Designated Safeguarding Lead Training (DSL) – Level 3

Safeguarding Training for Designated Leads

Designated Safeguarding Lead Training equips individuals with the skills and knowledge required to carry out statutory safeguarding responsibilities for children and adults at risk within their organisation.

The course covers essential UK safeguarding legislation, identifying and responding to concerns, making referrals, and effective record-keeping.

Participants gain the ability to lead safeguarding practice, collaborate with external agencies, support colleagues, and actively promote a strong culture of safety and legal compliance in the workplace.

This training is intended for professionals who have been appointed as Designated Safeguarding Leads and their nominated deputies in early years settings, schools, colleges, and childcare organisations.

It is also suitable for senior leaders and practitioners with a lead role in safeguarding, as well as committee members, proprietors, or registered providers with designated safeguarding responsibilities in their setting.

Related: Safeguarding Training for Managers | Level 4 Safeguarding Training for Named Professionals | MCA/DoLS Training for Managers

Course Information:

• Course Duration: 4- 6 hours
• Course Level: Level 4 Safeguarding
• Certificate: Level 4 qualification
• Max Delegates: 12
• Practical: Theory Only
• Course Mode: Face to Face/Virtual (Zoom)

Course Outline:

Caring For Care’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) Training prepares you to take on a pivotal safeguarding role with confidence and clarity.

You’ll gain a deep understanding of your legal responsibilities, including how to respond to disclosures, assess risk, and make effective referrals.

Core Training Content

The DSL training provides a comprehensive overview of the responsibilities and legal framework for safeguarding in education.

• Legal framework: Learn about important laws and guidance like Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) and Working Together to Safeguard Children.
• DSL Roles and responsibilities: Understand what your duties are, what your deputy’s duties are, and what all staff members need to do.
• Types of abuse and signs: Learn how to spot different kinds of abuse such as physical, emotional, sexual abuse, and neglect.
• Specific safeguarding issues: Find out about tricky topics like online safety, child sexual exploitation (CSE), female genital mutilation (FGM), and the Prevent duty.
• Handling disclosures: Know how to listen and respond properly when a child or staff member tells you about abuse.
• Referral process: Learn when and how to report concerns to social care, police, and other agencies, and what happens next.
• Information sharing: Understand how to record and share sensitive information safely, while following rules on privacy and data protection (GDPR).

How Training Prepares You for the Role

Beyond knowledge, DSL training develops the practical skills needed day-to-day.

• Scenario-based learning: Practice real-life situations and decision-making through examples and role-play.
• Multi-agency working: Learn how to work well with other agencies such as social services, police, and other organisations to protect children.
• Creating a safeguarding culture: Find out how to promote safeguarding across your school, support staff, and keep policies up to date.
• Managing allegations: Know how to deal with concerns about staff and refer cases to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).
• Supporting staff well-being: Understand the emotional impact of safeguarding work and the importance of self-care and supervision.

Expectations for Continuing Professional Development

DSL training is ongoing, not a one-off event.

• Refresher training: DSLs must refresh training at least every two years to keep updated on legislation, guidance, and best practices.
• Continuous learning: Engage in professional development through reading e-bulletins, attending network meetings, and keeping informed about local safeguarding arrangements.

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of the course, you will be able to:

• Understand legislation including Local Safeguarding Partnerships and Safeguarding Adults Boards
• Understand the role of the DSL
• Develop your Policy and procedures
• Advise on staff training
• Understand safer recruitment
• Recognise signs, symptoms, behavioural indicators and consequences of abuse
• Manage the recording and referral of a disclosure
• Know how to preserve evidence
• Understand Local authority responsibilities and what happens after a disclosure
• Know how to deal with allegations about staff
• Understand, and embed multi-agency working within the Organisation.

Who is the course for?

The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) Training Course is designed for people who are responsible for leading safeguarding in their organisation.

This includes:

• DSLs working in schools, colleges, and early years settings.
• Safeguarding leads in care homes, healthcare, and social care services.
• Team leaders, managers, or senior staff overseeing safeguarding practices.
• Anyone newly appointed as a DSL or looking to refresh their knowledge.
• Staff preparing for Ofsted, CQC, or local authority inspections.

This course is ideal for anyone who needs to handle disclosures, make referrals, and promote a strong safeguarding culture within their team or service.

Why Choose Caring for Care for Your DSL Course?

What makes Caring for Care’s DSL training stand out is its practical focus and real-world relevance.

Our courses are delivered by practising healthcare professionals who bring hands-on experience to every session. We emphasise realistic, scenario-based learning to help participants build the skills they’ll actually use in their roles.

