organisational strategies for embedding safety and accountability.
Sheelagh Holmes, Clinical Safety Manager at CNWL, introduced the sexual safety charter, an initiative that promotes open conversations about sexual health and harm, aiming to make discussions around sexual safety routine, not exceptional.
Carina Sheridan, CNWL’s Freedom to Speak Up Guardian, spoke about her role in enabling staff to raise concerns safely and confidentially, ensuring transparency and psychological safety within the workplace.
Colleen Simon, CNWL’s Head of Social Work and Adult Safeguarding, closed the session with resources and reflections, consolidating the learning and tools shared throughout the day.
Celebrating excellence in safeguarding
The conference concluded with Catherine Knights, Director of Quality, announcing the recipients of the Adult and Child Safeguarding Practitioner/Team of the Year Awards, celebrating individuals and teams who have shown exceptional commitment to safeguarding practice.
Welldone to:
Runner up - Safeguarding Adult Practitioner of the year – Afiya Rufaro, Safeguarding Adult and Mental Capacity Specialist – Inner London
Winner– Safeguarding Adult Practitioner of the year – Saif Jung - Safeguarding Adults & Mental Capacity Act Specialist (MK)
Runner up – Safeguarding Children Practitioner of the year – Rupinder Kaur – Safeguarding Children Advisor – Bi-Borough/KCW
Winner– Safeguarding Children Practitioner of the year – Lisa Crawshaw – Named nurse for SC in Hillingdon
Closing comments by Colleen Simon and Emma Kay reminded attendees that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and creating a culture of belief and safety starts with everyday actions being visible, listening deeply and responding with compassion.
This year’s conference was a poignant reminder that safeguarding is not simply a policy but a practice rooted in empathy, respect and the courage to speak and act in defence of the most vulnerable. Through powerful storytelling, clinical insight, and institutional leadership, CNWL continues to lead the way in ensuring people are seen, heard, and believed.