Developed over a decade ago by Professor Carlene Firmin, Contextual Safeguarding is focused on ensuring all young people have safe and joyful lives with their friends, at school, online and in their communities. The GCCS team works with a wide range of people to make places safer for young people by improving safeguarding systems.
At the GCCS we do three things:
- Research
We work with safeguarding professionals, parents and carers, young people and policymakers to develop world-leading, high-impact research that’s centred on creating safety in communities. - Consultancy and learning
We offer a range of training and consultancy services, all of which are directly informed by research. - Resources
Our tools, briefings and resources are available to help professionals who work with young people to create better safeguarding systems.
Discover more about what Contextual Safeguarding involves on the About Us page.
Latest News and Information
The GCCS Community of Practice for Educators
New for 2026, our Community of Practice for Educators is now open for registration. If you work in education, click through to get all the details on this exciting new venture.
Addressing Violence and Abuse in Schools
Our FREE e-learning course is now available for those working in schools to think about and do safeguarding differently when addressing violence and abuse between students.
The Davis Scholarship - apply today
The Department of Sociology at Durham University is running The Davis Scholarship for a second year. This enhanced PhD studentship is reserved for candidates with experience of care, and this year is co-funded with Foundations, The What Works Centre for Children and Families.
