Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) Child Protection
CPD Accredited 

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) 1 Day Face to Face intensive equivalent level 3 Training Course 

For Professionals Working with Children: Enhance Your Safeguarding Expertise

​CPD-Accredited Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) Training Course.  Delivered by The Life Matters

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This is a vital opportunity for any professional looking to deepen their safeguarding knowledge and elevate their practice.

Our CPD-accredited Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) course has been carefully developed to equip participants with the latest tools, legislation, and best practices to protect and support children and young people effectively.

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Course Overview:​

The role of the DSL is pivotal in ensuring the safety, protection, and overall wellbeing of children and students.

This course is designed to:

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• Deepen your understanding of safeguarding roles and responsibilities

• Strengthen your ability to identify early signs of abuse and neglect

• Guide you through the statutory requirements, legal frameworks, and national safeguarding legislation

• Support appropriate and timely referrals to the relevant authorities

• Promote safe, responsive, and inclusive environments for children and young people

• Understand Legislation and Guidance for Designated Safeguarding Leads (DS L)

• By the end of this module, you will understand the key legislation and statutory guidance that underpins the role and responsibilities of a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) in the UK.

• As a DSL, your role is grounded in a strong legal framework. It is essential to understand the following pieces of legislation, which mandate the need for safeguarding policies, designated leads, and appropriate training:

Children Act 1989 and 2004

• The cornerstone of child protection law in the UK.

• Introduces the duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.

• The 2004 Act strengthened this by requiring organisations to appoint a Designated Safeguarding Lead and work collaboratively with others.

• Key principle: “The welfare of the child is paramount.”

Education Act 2002

• Applies to all schools and colleges.

• Requires governing bodies and proprietors to ensure that all staff are trained in safeguarding, and that a DSL is appointed with overall responsibility for child protection.

Working Together to Safeguard Children (Statutory Guidance 2018, updated 2023)

• Sets out how all agencies should work together to protect children.

• DSLs must:

• Receive safeguarding training at least every two years.

• Access regular updates on safeguarding practices.

• Be familiar with local safeguarding procedures and how to refer concerns.

4. Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) – Latest Edition

• Mandatory guidance for schools and colleges. Stipulates that:

• Every setting must appoint a senior DSL.

• DSL training must include:

• Understanding the risks of abuse.

• Making appropriate referrals.

• Leading staff training and managing disclosures.

• Multi-agency working.

• DSLs must receive updated training every two years, plus ongoing updates.

Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups 

• Introduced the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

• Makes it illegal to employ individuals barred from working with children or vulnerable adults.

• DSLs must ensure safe recruitment and that concerns are reported to the DBS if needed.

6. Children and Social Work Act 2017

• Replaced Local Safeguarding Children Boards (LSCBs) with safeguarding partners (Local Authorities, Police, NHS).

• DSLs must be aware of and participate in local safeguarding arrangements​​

Who Should Attend?​

This training is ideal for:

• Designated Safeguarding Leads

• Teachers and school staff

• Social workers and social work assistants

• Early Help professionals

• Youth workers

• Nurses and healthcare staff

• Any professional responsible for child welfare

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Why Choose The Life Matters?

All our training is CPD-certified and delivered by experienced safeguarding professionals.

By attending, you are not only enhancing your practice—you are directly supporting children.

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