Simon Davies is a nationally recognised safeguarding specialist and awarded investigator with more than 30 years’ experience across investigations, safeguarding, risk management and professional standards.
As Managing Director of Safeguarding Services, Simon leads complex safeguarding reviews, independent investigations and advisory work for organisations operating in high-risk and highly regulated environments across Australia.
Simon began his career with the Australian Federal Police, serving for 14 years as a detective and working on complex criminal and national security matters. Since transitioning into safeguarding and professional standards leadership, he has become a trusted adviser to government agencies, education providers, faith-based organisations, disability and aged-care services, community organisations and sporting bodies.
He is frequently engaged to manage matters involving:
- Reportable conduct and serious misconduct
- Historical and institutional abuse
- Organisational safeguarding failures and cultural risk
- Highly sensitive, high-impact investigations requiring independence and discretion
Simon is known for his calm, methodical approach and his ability to balance legal rigour with trauma-informed practice.
Experience
Simon has led and overseen a wide range of complex safeguarding matters, including:
- National safeguarding reviews for sporting organisations operating across multiple jurisdictions
- Independent investigation into sexual assault allegations within a school setting
- Historical abuse investigations within religious institutions, requiring survivor-centred and regulator-aware responses
Qualifications
Formal education:
- Australian Institute of Company Directors – Company Directors Course
- Graduate Certificate in Education (Safeguarding Children and Young People)
- Bachelor of Arts (Criminology)
- Diploma of Engineering (Security Technology)
- Diploma of Policing
- Diploma of Security and Risk Management
- Diploma of Government (Investigation)
- Certificate III in Investigative Services
Specialist training:
- Specialist Vulnerable Witness Forensic Interview Training
Licences and Accreditations
Simon holds investigator and security licences across multiple Australian jurisdictions, including:
- Security Provider Licence (Investigator) – Queensland
- Commercial and Private Inquiry Agents Licence – New South Wales
- Private Security (Investigator) Licence – Victoria
- Registered Security Adviser – Victoria
Awards
Simon’s service and investigative work have been formally recognised through multiple honours, including:
- National Medal
- Australian Federal Police Service Medal
- Australian Defence Medal
- Victoria Police Commissioner’s Commendation
- Australian Federal Police Group Citation for Conspicuous Conduct (Operation Pendennis)
- Australian Federal Police Operations Medal (Operation Pendennis)
Simon is a regular speaker on topics including safeguarding children and people at risk, reportable conduct, professional standards, escalated complaint management and organisational risk.
He is valued for translating complex legal and regulatory requirements into practical guidance for leaders, boards and frontline staff.
