YHMAST Conference - Online Masterclass on Transitional Safeguarding

YHMAT Conference - Online Masterclass on Transitional Safeguarding

We are pleased to confirm the next online (MS Teams) YHMAST Conference will focus on Transitional Safeguarding.

Transitional Safeguarding – as defined by Holmes & Smale (2018) – is “an approach to safeguarding adolescents and young adults fluidly across developmental stages which builds on the best available evidence, learns from both children’s and adult safeguarding practice and prepares young people for their adult lives.” This framing emphasises the need for a mindset shift, moving away from service boundaries and towards a developmentally consistent, personalised safeguarding response that bridges systemic ‘cliff-edges’ around age 18.

This approach requires a shift in mindset: moving beyond rigid service boundaries and towards a developmentally consistent, personalised safeguarding response that bridges the systemic ‘cliff-edges’ young people often face as they turn 18.

The session is a 3-hour interactive masterclass led by Dez Holmes (Research in Practice) where participants will:

• Understand what the concept of Transitional Safeguarding is, and is not
• Explore the evidence based underpinning the need for Transitional Safeguarding
• Reflect on the six key principles of Transitional Safeguarding
• Hear how other local areas are approaching this kind of innovation
• Start to articulate how transitional safeguarding could become a reality, locally and regionally.

Importantly, Transitional Safeguarding is not a practice level intervention that can be rolled out.It is an issue of whole systems change that requires collaborative systems leadership. Practitioners will have much expertise to contribute to the session, however it is essential that managers and senior leaders are also represented.

Dez Holmes, Research in Practice

Dez is the Director of Research in Practice, a not-for-profit organisation that since 1996 has been supporting those who work with children, families and adults to use evidence in their practice and leadership. When Research in Practice joined the National Children Bureau family in 2024, she joined the NCB Leadership Team as a second Strategic Director of Practice and Programmes.

Dez has several years’ experience of training and workforce and leadership development; she is the Programme Director for the Practice Supervisor Development Programme. Her practice experience is largely within youth offending services and early help. She is particularly interested in adolescence, transitions, risk and participatory practice; Dez has led Research in Practice’s work on Adolescent / Transitional Safeguarding; she is the Programme Director for the Tackling Child Exploitation Programme and also chairs the Contextual Safeguarding UK Advisory Group.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this session for?
The masterclass is open to practitioners, managers, and senior leaders working in safeguarding, youth services, health, education, and the wider voluntary and community sector. Transitional Safeguarding requires whole-system change, so participation from across levels and disciplines is important.

Do I need prior knowledge of Transitional Safeguarding?
No. The session will introduce the concept, explore its evidence base, and provide space for reflection and discussion. However, familiarity with safeguarding practice (children’s or adults) will help you get the most from the session.

What is the format of the session?
This is a 3-hour interactive online masterclass delivered via MS Teams. It will combine presentation and facilitated discussion.

Will the session be recorded?
The presentation elements of the masterclass will be recorded and shared with attendees afterwards. However, the interactive discussions will not be recorded, to allow participants to contribute openly and safely. A short written summary of key learning will also be circulated.

Do I need to have my camera and microphone on?
As this is an MS Teams meeting (not a webinar), we encourage participants to have cameras on and microphones available. This helps create a more engaging and connected experience, particularly during the breakout rooms. That said, we understand some people may need to keep cameras off at times, and that’s fine too.

Why is it important that managers and senior leaders attend?
Transitional Safeguarding is not a practice-level intervention. It requires whole-systems change and collaborative leadership. Practitioners’ expertise is vital, but change can only be embedded if decision-makers are also part of the conversation.

What if I can no longer attend?
Please cancel your place using the link in your registration confirmation so that your space can be offered to someone else.

Who is coordinating this event?
This conference is coordinated by Billson Consulting Ltd on behalf of the Yorkshire and Humber Multi-Agency Safeguarding Trainers (YHMAST).

How will my booking details be used?
Booking details will only be shared with the YHMAST group for the purposes of event coordination and follow-up. They will not be used for unsolicited communications or for anything unrelated to safeguarding and professional learning.