Training is available both onsite and virtually, and can be tailored to suit your organisation’s needs. We use interactive methods and relevant equipment to keep learning engaging and practical.

Caring for Care’s safeguarding courses have a 98% recommendation rate and are rated ‘Excellent’ across the UK.

Reviews regularly highlight the professionalism, clarity, and inclusive nature of our sessions. Learners also benefit from detailed workbooks and assessments that help bridge the gap between training and day-to-day practice.

We have more Safeguarding Courses that would help you and your team.

Benefits of the DSL Training Course

The DSL training course provides essential knowledge, skills, and confidence for those in this important safeguarding role. A well-trained DSL plays a key part in keeping children safe and creating a strong safeguarding culture in any setting.

Benefits for You

• Confidence in high‑stakes situations: You will learn how to stay calm and respond correctly when a child or colleague raises a safeguarding concern or when a referral to social services is needed.
• Expert knowledge: You will gain a strong understanding of your legal responsibilities, different forms of abuse, how to spot signs—such as online risks—and how to take appropriate action.
• Effective communication skills: You will learn how to manage sensitive conversations with children, families, and professionals while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.
• Career development: DSL training helps build specialist knowledge in child protection, leadership, and safeguarding policy, supporting your professional growth.
• Peer support and networking: Training sessions offer the opportunity to connect with other DSLs, share ideas, and explore real-life safeguarding situations from different perspectives.
• Emotional resilience and self‑care: You will learn how to access support, manage stress and avoid burnout in emotionally demanding safeguarding work.

Benefits for Your Organisation

• Legal compliance and inspection readiness: Regular DSL training helps your organisation meet its legal safeguarding duties and prepares you for inspections by bodies like Ofsted.
• Stronger safeguarding culture: A trained DSL can lead policy development, staff training and daily safeguarding practices, creating a culture where safety comes first.
• Better protection for children: Staff become more confident in spotting concerns early and taking action quickly, leading to better outcomes for children at risk.
• Improved multi‑agency working: DSLs learn how to work effectively with local authorities, the police and other services to handle safeguarding concerns properly.
• Learning from real cases: Training often includes lessons from serious case reviews, helping organisations avoid past mistakes and follow the latest best practice.
• Preparedness for Inspection and Audit: Aligns with Ofsted, CQC, and local authority expectations for safeguarding leadership and accountability.

What qualifications are needed to be a DSL?

To become a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), you don’t need a formal qualification, but you must complete recognised safeguarding training specific to the DSL role.

Experience in dealing with safeguarding concerns is usually expected, along with strong leadership, communication, and decision-making skills. You should feel confident managing disclosures, working with outside agencies, and helping to build a positive safeguarding culture within your organisation.

Needing More Safeguarding Courses?

• Safeguarding Adults Training – Level 2
• Safeguarding Training For Children -Level 2
• Safeguarding Level 4 For Practitioners.
• Mental Capacity Act and DoLS For Managers Training

Career Opportunities for Designated Safeguarding Lead Training

Completing Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) training can lead to many job options in safeguarding and child protection.

Here are some possible roles:

1. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
   Take charge of keeping children and vulnerable adults safe in schools or organisations.
2. Safeguarding Officer
   Work in charities or community groups to ensure everyone follows safeguarding rules.
3. Child Protection Social Worker
   Help families and children by assessing risks and working with different agencies to protect them.
4. Education Consultant
   Advise schools on how to improve their safeguarding policies and practices.
5. Training Coordinator
   Create and run training sessions on safeguarding for staff in schools and care settings.
6. Policy Advisor
   Help develop safeguarding rules and plans for government or non-profit organisations.
7. Mental Health Practitioner
   Support people facing mental health challenges while ensuring their safety.
8. Community Support Worker
   Assist vulnerable individuals by providing help and ensuring their rights are protected.
9. Child Welfare Advocate
   Speak up for children’s rights within community organisations or government agencies.
10. Independent Safeguarding Consultant
    Offer advice to different organisations on how to improve their safeguarding practices.

By completing DSL training, you gain important skills that can help you in many safeguarding roles across various fields.

Customer  Reviews

We have thousands of positive reviews on third-party websites and a 98% recommendation rate. Our Safeguarding Courses are rated ‘Excellent’ in the UK. We provide both onsite dsl training and offsite training.

