A Snapshot of Global Safeguarding: The Need for Systemic Analysis
By Fiona Boyle (Kooyoora CEO)
The area of professional standards and safeguarding is, without doubt, complex. It is essential that ongoing learning, collaboration, and support are prioritised when working in these areas. At Kooyoora, we’ve had the privilege of connecting with professionals in both New Zealand and England, sharing our experiences and learning from theirs. These exchanges—whether through in-person visits or by hosting delegations from New Zealand—have provided valuable insights into what’s working, what isn’t, and the broader challenges faced in each country.
One of the most encouraging aspects has been the shared commitment and energy to “do the right thing.” In England, New Zealand, and Australia alike, there’s a collective recognition of past failures within organisations and a willingness to take action during this period of transition. As these regions work to develop best practices, it’s clear that each context demands unique solutions—yet certain foundational principles remain universal.
Learning from Past Failures and Moving Forward
A recurring theme in these conversations has been the importance of independence in managing complaints and misconduct. Across all three countries, Royal Commissions and government reviews have highlighted the need for an independent approach. The evidence supporting this is clear: impartiality builds confidence in the process, assuring people that complaints are handled objectively and fairly. However, while independence is essential, it does not absolve organisations of responsibility. Rather, it requires them to shift some decision-making power to ensure transparency and accountability.
A common misconception about independence is that it removes an organisation’s role in safeguarding; in reality, it strengthens it. By maintaining an impartial stance, organisations are better equipped to manage complaints with integrity, thereby fostering a culture of trust. However, achieving this balance often requires a significant shift in perspective, especially for organisations accustomed to controlling every aspect of decision-making. This shift can be challenging, but it's necessary for creating an environment where people feel safe and supported.
A Systemic Approach to Safeguarding
An effective safeguarding approach involves more than addressing individual cases of misconduct. It requires a systemic perspective—understanding the underlying conditions that allow abuse to flourish and working to prevent them. It’s easy to fall into the 'bad apple' trap, believing that misconduct is solely due to individuals rather than systemic issues. This narrow view fails to recognise how certain organisational conditions can enable or conceal abuse. At Kooyoora, we aim to counter this misconception by focusing on prevention and addressing root causes, rather than just symptoms. Our recently published narrative literature review, It Takes a Village: Strengthening Safeguarding Through Organisational Cultural Change, explores how organisations can strengthen their protective measures against abuse by 'turning the spotlight inward' to uncover vulnerabilities, blind spots, and harmful systems.
The Role of Culture and Organisational Trauma
During times of crisis, organisations and their leaders can experience a trauma response—fight, flight, freeze, or submit. These reactions can result in poor decisions, which in turn perpetuate the trauma for those involved. While these responses may be understandable, they are by no means acceptable. Organisations have a duty to remain proactive, continually assessing and improving their processes to better serve those affected by misconduct.
Reflecting on my interactions with organisations, I’m reminded that most people genuinely want to do the right thing. However, without the necessary tools, resources, or support, they often struggle to navigate complex situations with the thoughtfulness and care required. In these cases, the importance of culture change becomes evident.
Culture is at the heart of any organisation, and shifting that culture—especially in long-standing institutions—is crucial for sustainable improvement.
Designing Accessible, Robust Systems
Ultimately, the goal of any safeguarding system should be twofold: it must be both ethically designed and easily accessible. Barriers—whether logistical or perceptual—need to be actively addressed. Processes should be robust enough to ensure fairness yet adaptable enough to meet people’s unique needs. No system is perfect, and what works for one person may not work for another. This means organisations must continually refine their processes, keeping empathy and flexibility at the core.
In professional standards and safeguarding, there are no shortcuts. The journey to creating an ethical, effective system requires constant attention, collaboration, and willingness to learn from mistakes. At Kooyoora, we’re committed to fostering these qualities not only within our own organisation but across the global community dedicated to safeguarding and professional integrity.
The challenges are complex, but with thoughtfulness, care, and a shared commitment, we can make meaningful progress.