What is the Designated Safeguarding Lead Role and Why Is It Important?

The role of a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is very important today, as child abuse is still a big problem. Around 3 in 4 children aged 2-4 years face physical or emotional harm, and 1 in 2 children aged 2-17 years go through some kind of violence [National Statistics on Child Abuse].

In the United States, nearly 4.3 million reports of child abuse were made in 2022, with most victims being harmed by their parents.

The internet also brings new dangers. Since 2019, reports of child sexual abuse images have gone up by 87%.

In some countries, up to 20% of children have been victims of online abuse in the past year. In 2023/24, the police in England and Wales recorded 26,299 child abuse crimes, the highest number yet.

Child cruelty and neglect in England have doubled in the past five years. In 2022/23, there were 29,405 cases, up from 14,263 in 2017/18.

These shocking numbers show that we need trained people to help protect children.

As a DSL, you would be very important in making sure safety rules are followed, spotting signs of abuse, and teaching other staff how to deal with these problems.

Your job would help create safer places for children, both online and offline, and fight against the worldwide problem of child abuse.

🟣Related: Trainer-Led Designated Safeguarding Lead Training.

What is a Designated Safeguarding Lead?

A Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is a senior staff member responsible for safeguarding and child protection within an organisation. They serve as the main contact for any safeguarding concerns, making sure the right actions are taken if abuse or neglect is suspected.

The DSL also ensures that all staff receive proper training and support on safeguarding issues. They work closely with external agencies like social services, the police, and health professionals to protect vulnerable people and keep the organisation safe for everyone.

The role requires someone with the right authority and experience to make important decisions about referrals and interventions. They also develop and maintain the organisation’s safeguarding policies and procedures.

DSLs must complete specialist training and regular updates to stay up to date with laws and best practices.

They have a serious legal and moral responsibility to protect those in their care.

In many fields, such as education and healthcare, having a qualified DSL is a legal requirement to make sure organisations meet their duty of care.

Who is a Designated Safeguarding Lead?

A Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is a senior staff member in a school, college, or any organisation working with children or vulnerable adults. They lead all safeguarding efforts and make sure the organisation follows safeguarding laws, including guidance like Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).

The DSL is the main contact for safeguarding concerns, spotting signs of abuse or neglect, handling disclosures, and referring cases to local authorities or social services when needed. They work closely with staff, families, and outside agencies to keep the environment safe and manage risks.

The DSL also creates and updates safeguarding policies, trains staff, and keeps accurate records following data protection rules. This role needs strong leadership, good decision-making, and a deep understanding of safeguarding to protect those at risk.

Usually, the DSL is a senior leader like a headteacher, deputy head, or a specially trained staff member, depending on the organisation.

The main jobs of a DSL include being the first person to talk to about safety concerns, checking the situation, and deciding what should be done, which may involve telling other organisations like social services or the police.

DSLs must understand the laws and rules about safeguarding, such as the Children Act 2004 and the Care Act 2014.

To be a DSL, you need to be a strong leader, understand people’s feelings, and be able to make difficult decisions. They often work with other organisations to keep people safe. The DSL plays a key role in making sure everyone stays safe and supported.

As a trained Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), you can work in places where you support children, families, adults at risk, or other vulnerable people.

They are usually appointed in:

• Schools and colleges
• Care homes
• Charities and volunteer organisations
• Healthcare settings
• Social care environments
• Children’s homes
• Nurseries and early years settings
• Youth groups
• Sports clubs and associations.

What Does a Designated Safeguarding Lead Do?

A Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) plays an important role in protecting people at-risk, especially children and adults at risk, in an organisation.