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“Our staff had no issues on the training they all enjoyed it. It’s easy as can be to arrange training and ask questions about things we’ve always had a speedy in depth reply every time over the years.” – Making Space

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“Caring for care does care for their clients , from the initial booking with Emma everything was smooth she kept us informed on what was happening . Kai was awesome his teaching methods are inclusive and fun , we all enjoyed the training . Thank you caring for care team.” – Brenda

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“We were really pleased with the recent training which our staff received .All staff commented on how well the training was presented and in a professional manner.We also found costs very reasonable as we had received several other quotes and are pleased that we decided to go with Caring for care” – Eileen Cromar

About Caring for Care DSL Training

At Caring for Care, we provide standard safeguarding training that meets national requirements. The Designated Safeguarding Lead course is delivered by experienced trainers, some of whom have solid real-world experience and work as consultants in the field.

This course teaches you how to protect children and adults at risk by recognising signs of abuse and responding appropriately. You will learn through practical exercises and real-life examples, as well as how to collaborate with other agencies. The training is available face-to-face or online and is endorsed for continuing professional development and Skills for Care.

Onsite Safeguarding Lead Training for Organisation

Caring for Care offers comprehensive onsite Safeguarding Lead Training tailored to organisations across the UK.

Delivered at your premises, this Level 3 course equips Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) with the skills to recognise abuse, manage disclosures, and implement safeguarding policies in line with UK legislation.

We provide training at locations we cover across the UK such as London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Glasgow, Cardiff, Belfast, and more.

Ideal for care, education, and healthcare settings, this training promotes team-wide accountability and ensures compliance with statutory guidance.

Onsite delivery reduces travel costs, minimises disruption, and allows content to be adapted to your team’s specific needs and environment.

Safeguarding Lead Training Course Fenton, Stoke on Trent.

Caring for Care delivers Safeguarding Lead Training in Stoke-on-Trent at our dedicated venue in Fenton.

The location is easily accessible — just a 5-minute drive from Stoke-on-Trent train station and around 10 minutes from the popular Hanley bus station by car.

We provide free on-site parking, Wi-Fi, refreshments, and the venue is fully accessible for disabled learners.

This course equips Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) coming to our Staffordshire venue with the confidence, knowledge, and legal understanding to manage safeguarding effectively across education, care, and healthcare settings.

Onsite training reduces travel costs, minimises disruption, and ensures the training is relevant to your team’s specific needs and environment.

Kindly note that the public courses for our DSL training course are virtual and delivered by an experienced safeguarding expert.

Questions and Answers

Can the course be customised for schools and colleges?

Yes, the Designated Safeguarding Lead Course can be customised for schools and colleges.

This bespoke course is tailored to meet the specific needs of groups from various schools or colleges, accommodating up to 12 delegates.

It can be delivered face-to-face or virtually, either onsite or at our venues, covering key legislation, safeguarding procedures, and the specific responsibilities of the Designated Safeguarding Lead role within the educational setting.

For safeguarding lead training for schools, the course covers legal safeguarding responsibilities, including the latest updates to Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), and teaches how to identify abuse, neglect, and other concerns.

When is refresher training recommended for DSLs?

Refresher training for Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) is generally recommended every two years. However, depending on the sector or setting, it may be needed more frequently—particularly where safeguarding risks change rapidly or updated guidance is introduced.

Regular training is important because safeguarding responsibilities evolve, and over time, knowledge and good practice can fade. Ongoing updates help DSLs stay informed, confident, and compliant with current laws and procedures.

It also ensures they can respond effectively to concerns, promote a strong safeguarding culture, and support staff and service users safely.

Is Designated Safeguarding Lead training only for schools?

Not at all. Safeguarding lead training is important in many sectors, not just schools and colleges.

It is also highly relevant for:

• Care homes and domiciliary care services where staff support vulnerable adults.
• Healthcare settings including hospitals, clinics and mental health services.
• Charities and community organisations working with at-risk groups.
• Early years providers and youth services.
• Supported living and housing services.

Any organisation that has a duty of care for children, young people or vulnerable adults should have a trained Designated Safeguarding Lead. The training ensures concerns are handled confidently, lawfully and in line with national guidance, regardless of the setting.

What training is required for DSL?

To become a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), you must complete specialist DSL training that covers legal duties, handling disclosures, referral procedures, and multi-agency working.

The course should align with Keeping Children Safe in Education, Working Together to Safeguard Children, and the Care Act 2014. DSLs must refresh their training every two years to stay compliant with evolving legislation and best practice.

Is the course delivered face to face or virtual?

Caring for Care delivers the course both face to face and virtually. For individual bookings, we primarily offer virtual sessions to make access easier and more flexible.

For group or onsite bookings, the course can be delivered either in person or virtually, depending on your team’s preference and location.

Does Caring for Care deliver face-to-face safeguarding lead training?

Yes, Caring for Care delivers face-to-face safeguarding lead training onsite at your workplace, providing maximum convenience.

