Safeguarding is everybody’s business. It is vital for everyone who works with children, young people, families and/or adults to be fully committed to the safety and wellbeing of the people they work with.

The Designated Safeguarding Lead (also known as The Designated Person) will be the first point of contact for safeguarding within an organisation so an in depth understanding of the role is a must.

A Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) needs to be able to recognise welfare issues, share appropriate information, manage staff training, and make referrals to the Local Authority Safeguarding team.

This course is for anyone who is in the role of a Designated Safeguarding Lead  role or is thinking of becoming a Designated Safeguarding Lead in the future.

Module 1 - The role of the Designated Safeguarding Lead - An overview of the DSL role, promoting positive practice, working with the SMT, areas of responsibility, types of disclosures, allegations against staff including position of trust, referral decisions when disclosures have been made, advocacy, staff support, sharing information, reflective practice and professional curiosity.  

Module 2 - Working together to safeguard Children and Adults - The Children Act 1989/2004, The Care Act 2014. The role of Local Safeguarding Children Partnerships and Safeguarding Adults Boards, their responsibilities and how they can support the designated safeguarding person, building contacts outside of your organisation (partnership working).

Module 3 - Training, support and development of staff - Training requirements for staff members (Level 1 and 2), training and development for the designated safeguarding lead, including ongoing CPD. Monitoring and reviewing training, support and supervision, peer support and safer recruitment.