When Something Doesn't Feel Right
Professional Curiosity, Challenge and Confidence in Safeguarding
Safeguarding concerns do not always come with clear answers. Sometimes it is an inconsistency in an account, a decision that does not sit comfortably, a colleague's response that raises questions, or simply a sense that something does not quite add up.
Recognising a concern is only the beginning. Effective safeguarding practice requires professionals to ask difficult questions, respectfully challenge decisions and remain professionally curious when explanations or reassurance do not adequately address their concerns.
When Something Doesn't Feel Right is an interactive and reflective training session designed to strengthen professional curiosity, respectful challenge and confidence in navigating difficult safeguarding conversations.
The session explores the relationship between professional curiosity and challenge, helping participants move from recognising a concern to asking purposeful questions, managing professional disagreement and knowing when further action or escalation is necessary.
The Session Explores
Understanding professional curiosity and its importance in safeguarding practice
Moving from instinct and uncertainty to purposeful enquiry
Recognising assumptions, inconsistencies and gaps in information
Asking difficult questions with confidence and sensitivity
Using respectful professional challenge to strengthen safeguarding decisions
Navigating challenging conversations with colleagues, senior leaders, parents and carers
Managing professional disagreement and defensiveness
Challenging decisions and escalating concerns when necessary
Maintaining a child-centred approach during difficult conversations
Developing confidence in professional judgement and communication
Practical Learning
Through discussion, reflection and realistic safeguarding scenarios, participants will explore how to approach challenging conversations with parents/carers, colleagues and external professionals.
Rather than simply considering "What would you do next?", participants will be encouraged to reflect on "What would you actually say next?"
The session provides opportunities to practise the language of professional curiosity and challenge, helping participants communicate concerns clearly, respectfully and confidently.
Takeaway Resource
Participants will receive a practical Curiosity & Challenge Conversation Framework, designed to support purposeful enquiry and professional challenge.
The framework encourages five key questions:
Notice: What have I noticed?
Concern: What am I concerned about?
Understand: What do I need to understand?
Challenge: What needs to be clarified or challenged?
Next: What needs to happen next?
This resource can be used to prepare for difficult conversations, reflect on safeguarding concerns and support confident professional decision-making.
Who Is This Training For?
This session is suitable for Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs), Deputy DSLs, safeguarding teams, pastoral leaders, senior leaders and other professionals with safeguarding responsibilities.
Training can be tailored for schools, colleges, youth organisations, faith groups and community organisations working with children and young people.
Duration, Format & Cost
Duration: 60 minutes
Format: Interactive online training or face-to-face delivery for groups and organisations.
Cost: Available on request. Fees are dependent on delivery format, group size and any organisation-specific requirements.
Sessions can be tailored to reflect your organisation's safeguarding context, professional responsibilities and development priorities.
Think Well. Lead Well. Stay Well.
When Something Doesn't Feel Right forms part of the Safeguarding Leadership Series, designed to strengthen professional judgement, confident leadership and reflective safeguarding practice.
Lead Well: Developing the confidence to ask difficult questions, respectfully challenge decisions and maintain a clear focus on the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.
Because professional curiosity is not simply about recognising when something does not feel right. It is about having the confidence to ask what needs to be asked, challenge when necessary and take appropriate action to safeguard children.