DBS hosts fifth Annual Conference on the future of safeguarding
DBS welcomed over 1,300 safeguarding professionals to its fifth Annual Conference to explore innovation, collaboration, and the evolving landscape of safeguarding.
Last week, DBS hosted its fifth annual conference, bringing together more than 1,300 colleagues, partners and safeguarding professionals – the highest attendance to date – to reflect on progress, share learning and explore the future of safeguarding.
Over two days of keynotes, workshops and panel discussions, delegates examined how DBS’s strategy, technology and partnerships can strengthen the safeguarding system and deliver better outcomes for the people we protect.
After introductions from Jess Phillips MP, Minister for Safeguarding, and DBS Chairman, Dr Gillian Fairfield, the conference opened with a live Q&A with Chief Executive Jeff James.
Jeff James spoke about his long-standing commitment to protecting vulnerable people – shaped by his PhD research into punishment and neglect in Victorian workhouses – and how this continues to inform his vision for DBS today.
Reflecting on DBS’s ongoing digital transformation, Jeff said this cultural shift is rooted in continuous improvement and active engagement:
We’re really proud of the service we deliver, but we always want to do more. Our technology programme will enhance accessibility, strengthen security, and make every customer interaction smoother and more reliable.
Day One – Strategy, technology and the future of safeguarding
Day one explored how innovation and technology can strengthen DBS’s impact and support the future of safeguarding.
The opening keynote examined the role of artificial intelligence in public service. Lewis Lincoln-Gordon, Coordinator of the NPCC AI Portfolio, discussed how artificial intelligence (AI) could support more effective safeguarding when used transparently and responsibly. He cautioned against adopting new tools without considering their ethical implications.
A live poll revealed most delegates were “cautiously optimistic” about AI’s potential, with more than 80% saying they were “on the fence” about whether it would ultimately be a force for good or harm in safeguarding.
Building on the theme of innovation, Adam Duell, Acting Associate Director for Digital, Data and Technology at DBS, led a session on user-centred service design. He highlighted the new ‘save and return’ function in the barring referral process – a direct response to user feedback – as an example of how small design changes can deliver meaningful improvements for users and safeguarding outcomes alike.
Charity Ann Craft Trust’s -organised session, ‘Safeguarding Adults Against Online Abuse’, offered a look at how digital platforms expose adults at risk to new forms of harm. Speakers emphasised awareness, education and prevention, alongside collaboration between agencies and communities to create safer online environments.
We’ve moved from thinking about ‘vulnerable adults’ to thinking about ‘adults at risk’. That shift matters, because it focuses on prevention and resilience – helping people build stronger networks and make informed decisions to keep themselves safe.
Catherine Sykes, Safeguarding Adults Manager for the Sport and Activity Sector, Ann Craft Trust.
Beyond these sessions, delegates also explored the DBS three-year strategy, customer experience, and the role of data in shaping safeguarding policy – reinforcing DBS’ commitment to using technology and partnerships to protect the most vulnerable.
Day Two – The importance of effective information sharing in safeguarding
Day two focused on collaboration and communication, examining how effective information sharing can prevent harm and strengthen safeguarding outcomes.
In the workshop ‘Risks of Not Sharing Information with DBS’, Ryan Friday Swann, Information Gathering Manager, and Sarah Hart, Casework Decision-Making Team Manager, outlined how DBS depends on timely, accurate information from partners to make fair barring decisions and how delays or missing evidence can pose real safeguarding risks.
The ‘Safeguarding in Sport’ panel explored how consistency, cultural change and confidence in reporting are essential to improving standards across the sector. Julian Blazeby, DBS Non-Executive Director, stressed that safeguarding must be consistent at every level, while Neil Cooper, Project Director for Safe Sport, and Andrew Bowley, Head of Inclusion, Safeguarding and Wellbeing at British Judo, called for stronger communication, inclusion and shared accountability: “We need to change the narrative from ‘‘what if I’m wrong’ to ‘what if I’m right’, said Neil.
Later, Jo Wheatley, Regional Outreach Manager for the Midlands and South, and Kiran Rehal, Regional Outreach Adviser for Greater London, led a workshop on the enhanced DBS check process. They guided delegates through key stages, common causes of delay, and the close collaboration with police forces to ensure timely and accurate results.
Day two also included speakers exploring local authority partnerships, data sharing ethics, and cross-sector collaboration – all reinforcing that safeguarding depends on transparency, trust and effective communication.
Throughout the two days DBS staff delivered additional webinars, including sessions from the Policy Team’s David McLaren and Georgie Mitchell sharing information on updated ID guidance, and from members of the Regional Outreach Team on eligibility, the legal duty to refer, harmful behaviour and the update service.
Closing reflections
As the conference concluded, a clear message emerged: safeguarding relies on innovation, transparency and collaboration in equal measure.
Reflecting on the two days and how DBS can continue to strengthen communication and engagement, Jeff James concluded:
We need to open our ears, listen to what people are telling us, and then find new ways – whether that’s through guidance, events or face-to-face engagement. I’m very keen that we continue to engage with stakeholders across all the sectors that we serve.
The DBS Annual Conference 2025 once again highlighted the power of bringing people together – reaffirming DBS’s shared commitment to innovation, prevention and partnership in safeguarding.
On-demand content from conference sessions is now available on the conference website for colleagues to reflect on how the themes discussed connect with their work, and continue the conversations sparked throughout the conference.