Your 2025 Weekly Safeguarding Plan

Our 2025 activity planner helps you organise safeguarding for the year ahead

A full year of safeguarding can feel daunting as there are many elements to consider. Our weekly safeguarding plan helps you achieve your safeguarding objectives, and deliver your Designated Safeguarding Lead responsibilities.

Clear Monthly Focus: Each month tackles a specific aspect of safeguarding, preventing the overwhelming feeling of 'where to start'.
Weekly Tasks: Breaking these goals down into weekly steps ensures steady progress.
Comprehensive Coverage: Covers policy, process, training, reporting, and multi-agency collaboration.
Flexibility: Adjustments can be made to fit your organisation’s size or sector-specific needs.

Our blog also helps explain the importance of habits over targets to increase the effectiveness of using this planner

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Want a text version of the activity planner? See below

Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) play a critical role in ensuring safeguarding policies and procedures are effectively implemented. From delivering safeguarding training for staff to maintaining GDPR-compliant records, the role requires a clear monthly plan to manage responsibilities. This guide outlines how DSLs can streamline incident reporting in safeguarding, strengthen recruitment safeguarding processes, and promote online safety awareness to protect vulnerable individuals.

January: How to Review & Refresh Safeguarding Policies

Week 1: Audit existing safeguarding policies and procedures; identify gaps or updates needed.
Week 2: Review new government or regulatory guidance issued in 2024/2025 that might affect policies.
Week 3: Update policies to align with new guidance; consult with stakeholders if necessary.
Week 4: Share updated policies with staff, and schedule a meeting to explain key changes.

February: Safeguarding Training for Staff

Week 5: Audit staff safeguarding training records; identify gaps in training or certifications.
Week 6: Schedule refresher training sessions for existing staff and onboarding sessions for new staff.
Week 7: Research and select new safeguarding training providers, if needed, for specific areas (e.g., online safety, Prevent Duty).
Week 8: Send reminders to staff about completing mandatory training by deadlines; track progress.

March: Incident Reporting & Case Management Systems

Week 9: Review how incidents have been recorded and managed over the past year. Identify trends and gaps in reporting.
Week 10: Audit your current case management system or tools; ensure they’re user-friendly and secure.
Week 11: Create or update a standard operating procedure (SOP) for incident reporting and escalation.
Week 12: Run a practice session with staff to test their understanding of incident reporting and case management.

April: Recruitment & Background Checks

Week 13: Audit current recruitment processes; ensure all steps align with safer recruitment practices.
Week 14: Review and update templates for job descriptions, interview questions, and onboarding checklists to include safeguarding focus.
Week 15: Check DBS certificates for staff; identify those requiring updates or renewals.
Week 16: Host a session with HR/recruitment teams to reinforce safer recruitment practices.

May: Online Safety Awareness

Week 17: Review current online safety policies and ensure they’re relevant for 2025 (e.g., AI, social media trends).
Week 18: Assess existing digital tools, parental controls, and staff training related to online safety.
Week 19: Deliver an online safety workshop for staff, students, and/or parents (if applicable).
Week 20: Launch a digital safety campaign with posters, emails, or resources shared across your organization.

June: Mid-Year Safeguarding Review

Week 21: Conduct a mid-year audit of safeguarding practices, identifying what’s working and what needs improvement.
Week 22: Review incident reports from January to June and assess response effectiveness.
Week 23: Collect staff and stakeholder feedback on safeguarding policies and practices so far this year.
Week 24: Create an action plan for the second half of the year based on audit findings

July: Multi-Agency Collaboration

Week 25: Review current partnerships with external safeguarding agencies, such as local authorities or police.
Week 26: Schedule meetings with key safeguarding partners to strengthen relationships.
Week 27: Draft or update a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for collaboration with external agencies.
Week 28: Host a workshop or briefing for staff on when and how to involve external agencies in safeguarding matters.

August: Summer Review and Recruitment Preparation

Week 29: Audit safeguarding measures for temporary staff or volunteers (common during summer).
Week 30: Conduct a policy refresh to prepare for the upcoming school/business year.
Week 31: Prepare safeguarding materials for new staff onboarding in September.
Week 32: Check all recruitment and onboarding processes are ready for autumn hiring

September: Safeguarding Culture & Awareness

Week 33: Host a staff meeting to remind everyone of safeguarding priorities for the new school/business year.
Week 34: Launch a safeguarding awareness campaign (e.g., posters, emails, or training refreshers).
Week 35: Schedule one-on-one check-ins with staff who handle safeguarding concerns directly.
Week 36: Share safeguarding updates with parents, carers, or external stakeholders to build a culture of trust.

October: Risk Assessments & Emergency Preparedness

Week 37: Review all current safeguarding-related risk assessments (e.g., trips, events, visitors).
Week 38: Identify and address gaps in emergency preparedness plans, such as lockdown procedures.
Week 39: Conduct a safeguarding risk assessment for vulnerable individuals or groups.
Week 40: Run a safeguarding drill or tabletop exercise to test emergency response plans.

November: Data Protection & Record Keeping

Week 41: Audit all safeguarding records to ensure they’re up-to-date, accurate, and securely stored.
Week 42: Review GDPR compliance for safeguarding data, including access permissions and retention policies.
Week 43: Update digital systems, ensuring secure access to safeguarding records and reports.
Week 44: Train staff on maintaining confidentiality and proper record-keeping practices.

December: End-of-Year Review & Planning

Week 45: Conduct a full review of safeguarding policies, processes, and outcomes from the year.
Week 46: Assess staff safeguarding training needs for 2026 and create a training calendar.
Week 47: Write an annual safeguarding report for stakeholders or regulators, highlighting achievements and areas for improvement.
Week 48: Set goals and priorities for 2026, based on feedback and data from the year.