Trying Not to Get It Wrong

More policies. More restrictions. More fear of getting it wrong.

But are we actually creating safer environments?

In this episode Chris East and Benedict Sutton explore the uncomfortable reality that safeguarding can sometimes become so defensive, risk-averse, and compliance-driven that it unintentionally weakens the very relationships that keep people safe.

Yet sometimes the safest-looking decision on paper isn’t the safest decision at all.

Together, they unpack:

• the hidden cost of ‘cover your back’ safeguarding

• how fear creates bottlenecks, rigidity, and isolation

• why leadership culture matters more than policy volume

• and what it takes to build safeguarding cultures rooted in trust, judgment, accountability, and human connection.

This is a powerful conversation about moving beyond performative safeguarding and creating systems that are not only defensible, but supportive, relational, and achievable in real life. 

Useful Links: 

• https://buymeacoffee.com/cornerstonesafeguarding  - Every coffee you buy helps us keep creating practical tools and content for safeguarding professionals like you

• To find out more about Cornerstone Safeguarding - www.CornerstoneSafeguarding.co.uk 

• Email us at Cornerstone: info@cornerstonesafeguarding.co.uk

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• Subscribe to Cornerstone Connect - 

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• Chris East on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-east-801496174/

• Leah East on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-east-cornerstone/

Producers of this episode: Chris East, Leah East

Host of this episode: Chris East