EXPERT HR FOR SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN
Independent specialists in safeguarding investigations and training, supporting schools, charities and child-centred organisations
about us
At SafeGuardHR, we provide independent safeguarding investigations, case reviews and safer recruitment training for schools, academies and child-centred organisations across England and Wales.
We understand how complex and sensitive safeguarding issues can be. With extensive HR experience gained across education, local government, the charity sector and the NHS, we deliver impartial and professional support. Our approach protects children, reassures governors and trustees, and ensures compliance with statutory requirements.
WHat sets us apart from others?
SPECIALIST EXPERIENCE IN SAFEGUARDING HR
Our Director, Lorna, holds the Advanced Professional Certificate in Investigative Practice, underpinned by a Law degree and a Master’s in HR Management. She has also completed Team Teach, child protection and DSP training, as part of her continued commitment to safeguarding excellence.
STRONG HR AND DUCATION BACKGROUND
Lorna’s managed a local authority schools HR team, held a regional HR role in an education improvement consortium, led HR projects across 500 schools in 6 councils, collaborated with Welsh Government and worked with national trade unions. She brings a rare blend of senior HR and education experience.
PROVEN TRACK RECORD IN COMPLEX CASES
We’ve managed many high-risk safeguarding HR cases, including those involving senior leaders, those that have led to criminal prosecutions, regulatory body hearings, national media coverage and employment tribunals. We understand the associated complexities and sensitivities of these cases.
RECOGNISED AND ACCREDITED BUSINESS
SafeGuardHR is a trading name of Marches HR Ltd, a multi-award-winning, VAT-registered limited company. We are Cyber Essentials accredited, ICO registered, part of respected business networks and are DBS checked. We’re also CIPD members, ensuring we meet the highest professional standards.
INDEPENDENT, IMPARTIAL HR SUPPORT
Being part of a successful independent HR consultancy, we operate without reliance on your internal HR team, freeing up their capacity (and yours) while ensuring investigations and case reviews are impartial. Our independence builds confidence with governors, trustees and regulators.
TRUSTED REPUTATION BACKED BY AWARDS
Our parent company, Marches HR, has won multiple business awards and built a strong reputation for professionalism, trust and community commitment. This wider recognition reinforces the confidence that schools, academies and child-centred clients have in our services.
OUR SERVICES
Safeguarding investigations
When safeguarding allegations arise in a school, academy or child-centred organisation, employers must act quickly and fairly. At SafeGuardHR, we carry out independent investigations led by a qualified, experienced and DBS-checked investigator, following Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), Welsh Government guidance, employment law and HR best practice. We handle sensitive cases involving staff, volunteers and other persons in a position of trust, producing impartial reports that can be relied on in disciplinary or regulatory processes.
case reviews and LEARNING
After a safeguarding case involving allegations against a staff member, volunteer or other person in a position of trust, our reviews provide an independent HR perspective on how the matter was managed. We focus on the organisation’s handling of policies, processes and decision-making, grounding our analysis in safeguarding guidance, employment law and HR best practice. The outcome is clear recommendations that strengthen future HR case management while maintaining compliance and protecting children.
safer recruitment training
Recruitment is one of the strongest tools to protect children and our training helps schools, academies, nurseries, charities and child-centred organisations meet their statutory duties with confidence. Delivered online or in-person, our sessions are practical, interactive and shaped by safeguarding standards, employment law and HR best practice. We equip governors, trustees and senior leaders with the knowledge and tools to embed safer recruitment practices that withstand scrutiny.
CLIENT FEEDBACK
“Appointing Lorna to support us through a very challenging time was the best thing we did. Thank you so much. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her!”
“Your extremely clear and comprehensive investigation reports have made it easier for school governor panels to make fair, well-evidenced decisions”
“I’d have no hesitation instructing you for future work. Lorna was professional, communicated regularly and provided a high quality, thorough investigation report”
protecting children, supporting you.
We provide independent, specialist HR support when safeguarding issues arise. Whether it’s an investigation, a case review or safer recruitment training, our role is to guide you with clarity, fairness and professionalism. We’re here to listen, reassure and work alongside you so your organisation can meet its responsibilities with confidence.
CONTACT US
connect with us
Want to keep in the loop? Check out our regular safeguarding-related updates over on LinkedIn.