Why Leadership Matters

Safeguarding isn’t just about having the right policies — it’s about how those policies come to life through leadership behaviours, team culture, and everyday practice. Commissioners and CQC alike want to see clear leadership commitment to safeguarding at all levels of an organisation.

Leadership in Practice

Strong leadership on safeguarding is evidenced through:

• Clear accountability at Board and senior management level
• Visible leadership behaviours modelling best practice
• Investment in workforce training and reflective practice
• Open cultures where concerns are raised and addressed safely
• Robust responses to learning from incidents and safeguarding reviews

Embedding Culture Into Tenders and Inspections

When writing tenders or preparing for CQC inspections, highlight how leadership drives safeguarding culture through:

• Leadership strategies and governance frameworks
• Senior involvement in safeguarding audits and reviews
• Workforce development plans aligned to safeguarding best practice
• Leadership engagement with people supported, families, and professionals