Catherine Rushforth is a specialized provider of safeguarding training and consultancy services, focusing on child protection and professional development for those working in children’s services. With over 35 years of collective experience in the sector, the firm stands out for its commitment to delivering current, practical, and bias-aware training that challenges outdated approaches and promotes equitable, high-quality safeguarding practices.
The team brings deep expertise from roles as early years practitioners, social workers, family therapists, and facilitators of serious case reviews, ensuring that training is both authoritative and relevant. Their approach is highly participative, realistic, and tailored to the needs of professionals across statutory, independent, and voluntary sectors—including education, health, justice, and faith-based services—with a strong emphasis on respect, dignity, and fresh, solution-oriented methods.
Services Offered
- Designated Lead Person (DSL) Initial (Induction) Training
- Designated Lead Person (DSL) Refresher Training
- Adultification Bias Course
- Safer Recruitment Training
- Understanding Online Safety (E-Safety) for Practitioners
- Professional Reflective Supervision
- Adopting a Fresh Approach to Working with Families
- Responding to Allegations Against Professionals Who Abuse their Position of Trust
- Noticing and Responding to Sexually Harmful Behaviours in Children
- Specialist Early Years Safeguarding Course for Managers
- Understanding the Importance of Attachment
- Recognising the Significance of the First 1001 Days
- Designated Lead Person Forum
- Safeguarding Consultancy (policy, procedure, and protocol review)
- Advice on Handling Safeguarding Issues or Allegations
Services are delivered primarily in London and the home counties such as Surrey, with both in-person and online options available. The team works with a diverse range of professionals, including those in early years, education, health, police, probation services, and faith organizations, reinforcing their mission to support safe childhoods through innovative and respectful practice.