Here are some of the main tasks they handle:

• Primary Contact: The DSL is the first person to go to for any concerns or problems about safeguarding in the organisation.
• Policy Implementation: They make sure the safeguarding rules are up-to-date, followed properly, and understood by all staff.
• Training and Guidance: DSLs give training and support to staff on safeguarding, helping to create a place where vulnerable people feel safe and supported.
• Risk Assessment: They check situations where there might be safeguarding issues and decide what action to take, which may include telling outside organisations like social services or the police.
• Work with Others: DSLs work with other important safeguarding agencies and join meetings to manage cases involving vulnerable people.
• Record Keeping: They keep accurate and private records of safeguarding concerns and the actions taken.
• Policy Development: DSLs help develop and review policies, procedures, and resources related to safeguarding.
• Promotion of Best Practices: They encourage a person-centred approach to safeguarding and support good care within the organisation.
• Continuous Learning: DSLs keep up-to-date with new safeguarding practices, issues, and laws, and share this knowledge with others in the organisation.
• Leadership Support: They advise and report to senior leaders, making sure safeguarding is a priority at all levels of the organisation.

How to Become a Designated Safeguarding Lead

To become a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), you need to have the right knowledge, experience, and training to do the job well.

Having some previous experience in safeguarding is important, as the DSL needs to understand the law and the rules around safeguarding to make sure these are followed properly. Although you don’t need a formal qualification, it is very important to complete the right training to do the DSL role properly.

The DSL should also be someone with good character, someone that staff can go to if they have any concerns about safeguarding.

🟣Related: Expert-Led Safeguarding Training Courses.

How to Become a Designated Safeguarding Lead

To become a designated safeguarding lead (DSL), follow these steps:

Step 1: Meet Basic Requirements

• Hold a senior leadership position in your organisation
• Have the authority to make important decisions
• Understand your workplace and its needs well
• Possess strong communication and people skills
• Experience working with at-risk groups is preferred

Step 2: Complete DSL Training

Training usually takes 1-2 days, available face-to-face or online. Ours is a 1-day training.

Topics include:

• Laws and official safeguarding rules
• How to spot abuse and neglect
• How to report concerns and work with other agencies
• Keeping accurate records and sharing information safely
• Supporting staff and handling difficult disclosures

Step 3: Gain Formal Appointment

• Get a written appointment from senior management or governing body
• Have a clear job description that explains your DSL duties
• Ensure you have enough time and resources to do your role properly
• Set up line management support

Step 4: Develop Safeguarding Framework

Create and maintain:

• Safeguarding policies and procedures
• Staff training programmes
• Systems for reporting and recording concerns
• Risk assessment plans
• Partnerships with other organisations

Step 5: Maintain Ongoing Development

• Complete refresher training each year to stay updated
• Attend regular supervision meetings (monthly) with your line manager
• Join DSL forums and conferences to share knowledge
• Review cases to learn from past safeguarding incidents

Step 6: Build Professional Networks

Work closely with key partners such as:

• Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)
• Children’s Social Care services
• Police safeguarding teams
• Health and mental health services
• Other DSLs in your area or sector

Key Reminders

• Your role is vital in protecting those who need it most.
• Always follow your local authority’s guidance and the law.

Follow these steps to become a Designated Safeguarding Lead and help keep people safe. Keep in mind, some organisations may have slightly different requirements, but this is a general guide.

A DSL should be a person of good character, trusted by staff to raise concerns, and have enough authority to do their job well. Leadership experience is important.

They must ensure there are enough resources for safety, advise staff, and understand the needs of children.

How Long Does DSL Training Take?

The time it takes to complete DSL training depends on the type of course:

• Face-to-Face Training: This usually takes 4 to 6 hours, or sometimes a whole day.
• Online Courses: These typically take 2 to 3 hours.
• Comprehensive Courses: Some courses are longer and take two days. They cover more topics.
• E-Learning: These courses are flexible and take about 1 to 2 hours. You can stop and start them as you like.

Most people who become DSLs need to take the training again every two years to stay updated on the latest rules and best ways to keep people safe.

Skills and Experience Needed for DSL Roles

To be a good DSL, you need certain skills and experience:

Skills:

• Good talking and writing: You need to explain things clearly, especially about sensitive topics.
• Good listening: You must listen carefully and show you understand when someone shares a worry.
• Solving problems: You need to think quickly and make good choices in tough situations.
• Being a leader: You’ll guide staff and help create a safe place for everyone.
• Making friends: You’ll work with many people, so being friendly is important.
• Understanding feelings: You need to handle your own feelings and understand others’.
• Always learning: Rules about keeping people safe change, so you need to keep learning.

