Protecting learners. Strengthening practice. Building safer futures.
ETF provides impartial, expert support to the FE and Skills sector on Safeguarding, Prevent and British Values. We help providers embed a safe and inclusive culture, aligned with statutory requirements and inspection expectations, across all roles - from DSLs and teachers to governors and leaders.
ETF leads the national coordination of safeguarding and Prevent activity for the FE and Skills sector. Our work offers consistency, builds capability, and supports providers to create environments where learners can thrive safely.
Sector leadership and coordination
ETF works with the Department for Education (DfE) to align and enhance safeguarding and Prevent delivery across the FE and Skills sector.
Professional development for every role
Our CPD and training help DSLs, tutors, leaders and governors develop the skills and confidence to meet statutory safeguarding and Prevent responsibilities.
Embedding British Values
We help providers integrate democracy, the rule of law, liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance across teaching, culture and governance.
Continuous improvement and compliance
ETF support evolves alongside national guidance, ensuring safeguarding and Prevent practice remains effective and compliant.
Training and Courses
Professional learning designed to help all staff meet their safeguarding and Prevent duties with confidence.
Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment in the Further Education and Skills Sector
Understand the key principles of safer recruitment and learn how to create a safe culture that protects learners and staff.
Safeguarding for the Further Education and Skills Sector 2025/26
Develop practical approaches to embedding the Prevent duty and promoting British Values across teaching and learning.
Safeguarding: Trauma-Informed Practice (Highly Effective 6) 2025/26
This free course for governors explores how organisations can adopt trauma-informed approaches to go beyond statutory duties. Learn to recognise trauma, adjust practices, and better support learners.
Resources
Access ETF’s practical tools, research and guidance to help strengthen safeguarding leadership and embed Prevent across your organisation.
Prevent Duty and British Values Guidance
Clear advice and examples to help providers integrate the Prevent Duty and British Values throughout curriculum and organisational practice.
Creating a ‘Safe Space’ Online for Teaching and Learning
A digital resource supporting staff to safely deliver online sessions, manage behaviour and promote wellbeing in virtual classrooms.
The Role of the Designated Safeguarding Lead
Understand the duties, authority and inter-agency responsibilities of the DSL and Deputy DSL roles across FE and Training.
Blogs
Safeguarding in an uncertain world
Palvinder Singh, Principal at Kirklees College, and Dr Vikki Smith, Executive Director, Education and Standards, at the Education Training Foundation, came together to discuss some of the challenges facing educators in tackling extremism and ways to move forward as a sector. In a two-part series for FE News, they discussed the challenges posed by the rise of misinformation and an increasingly divided political landscape, and explored the need for a values-led, system-wide approach to safeguarding.
Understanding complex decision making within the context of safeguarding, reputational risk, and welfare
We all make decisions numerous times a day, but unless it feels significant, we rarely consider the processes that are involved. Decisions about safeguarding are of course significant as they impact on the welfare of individuals, as well as the reputation of the organisation. We want to get them right in order to keep people safe and have the trust of our learners, families, public and other stakeholders.
Join a community that helps you transform your career in education and skills, so you can make a difference to be proud of.