Community Safeguarding Training Launches in Brighton & Hove
This week, Brighton & Hove saw the launch of the Brighton Crime Reduction Partnership’s brand-new Community Safeguarding Awareness Training, developed in partnership with the NSPCC.
Sixteen participants from across the city joined us for the first session, representing a wide range of businesses and teams including corporate supermarkets, fast food outlets, city centre ambassadors, safety marshals, a corporate retailer, a head of security, and local outreach workers.
The training was tailored specifically for the business community, recognising that frontline staff are often the first to notice things others may miss. Whether it’s a shop assistant, a fast-food server, or a city ambassador, these roles put staff right at the heart of our community, in daily contact with young people. This unique position means they often see the small signs, the subtle changes in behaviour, that can make the biggest difference.
Participants were guided through:
Recognising signs of abuse and neglect
Understanding what safeguarding is and why it matters
The wider safeguarding network and where they fit in
The power of communication – how behaviours that look “bad” are often signals of distress or vulnerability
Practical tools to listen, build trust, and de-escalate situations before they escalate
A strong theme throughout the session was that behaviour is communication. Participants learned how to pause, listen, and respond effectively, and how sometimes even silence can be a powerful tool in connecting with a young person.
Feedback from the day has been overwhelmingly positive:
“I’ve definitely reflected that I need to approach children in a more holistic way to stop things from escalating so quickly, and I’ll be taking this back to my team.” – Restaurant Manager
“We have found our links and more positive relationships with Youth Justice Services… have had a huge impact. These relationships have developed because of the BCRP and the early intervention work.” – Retail Manager
“I want all my team leaders and managers doing this training… it’s taught me how to consider different perspectives.” – Retail Manager
“I found it very impactful. It’s made me think about how I can do my role differently.” – Security professional
This was just the beginning. We’re planning more training sessions in the months ahead, confident in the difference this approach will make. By empowering and upskilling the business community, we are building a stronger safety net around young people; one where businesses, professionals, and local services all play their part.
We want to thank everyone who joined us for this first session. By taking part, you are not only strengthening your own teams but also helping create a safer, more supportive Brighton & Hove for all.
If you or your business would like to take part in the next training sessions, please get in touch and we’ll make sure you’re alerted when new dates are released.
Brighton Crime Reduction Partnership
Together, we protect. Together, we prevent. Together, we make a difference.