Keep your school compliant: 5 key areas you can’t afford to ignore

1. Data Protection: your UK GDPR reputation is on the line

With the rise in cybercrime and public scrutiny, data protection is no longer just an IT concern, it’s a legal obligation. In 2023, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) reported over 3,000 cyber-breach reports, with the education sector accounting for 11% (approx. 330 incidents). A single breach could lead to fines and community mistrust.

Judicium provides a Data Protection Officer (DPO) service that includes policy drafting, compliance audits, data breach management, and training. Our team of UK GDPR experts are always up to date with the law, so your school stays protected and responsive.

2. Health & safety (including fire safety): legal duty, lifesaving impact

Every year, over 1,000 fires break out in UK schools, leading to millions of pounds in property damage and major disruption to students’ education (Zurich Municipal, 2019). On top of that, 60% of school leaders say they feel overwhelmed by the complexities of health and safety compliance (EdExec, 2021).

It’s no wonder many educators lie awake at night, worried about risks they can’t afford to overlook.

Judicium’s Health & Safety service provides full-spectrum support – from detailed site audits and fire risk assessments to expert staff training and proactive compliance planning. Our goal is simple: keep your school legally compliant and physically secure.

Don’t wait for a crisis to reveal the gaps. Stay compliant. Stay protected.

“60% of school leaders say they feel overwhelmed by the complexities of health and safety compliance.”

EdExec, 2021

3. HR: protecting staff and reducing litigation risk

Handling HR without proper support is a legal minefield. The NAHT (National Association of Head Teachers) highlighted a surge in parent complaints, with 65% of school leaders seeing more complaints recently, often HR-related, and 43% have sought legal advisor support as a result.

Whether it’s a performance issue, redundancy, or an employment tribunal, mistakes can be costly. Our HR advisory and case management team offers practical help from qualified employment lawyers.

From policies to representation, we help maintain fair processes, happy staff, and legal clarity.

4. Governance: equipping governors to lead effectively

Effective governance demands confidence, clarity, and compliance. Yet many governors feel underprepared to challenge leadership.

With permanent exclusions rising by over 50% in recent years in some areas, boards are increasingly involved in complex, high-stakes decisions that require clear guidance and robust support. Judicium’s Governance and Clerking service helps schools and MATs save time, reduce compliance risks, and improve board effectiveness.

Our expert governance professionals provide clear, accurate minutes and strategic advice, ensuring your governance is reliable and stress-free, enabling you to focus on driving school improvement with confidence.

“Boards are increasingly involved in complex, high-stakes decisions that require clear guidance and robust support.”

5. Safeguarding & SEND: protecting the most vulnerable

No school can afford to overlook safeguarding. In 2023, Ofsted flagged safeguarding concerns in over 13% of school inspections, often due to outdated policies or poor staff training. For SEND, missing documentation or non-compliant EHCPs can result in legal action or inspection downgrade.

Our Safeguarding and SEND teams deliver policy audits, training, mock inspections and casework support, helping you meet your statutory duty of care with confidence and compassion.

Want to stay ahead of compliance risks? Get in touch to find out more.