Matthew Richard

Leading safeguarding initiatives and welfare support in education.

United Kingdom

About

Highly accomplished Youth Development and Safeguarding professional with a First-Class BA (Hons) in Policing and over a decade of diverse experience across London’s educational, community, and public service sectors. My expertise lies in providing trauma informed support to young people facing adversity and complex social needs, honed through roles as a Special Constable, Learning support assistant, Pastoral Leader and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead. I specialize in quickly building trust, effective multi-agency collaboration with families and partners, and strategic intervention planning. My academic focus includes advanced research on County Lines exploitation. I am driven by a commitment to creating safe, inclusive, and inspiring environments where every young person is motivated to achieve their full potential.

Experience

  • Harris Academy Peckham (4 yrs)
    • Senior Pastoral Leader
      Jul 2023 - Present · 3 yrs

    • Deputy Designated Safeguard Lead
      Nov 2022 - Present · 3 yrs 8 mos

      In my role, I foster a comprehensive understanding of safeguarding frameworks and their practical implications. I focus on recognizing signs of risk and strength in children and families, while promoting high standards of professional practice across Children's Services. Additionally, I work closely with the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub to ensure effective collaboration with social care and police teams.

    • Pastoral Leader
      Jul 2022 - Jul 2023 · 1 yr 1 mo

      Fostere a positive environment by collaborating with stakeholders, promoting the Academy's vision and values. Adhere to school policies and routines while taking on whole school responsibilities as needed. Actively support the School's Equal Opportunities Policy and contribute to the development of the School Behaviour Policy.

  • Metropolitan Police (7 yrs 3 mos)
    • Special Constable M07 Interceptors & Taskforce Surge Team
      Jan 2024 - Present · 2 yrs 6 mos

      Proivde rapid, proactive policing support to London's Basic Command Units (BCUs) by deploying officers for high-visibility & plain clothes patrols, immediate response, and tactical support during major incidents like protests or serious crime, using specialized training in pursuit and containment, and acting as a flexible, directed resource for pan-London policing needs.

    • Blue light champion
      May 2022 - Present · 4 yrs 2 mos

      Acting as a mental health advocate, raising awareness, challenging stigma, and serving as a trusted, informal support contact to help colleagues manage work pressures and find professional help, fostering a healthier, more open workplace culture.

    • Welfare support officer
      Jan 2020 - Present · 6 yrs 6 mos

      Providing confidential support to officers and staff facing work or personal challenges, acting as a first point of contact for those under investigation, suspended, dealing with trauma, or personal issues, facilitating access to resources, and managing welfare needs during difficult times like misconduct processes, without providing legal advice or acting as an advocate.

  • Learning Support Assistant at Harris Academy Riverside
    Oct 2021 - Jul 2022 · 10 mos

    Attended to pupils’ personal needs, implementing tailored programs for social, health, and hygiene matters. Collaborated with class teachers and the Inclusion Manager to support SEND pupils' individual planning and targets. Liaised with external SEND and health professionals to ensure effective provision for individual needs. Promoted inclusion and acceptance among all pupils, establishing strong relationships and acting as a role mode

  • Sports Coach at Ultimate Vision Sport
    Jun 2018 - Jul 2022 · 4 yrs 2 mos

    Ultimate Vision Sports is one of the leading sports coaching companies in Barking and Dagenham who deliver high quality sports and physical activity sessions to a range of different age groups. A forward-thinking company that is involved in several projects which are both in schools and within the community offering a wide range of sports to provide specific opportunities to children and young people. Tasks and responsibilities Plan and deliver mixed ability sports sessions. To ensure sports sessions are meaningful, educational and enjoyable for the participants. Have excellent behaviour management skills. Adhere to Safeguarding policy and procedures. Demonstrate a professional attitude and respect professional boundaries. To develop sustainable and meaningful partnerships with organisations and key staff. To have good time keeping skills and meet deadlines.

  • Behaviour mentor at Lister Community School
    Sep 2021 - Oct 2021 · 2 mos

    Behaviour mentor