My Journey into the Trust 

My journey into the Sancta Familia Catholic Academy Trust marks a significant milestone in my professional life, bringing together 20 years of school-based experience with the opportunity to contribute at Trust level. Being seconded as Safeguarding Lead at the Trust’s formation in April last year was a defining moment in my career and professional development.

After two decades working within a single school, transitioning into a Trust-wide role was both challenging and invigorating. It required a shift in perspective - from supporting one school community to influencing safeguarding practice across multiple schools - while applying my experience on a broader, strategic scale. Being involved from the outset allowed me to help shape safeguarding systems, culture, and practice, a level of responsibility I have grown to relish. 

The Safeguarding Lead role has significantly developed my leadership skills, strategic  thinking, and ability to work collaboratively across schools and with the central team. I regularly visit all Trust schools, building strong professional relationships and gaining a clear understanding of each school’s context, while promoting a consistent and shared approach to safeguarding. A key focus has been aligning safeguarding recording and reporting across the Trust, ensuring clarity, consistency, and robust accountability in support of pupils and families. 

Alongside this, I have built excellent working relationships within the central team and  with local authorities, fully embedding myself in the formation and expansion of the Trust. As the Trust continues to grow, I have played an active role in ensuring safeguarding remains a central and consistent priority. 

Working within Sancta Familia has further shaped my approach to safeguarding and leadership. The Trust’s commitment to Catholic Social Teaching - particularly the dignity of the human person, the common good, solidarity, and a preferential option for the poor and vulnerable - underpins my practice. Safeguarding is therefore not only a statutory responsibility, but a moral commitment to protect, support, and uphold the dignity of every child, reflecting the Trust’s mission to provide a holistic education rooted in academic excellence and faith formation.