Vanita Uppal OBE, Director of The British School New Delhi, emphasized the importance of safeguarding in her opening remarks, stating, “As educators, keeping children safe is our most significant responsibility
On March 1, The British School New Delhi, in collaboration with the esteemed Safeguarding Alliance UK, hosted the inaugural Safeguarding India 2025: Inspire, Empower, Protect conference. The event, held at the school, focused on promoting world-class safeguarding practices in educational institutions, a critical priority for all schools, regardless of the curriculum or educational provision offered. This conference marked a significant step toward enhancing child protection standards across India and beyond.
The day-long event brought together a diverse group of school leaders, educators, counsellors, pastoral teams, and NGO representatives, all dedicated to protecting and empowering children. Participants had the opportunity to engage in hands-on workshops, led by global specialists and practitioners who work with governments and organizations worldwide to implement excellence in safeguarding practices. These workshops provided participants with practical strategies, innovative approaches, and inspiring stories to help them address the evolving challenges in child protection.
The conference also included discussions on the legal context of child protection in India, helping educators understand the national framework and its role in safeguarding children in schools. The event aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and tools to create safer environments for children in educational settings, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding at all levels.
Vanita Uppal OBE, Director of The British School New Delhi, emphasized the importance of safeguarding in her opening remarks, stating, “As educators, keeping children safe is our most significant responsibility. I am pleased that through this partnership, we have brought together school leaders, counsellors, pastoral teams, and wellbeing champions from schools and NGOs across the country. For us at The British School New Delhi, child protection is a strategic priority, and we have built a strong safeguarding culture with robust policies. This conference is a moral imperative to share international best practices on safeguarding and child protection to ensure all children are safe in education.”
She further highlighted that the event was not just a one-day conference, but the beginning of a broader movement to prioritize the safety of children across India. “At the close of the conference, it was clear that this was more than a day-long event of learning—it is hopefully the beginning of a collective movement to prioritize the safety of all children in our care.”
The conference received strong support from the Safeguarding Alliance UK, with its CEO, Emily Konstantas, praising the level of engagement and commitment from the attendees. “The Safeguarding Alliance was honored to partner with The British School New Delhi for this groundbreaking initiative,” she said. “It was truly inspiring to see the level of engagement from attendees, with thought-provoking discussions that provided valuable insights, actionable strategies, and meaningful takeaways for all. This event has laid the foundation for transformative change, and we are eager to build on this momentum.
There is a collective commitment to protecting every child, and we are proud to be part of this important journey.”
Konstantas also noted that the event was a crucial step in advancing the conversation about safeguarding and child protection in India, emphasizing the need for continued collaboration and innovation in safeguarding practices. “This event marks the beginning of an important journey—one that will continue to drive meaningful change for the future.”
In addition to the conference sessions, the British School New Delhi hosted a special Networking Reception for school leaders and luminaries. This informal gathering allowed participants to interact with the team from The Safeguarding Alliance UK and foster deeper collaborations on safeguarding initiatives across India. The evening provided an invaluable opportunity for high-quality conversations and networking, further strengthening the collective efforts to improve safeguarding standards.
The British School New Delhi, an inclusive and not-for-profit international school, is located in the heart of New Delhi’s diplomatic area. Founded in 1963, the school offers high-quality education to British, expatriate, and local families, drawing on a rich and culturally diverse community. It has received numerous accolades for its academic excellence and commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive environment for students.
The British School’s commitment to child protection has been recognized internationally, and in 2018, the school was named Top British International School of the Year. It has also been rated as one of the Top 3 Private Schools in India and the Top 150 Private Schools worldwide for two consecutive years, further underscoring its leadership in education and safeguarding practices.
In her closing remarks, Vanita Uppal reinforced that the conference was just the beginning of a larger movement to prioritize child protection in education across the country. “The conversations we’ve started here will continue, and together, we will create a safer, more protective environment for every child in our care,” she said.
As the day concluded, the energy in the room reflected the collective commitment to ensuring that safeguarding remains a top priority in schools, fostering a culture of protection that will help keep children safe in education across India and beyond. The British School New Delhi’s collaboration with the Safeguarding Alliance UK is a significant step toward achieving these goals, with the hope that this conference will serve as a catalyst for lasting change in safeguarding practices across the region.
