Money's too Tight to Mention: Beyond the Bottom Line

Values are like fingerprints. Nobody's are the same, but you leave 'em all over everything you do - Elvis Presley

Last week, I attended a workshop on managing change, where Perry Timms delivered an excellent presentation. During the session, Perry posed a thought-provoking question: How would we justify and "sell" our services to others? This question left me momentarily flummoxed. Having worked in statutory education, where safeguarding is a given—the linchpin on which everything else stands—I’d never considered the need to justify why safeguarding matters, especially in a Higher Education context. As someone who loves a good thought exercise, this idea intrigued me. It made me pause and reflect on the core question: What value does safeguarding truly bring to an organisation? This exploration challenged me to think about safeguarding in a new light—not as an unquestionable requirement, but as a value-driven practice that underpins trust, safety, and success in any institution.

In higher education, safeguarding tends to? exist in the background,? it’s not something we quantify in spreadsheets or spotlight in financial reports, league tables, or strategic plans.? Safeguarding isn’t flashy and it doesn’t? promise immediate financial returns. It doesn’t directly drive revenue, attract top-tier donors, or elevate an institution’s standing in academic rankings. However, I believe, its value is profound, reaching into every corner of what an organisation stands for and ensuring the trust, security, and wellbeing of the people who are part of it.

Working in this sector, I’m acutely aware of the pressures we face—budget constraints, the constant pursuit of new revenue streams, and the challenges of navigating organisational change. These discussions often inevitably? dominate the narrative. But when we pause to reflect, safeguarding reminds us of a deeper truth: what truly matters isn’t always tied to revenue or rankings.

What Safeguarding Does

Safeguarding represents a commitment to safety, trust, and care, reassuring students, parents, and staff that the institution prioritises their wellbeing. This sense of trust fosters a safe and supportive environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. In today’s competitive higher education landscape, this commitment can set an institution apart, as students and their families are increasingly discerning when choosing where to study.

A university that embeds safeguarding at the heart of its culture distinguishes itself as compassionate and responsible, appealing to prospective students and their families. Parents, in particular, may not initially consider safeguarding as a deciding factor, but it often becomes crucial when evaluating institutions. By fostering safe, inclusive environments, universities not only attract more students but also promote diversity, enriching the experience for everyone.

Beyond its role in attracting students, safeguarding underpins reputational resilience. In a world where incidents of harm can quickly ripple through public consciousness, a strong culture of care not only protects individuals but also shields the entire community—and the institution itself—from preventable risks. This proactive approach to safeguarding helps mitigate legal challenges, builds trust, and demonstrates that the university upholds a strong sense of responsibility within society.

Building Resilience and Protecting Reputation

Beyond attracting students, safeguarding plays a critical role in protecting an institution’s reputation. In today’s digital age, incidents of harm—whether due to neglect, poor planning, or a failure to act—can quickly escalate into public relations crises. A university’s reputation, built over decades, can be significantly damaged by a single preventable incident.

A strong safeguarding culture helps mitigate these risks. By embedding safeguarding principles into every aspect of operations, from campus security to student support services, universities reduce their exposure to legal challenges, negative press, and public distrust. Safeguarding may not make headlines, but it protects institutions from becoming the subject of them.

The Foundations of Trust

At its core, safeguarding is about trust. It ensures that every member of the university community—students, staff, parents, and partners—feels confident that the institution has their best interests at heart. This trust isn’t just a “nice-to-have”; it’s essential for an organisation to function effectively.

When students trust their university, they engage more fully in their education, participate actively in campus life, and contribute positively to the institution’s culture. When staff trust their workplace, they are more productive, collaborative, and committed. Trust is the invisible thread that binds a university community together, and safeguarding is what strengthens it.

Safeguarding and Financial Value

Although safeguarding isn’t a direct revenue generator, its financial implications are significant. Preventing incidents of harm saves organisations from costly legal battles, compensation claims, and reputational damage that can take years to repair. Safeguarding also contributes to long-term financial stability by fostering student retention. Students are far more likely to stay at a university where they feel safe, supported, and valued.

Moreover, safeguarding enhances alumni relations. Students who feel cared for during their time at university are more likely to remain connected to the institution as alumni, becoming advocates, donors, and contributors to its future success.

A Broader Perspective: Safeguarding Beyond the Institution

The value of safeguarding extends beyond the confines of campus. Universities are not isolated entities; they are integral parts of their communities and society as a whole. By prioritising safeguarding, universities demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility and ethical leadership.

A university that actively protects its students and staff sets an example for other organisations, contributing to a broader culture of care and accountability. This ripple effect reinforces the university’s role as a leader, not just in education but in societal wellbeing.

Demonstrating the Value of Safeguarding

If I were asked to demonstrate the value of safeguarding, I would highlight five key areas:

1. Attracting and Retaining Students: Safeguarding enhances an institution’s appeal by showing that it prioritises the welfare of its students. Families are more likely to choose a university they trust to provide a safe, inclusive environment.
2. Building Trust: Safeguarding ensures that stakeholders—students, parents, staff, and the wider community—can trust the institution to act in their best interests. This trust is critical to long-term success.
3. Mitigating Risk: Proactively addressing safeguarding issues helps prevent crises that could result in legal challenges, financial loss, and reputational damage.
4. Strengthening Culture: A strong safeguarding culture fosters inclusivity, collaboration, and mutual respect, creating a more engaged and cohesive community.
5. Reinforcing Mission: Safeguarding supports the university’s core mission: enabling students to achieve their potential in a safe and empowering environment.

Ultimately...

Safeguarding may not be the first item on the agenda in budget meetings or strategy sessions, but it should be. Its value, while not always visible, is foundational. Without safeguarding, none of the other elements of university life—academic achievement, innovation, or community engagement—can thrive.

So, next time you’re asked about the value of safeguarding, remember this: it’s not just about protecting people; it’s about enabling them to flourish. Safeguarding is the invisible bedrock of our integrity and resilience. It protects not only our reputation but, more importantly, our people and our purpose.