Experience:

• Knowing the rules about keeping people safe.
• Working with other groups, like social services.
• Understanding policies about safety.
• Keeping private information secret.
• Dealing with safety issues before.
• Teaching or organising staff.

Other things DSLs often need:

• Special safety training (Level 3) every two years.
• Knowing how to help families early.
• Understanding how to keep information safe.
• Knowing how to protect children from dangerous ideas.

Some places also like DSLs to have:

• Special training in education, social work, or healthcare.
• Experience being a leader.
• Training in hiring safely and dealing with staff problems.

Additional Requirements for DSL Roles

DSLs often need extra training and knowledge beyond basic skills:

• Level 3 Safeguarding Training: This is the main training for DSLs. They need to update it every two years.
• Early Help knowledge: Knowing how to help families before problems get worse.
• Data Protection understanding: Learning how to keep private information safe.
• Prevent Duty familiarity: Knowing how to keep children safe from harmful ideas.

Some places also like DSLs to have:

• Special training in teaching, social work, or healthcare.
• Experience as a leader in the organisation.
• Training in how to hire safely and deal with staff problems.

These extra things help make sure DSL persons are ready to do their important job of keeping people safe in their workplace.

They give DSLs the tools and knowledge they need to handle tough situations and make good choices to protect others.

Relevant Courses:

• Level 3 Safeguarding for Managers Training.
• Level 3 Safeguarding for Named Practitioners Training.
• Safeguarding Train the Trainer Course.

Which Industries Often Employ Designated Safeguarding Lead Persons?

Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) are found in many industries that work with children, young people, or vulnerable adults.

These industries include:

• Education: Schools, colleges, and universities have DSLs to make sure students are safe and well.
• Healthcare: Hospitals, clinics, and dental practices may have Safeguarding Leads to protect patients.
• Social Services: Organisations that work with child protection and family support usually have DSLs.
• Youth Services: Youth clubs, community centres, and organisations for young people (8-19 years old, or up to 25 with extra needs) often need DSLs.
• Childcare: Nurseries and early years settings have DSLs to keep young children safe.
• Residential Care: Children’s homes and care facilities for vulnerable adults have DSLs to ensure the safety of residents.
• Charities: Many charities, especially those that help vulnerable people, have DSLs.
• Sports and Recreation: Groups that offer activities for children and young people often have safeguarding leads.

These industries know it is important to have special professionals who focus on keeping vulnerable people safe.

Do Designated Safeguarding Leads Face Challenges?

Yes, Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) face different challenges in various industries:

Schools

• Dealing with changes in students’ lives.
• Understanding different cultures in international schools.
• Managing different rules when working with children from different places.
• Overcoming language barriers when talking to authorities, parents, and children.

Youth Clubs

• Helping young people with mental health issues.
• Protecting them from online dangers and bad influences.
• Managing risks in youth work settings.

Hospitals and Social Services

• Handling difficult cases of abuse or neglect.
• Working with many different groups and following different laws.

Common Challenges

• Not having enough money to Safeguard people at risk.
• Difficulty in getting help from other organisations.
• Not getting enough support from other groups.
• Limited access to good training, especially for adults.
• Feeling sad or tired from dealing with hard cases.
• Keeping up with many complicated laws.
• Feeling alone, especially in faraway places.
• Keeping records safe and finding patterns.
• Monitoring computers and phones to keep people safe.

These challenges show how hard the DSL job can be and why they need ongoing help and training to keep people safe.

Conclusion

The role of a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is very important for keeping children and adults safe at risk in schools and organisations. DSLs manage child protection policies, report abuse, and support staff with training and advice. They also work with outside agencies to make sure children get the help they need.

Becoming a DSL takes training, skills, and experience, but it is a role that makes a big difference. By understanding what a DSL does, we can all work together to create safer places for children.

If you are interested in becoming a DSL, start by completing the required training and developing the skills needed for the role. It is a challenging job, but it is also very rewarding because you will be helping to protect and support children who need it most.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and the DSL is there to guide us. Let’s work together to keep children safe! You can reach out to us for Safeguarding Training both adult, children and courses for managers. You can send a message to enquiries@caringforcare.co.uk or call:  01782 563333