BISSC STRATEGY EVENT SEPTEMBER 2024 

British International Schools Safeguarding Coalition Holds Inaugural Strategy Forum in Dubai: A Landmark Step for Global Child Safeguarding

The British International Schools Safeguarding Coalition (BISSC) has marked a significant milestone with the successful completion of its first in-person strategy event in Dubai. This landmark event, held over two days, gathered key representatives from the six UK Government-recognised British International School Associations alongside The Safeguarding Alliance, united by a shared mission -to champion and enhance child safeguarding standards worldwide.

Uniting for a Common Cause

The strategy event provided a unique platform for leads from different associations and representatives from The Safeguarding Alliance to join forces. The coalition’s members are committed to setting and maintaining high safeguarding standards in British international schools worldwide, ensuring that the protection of children remains at the forefront of educational practices across diverse international contexts.

Key Achievements and Initiatives

The collaborative efforts during the event yielded significant progress in several key areas central to BISSC’s mission. Among the highlights were:

• Defining BISSC’s Strategic Vision
  During the strategy event, the coalition members worked together to clarify and refine the strategic vision of BISSC, setting a course for our initiatives and policies. This vision will guide BISSC’s efforts to provide consistent, reliable safeguarding support to British international schools, creating safe educational environments for children everywhere.
• Drafting Comprehensive Safeguarding Guidance Documents
  One of the coalitions primary outcomes was the creation of detailed guidance documents tailored for international schools. These documents are designed to assist schools in implementing best practices and adhering to rigorous safeguarding standards, ensuring that every child, regardless of their location, receives protection and care that meets global benchmarks.
• Engaging with Government Representatives and Agencies
  In a critical move towards harmonising international safeguarding efforts, BISSC is planning on engaging with government representatives and relevant agencies. These discussions will be aimed at building a cooperative framework, facilitating consistent policies, and exploring government support for safeguarding initiatives in British international schools around the world.
• Identifying and Researching Emerging International Safeguarding Risks
  Recognising the dynamic nature of global safeguarding challenges, BISSC dedicated a portion of the strategy event to researching new and evolving risks affecting children internationally. This proactive approach enables BISSC to stay ahead of potential threats, ensuring that their policies and recommendations are adaptable to changing circumstances.

A Strengthened Action Plan for 2024 and Beyond

As a result of these productive sessions, BISSC members reviewed and updated our action plan, adding further clarity to our goals and refining the steps necessary to achieve them. The updated action plan will serve as a roadmap for BISSC as we work with others to implement effective safeguarding practices that reflect the latest research, policies, and risk assessments.

Moving Forward: A Shared Commitment to Safeguarding

By bringing together key stakeholders from across the British international school network, BISSC is laying the groundwork for ongoing initiatives that prioritise safeguarding at the global level. The coalition remains committed to working across borders to protect children in international schools, leveraging shared resources, expertise, and vision to build a safer world for all children.

BISSC’s collaborative efforts underpin the importance of international unity in safeguarding practices, with the organisation now poised to make an even more significant impact on global safeguarding standards. As we move forward, BISSC will continue to be a vital ally for British international schools, providing the support and guidance necessary to create secure, nurturing environments for children everywhere.

Working Together for a Safer Future

The success of the first BISSC strategy event reaffirms our commitment to our mission of protecting children across the globe. With an updated action plan and a strengthened international network, we are well-positioned to lead global efforts in safeguarding. As new challenges and opportunities emerge, BISSC will continue to champion collaborative, proactive solutions, ensuring that safeguarding remains a priority on the global educational agenda.

Together, BISSC is working to create a safer future for children worldwide.