Beyond Compliance

Delyth Lynch has over 25 years' experience of teaching and senior leadership in education and is widely recognised as one of the UK's leading experts in safeguarding, particularly in the independent sector. She speaks regularly about the issue of culture within schools and the work that she has pioneered at Wellington College around values, behaviours and attitudes. Her work has been cited by IICSA, and she has been recognised on the national stage by being awarded the Safeguarding and Child Protection Association's 'Outstanding initiative award' for 2 consecutive years. She is co-author of the Farrer & Co guides, Developing and implementing a low-level concerns policy:a guide for organisations which work with children and Addressing child-on-child abuse:a resource for schools and colleges. Delyth is also an independent expert for Words Matter, an active member of the NADSL, Vice Chair of Governors at an independent school in Wokingham and is on the Executive Board of SACPA (Safeguarding and Child Protection Association). She is an NSPCC accredited trainer and trained in supervision and in the delivery of Safer Recruitment Training.

Delyth Lynch is the DSL's DSL. She is superlatively qualified and stunningly effective at her job, which may very well be the most important in any school. She is also an accomplished and very engaging writer; her text has rhythm, passion, and drive, and is diffused throughout with the empathy and insight that make her so brilliant at what she does.What truly sets this book apart, and why I recommend it so highly, is that it is a safeguarding book like no other. It goes far beyond guidance or compliance, delving into the enduring culture of safeguarding in schools through the lens of a working DSL. Delyth explores what really makes schools safe: strong leadership, open communication, staff well-being, and the hidden risks and biases that can undermine a culture of safety. She unpacks real-world vulnerabilities, the psychology of bias, and the cost of caring, all in a way that challenges readers to reflect and act.Must read is a cliche about a book: this one is a must read and must read again. There is simply so much she has packed in between the covers. It's a book to return to, packed with wisdom that will make children securer, DSLs happier, schools safer, and the world better.Anthony Seldon