Bristol-based corporate finance specialist Shaw & Co has advised The Safeguarding Company on its sale to Tes, a leading international provider of digital solutions to schools.

Based in South Wales, The Safeguarding Company provides safeguarding solutions that prevent, reduce and help to eliminate abuse, harm and neglect, and protect the wellbeing of children and adults.

Tes, meanwhile, is already firmly established in providing schools in the UK and internationally with trusted online training in safeguarding and duty of care, as well as delivering digital solutions to monitor concerns and ensure compliance.

This latest acquisition brings The Safeguarding Company’s leading suite of complementary digital solutions to complete the entire safeguarding picture for schools, colleges and Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs):

• MyConcern: Secure, record-keeping and case management system;

• Sentry: Critical recruitment checks of staff members, volunteers or school governors;

• Confide: Manages allegations concerning staff in a confidential and efficient manner;

• Clarity: Provides an overview of safeguarding across a group of establishments;

• Mentor: Accredited training and specialist safeguarding support for staff and volunteers;

• MyPlace: Provides a designated safe and secure space for safeguarding teams to collaborate online;

• MyVoice: Open reporting solution for students to report concerns anonymously.

Rod Williams, Chief Executive Officer of Tes, said: “Every child has the right to feel safe, and being able to bring together everything that Tes has already built, with the solutions from The Safeguarding Company allows us to build an even stronger set of tools to support schools in this vital area. The team at The Safeguarding Company have developed these solutions from their backgrounds and experience working directly in policing, education, local authorities, health, and social care. Their passion and dedication in this area shines through in everything that they do.”

Martin Baker, CEO and co-founder of The Safeguarding Company, said: “What started in 2014 with the creation of MyConcern, has evolved and grown rapidly ever since. To now become part of Tes, such a large and trusted brand in education, and one that has been supporting schools for over a century, is a testament to everything that has been built by our team over the years.

“Safeguarding is a vital and sensitive subject for all schools, colleges and MATs, and it demands the highest standards constantly as core values in the business. Knowing that we are joining a team who share those values and are dedicated to bringing these solutions to many more educators, is something we can all be immensely proud of.”

“We are pleased to have advised The Safeguarding Company on its sale to Tes. This deal is highly significant for the sector and will enable Tes to further broaden its safeguarding offering.”

Rob Starr, Partner - M&A, Shaw & Co

Rich Bolton, Investment Manager at Octopus Ventures said: “It has been a pleasure to support the team at The Safeguarding Company. The company’s values are wholly aligned with our own; backing the people, ideas and industries that will change the world. The team at TSC has proved you can create a successful technology business whilst having a significantly positive impact on the world around you, safeguarding 1,000s of vulnerable people. We are delighted that the company has found an excellent home in Tes.”

Burges Salmon provided TSC with legal advice on the deal.

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