BISSC Visit to the House of Lords

On Wednesday, 3rd December 2025, the British International Schools Safeguarding Coalition convened a high-level consultation at the House of Lords, uniting senior representatives from government, regulatory bodies and international partners to address long-standing safeguarding gaps affecting British international schools.

Chaired by Emily Konstantis and supported by The Rt Hon the Lord Knight of Weymouth and The Rt Hon the Baroness Morris of Yardley, the session focused on two critical issues:

  • The inability of international schools to report safeguarding concerns to UK regulators
  • The lack of access to essential DfE safer-recruitment portals

BISSC presented robust evidence, FOI responses, quantitative data and anonymous case studies, clearly demonstrating that these issues are systemic, persistent, and carry real safeguarding implications.

It was encouraging to see full engagement from representatives across the TRA, DfE, EWC Wales, GTC Northern Ireland, DBT, NCA, ACRO, Interpol, U.S. State Department, and other partners who recognise that safeguarding responsibilities must extend beyond borders.

Thank you to every school and association that contributed to this consultation. Your insights are driving genuine policy momentum.

Next steps:

  • Developing a safe, formal reporting route for international safeguarding concerns
  • Lobbying for appropriate access to DfE safer-recruitment portals
  • Publication of a sector White Paper on this topic on 5 February 2026

BISSC remains committed to securing the systemic and regulatory changes needed to protect every child, everywhere. “Safeguarding must never be constrained by geography.”

For schools wishing to contribute to the next phase of this work, please contact: info@bissc.org.uk

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