Content and structure of safety competence of educational institutionheads under modern challenges

Abstract

The article provides a comprehensive scientific analysis of the phenomenonofthesafety competence of general secondary education institution heads in the context of dynamictransformations within the modern security environment. The problem statement is drivenbythenecessity to shift from traditional administration to the strategic management of educational institutionresilience, which becomes particularly critical under martial law and digital threats. Thecategoryofsafety is viewed as a multidimensional concept integrating physical, psychological, andinformationalcomponents. The aim of the article is to provide a theoretical substantiation of the essence of school heads' managerial competence regarding safety provision and to identify its key structural elements. Toachieve this goal, a complex of scientific methods was employed: theoretical (systemanalysis,synthesis, induction, and deduction) to generalize existing managerial approaches and theregulatoryframework; and empirical (purposeful observation) to identify current issues inthepracticalmanagement of safety within educational institutions. During the study, significant scientific results were obtained. An author's definitionof "safetycompetence of the head" is formulated as an integral quality combining a systemof knowledge, skills,and personal characteristics necessary for creating a safe educational space. Athree-level structureofthis competence is substantiated, including: −The Strategic Component (proactive risk management, threat forecasting, andtheformationof safety policy as a part of school culture); −The Operational Component (mastery of crisis response algorithms, provision of thematerialand technical base, and establishment of external coordination with emergency services); −The Psychosocial Component (the role of an emotional leader, conflict mediation, creatinganatmosphere of trust, and providing post-crisis psychological support). The developed system of criteria and indicators for diagnosing the level of safetycompetenceformation among managers holds particular scientific value. The conclusions emphasizethat safetymust transform from a formal duty into a managerial philosophy, where the head acts as thearchitectof a safety culture.