Our experienced trainers offer practical, interactive sessions tailored to your organisation’s needs, encouraging real-time questions and group discussions, benefits not always possible with virtual or e-learning.

This hands-on approach helps your team build confidence and skills in a supportive environment. We provide face-to-face training across various locations to fit your schedule and team requirements.

For individual booking, we only offer this as a virtual course to help save cost on traveling and accommodation.

What does DSL mean in schools?

In schools, DSL stands for Designated Safeguarding Lead. This is a senior member of staff responsible for managing all safeguarding and child protection matters.

The DSL makes sure the school follows legal policies, handles disclosures properly, and refers concerns to external agencies when needed. They also lead staff training, keep safeguarding records, and help create a safe, aware, and supportive school environment.

What Key Policies and Frameworks Should a DSL Know?

Core Policies & Frameworks for DSLs

• Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE): Statutory guidance for schools and colleges in England. Outlines the responsibilities of DSLs, including managing referrals, working with external agencies, and raising safeguarding awareness.
• Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018): Sets out how organisations must collaborate to protect children. It underpins referral procedures, multi-agency working, and child protection planning.
• The Care Act 2014: Primary legislation for adult safeguarding. Defines duties such as making safeguarding enquiries, assessing risk, and coordinating protection for vulnerable adults.
• The Children Act 1989 & 2004: Establishes the legal basis for child protection, including the duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children at risk.
• Prevent Duty Guidance: Requires DSLs to recognise and respond to signs of radicalisation. DSLs must complete Prevent awareness training as part of their responsibilities.
• Information Sharing Guidance (DfE & ICO): Provides clear rules for safely and legally sharing safeguarding information, while respecting confidentiality and data protection laws.
• Local Safeguarding Partnership Protocols: DSLs should be familiar with local authority safeguarding procedures, referral routes, thresholds, and key contacts.

What are the other types of DSL Training Available?

Aside from Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) training for schools, here are other sector-specific DSL training options commonly available:

• DSL Training for Sport and Leisure
  Focuses on safeguarding in sports clubs, gyms, and leisure centres.
• DSL Training for Higher Education
  Tailored for universities and colleges, covering safeguarding of both children and adults.
• DSL Training for Health and Social Care
  Designed for safeguarding leads in hospitals, care homes, and community health services.
• DSL Training for Early Years and Childcare
  Focuses on safeguarding in nurseries, preschools, and childcare settings.
• DSL Training for Faith-Based Organisations
  Covers safeguarding within churches, mosques, temples, and other religious groups.
• DSL Training for SEND Settings
  Specifically for special educational needs and disabilities environments.
• DSL Training for Residential and Holiday Settings
  For safeguarding leads in residential homes, holiday camps, and activity centres.
• DSL Training for Theatre, Arts, and Entertainment
  Focused on safeguarding children and adults at-risk involved in performing arts.

Do childminders need DSL training?

Yes, childminders do need Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) training.

As childminders are solely responsible for the safety and wellbeing of the children in their care, DSL training provides them with the knowledge and skills to recognise signs of abuse and neglect, understand safeguarding legislation, and respond appropriately to concerns.

This training is tailored to the specific responsibilities of childminders and often includes key topics such as the Prevent duty, online safety, and managing disclosures.

It is also required to meet safeguarding standards set out by Ofsted and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Training must be renewed every two years and align with advice from local safeguarding partners or authorities.

Should I take the DSL course face to face, virtually, or via e-learning?

The choice of a DSL (Designated Safeguarding Lead) training for you depends on your experience, how you like to learn, and what your organisation needs.

Face-to-face training is great for new DSLs or teams working on serious safeguarding issues. It allows for more discussion, teamwork, and support from the trainer.

Live virtual training is held online with a real trainer. It’s more flexible and saves travel time, which is helpful for remote staff or small teams.

E-learning is the cheapest and can be done at your own pace. It works best for experienced DSLs who need a refresher.

Caring for Care offers both live virtual training for individuals and face-to-face training for groups, so you can choose what works best for your team.

Can anyone be a safeguarding lead for an organisation?

Not just anyone can be a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for an organisation.

The role requires someone with the appropriate knowledge, experience and training, typically including at least level 2 safeguarding training. This person should also have the authority and capacity to take action, which usually means holding a senior or managerial position.

While prior safeguarding experience isn’t always essential, the individual must be confident in leading safeguarding procedures, managing difficult or sensitive situations and supporting other staff. To remain effective, regular refresher training is essential to keep knowledge and skills up to date.

As I have told others... It is the best, most informative training I have ever attended