I'm Barbara Veeramallay-Permaul, founder of Safeguarding Assured by BVPSkills, an independent safeguarding consultant and Designated Safeguarding Lead. I bring more than twenty years protecting people across education, faith communities and international mission settings. Most recently I have helped religious congregations turn safeguarding from an audit worry into lived, evidenced assurance, and I bring that same practical approach to Catholic schools and the wider education sector preparing for Ofsted.
As a DSL, I have owned policy, compliance and case management across multi-site organisations, built frameworks aligned with Ofsted and CSSA expectations, and delivered training in child protection, PREVENT, online safety and trauma-informed practice, working in close partnership with local authorities, social care and multi-agency safeguarding hubs.
My practice is grounded in integrity, compassion and accountability, creating environments where children, young people, adults at risk and staff are protected, listened to and empowered. I serve as a DSL for several religious charities and as a safeguarding ambassador within the Catholic Church, and I bring that same board-level judgement and hands-on practitioner experience to every engagement, whether in a religious community, a Catholic school or a wider education setting.
Faith-based & mission safeguarding
Education, schools & apprenticeships
CSSA audit readiness
Ofsted & KCSIE readiness
DSL mentoring & training
Case & historic-case management
Governance, risk & assurance
Survivor-centred practice
Values-led leadership
"Safeguarding is not only a duty of care, but it is a reflection of who we are as a community."
