About Safeguarding HE
Safeguarding HE provides specialist safeguarding training and consultancy for universities, led by practitioners who have managed Student Support portfolios across the sector. From accredited Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) training and our HEDSO® programme to tailored consultancy and full reviews of your safeguarding framework, we help institutions strengthen both assurance and the safety of their staff and student communities.
Donny McCormick
Founder & Managing Director
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After a 16-year career in higher education, Donny founded Safeguarding HE in 2024 to support the university sector in understanding and meeting its safeguarding responsibilities within this complex and evolving landscape.
Beginning his career in 2008 as a Resident Assistant, Donny progressed through a range of student affairs and support roles before becoming Director of Student Support Services, where he oversaw a broad portfolio including mental health and counselling provision, disability support, and residence life. He has also held appointments as a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) across several institutions and organisations, developing extensive experience in partnership working with local authorities, NHS services, and regulatory bodies.
Donny’s professional expertise is strengthened by his legal background and many years of experience in policy development and governance.
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Master of Arts in Safeguarding and Security London Metropolitan University 2021 - 2023
Bachelor of Laws University of Stirling 2011 - 2014
Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) in Scots Law University of Stirling 2007 - 2011
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All services and trainings delivered by Donny can be accessed here
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Duty of Care in Higher Education
Contextual Safeguarding
Higher Education Governance & Regulation
Socio-legal Analysis and Development in Higher Education
International Safeguarding
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A statutory duty of care won’t fix student safeguarding. Implementation will (2026)
Safeguarding in higher education: Where to start? (2025)
Guest Talk with Global University Systems (2025)
Universities and Duty of Care: Where are we at in 2025/26? (2025)
Safeguarding Beyond Borders in Higher Education (2025)
Working in Partnership to Address Sexual Harassment within Higher Education (2022)
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The Printing Charity (Trustee)
Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education (Disability Experts Panel Member)
Association of Higher Education Professionals (Associate Consultant)
Safeguarding Associates for Excellence (Associate Consultant)
The Safeguarding and Child Protection Association (Member)
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