The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

The DSL is the key point of contact for safeguarding within your setting. Their responsibilities include:

• Leading on child protection concerns and referrals to the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH).
• Ensuring staff are trained and understand safeguarding policies.
• Maintaining detailed, confidential records of concerns.
• Acting as a liaison with the local authority and safeguarding partners.

Training Available for Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) in South Tyneside

South Tyneside Safeguarding Children Partnership (STSCP), offers a comprehensive multi-agency training programme for education professionals, including DSLs and those managing DSLs:

• Safeguarding Course  
  • Includes essential courses such as:
    • Multi-Agency Threshold Training – Children
    • Domestic Abuse Practitioner Standard (Levels 1 & 2 – “Ask and Action”)
    • Child Protection Conferences
    • Safeguarding Children – A Multi-Agency Responsibility
  • To Book a Course Click HERE
• E‑Learning Modules via Virtual College
  • Accessible courses include:
    • Safeguarding Children – Level 2 & Level 3
    • Safeguarding Everyone – Level 1 & 2
    • Early Help and CAF, Information Sharing, Supporting Teenagers
  • To access e-learning register HERE

DSLs, deputies, and those line managing them are strongly encouraged to access both face-to-face and e-learning options to ensure robust and up-to-date safeguarding expertise. Bookings can be made using the links above.

Support & Strategies for DSLs and Their Line-Managers

1. Regular Supervision & Reflective Practice

• Schedule formal supervision to debrief complex cases, review thresholds used, and support decision-making.
• Facilitate case reflection sessions to identify learning opportunities and refine practice.

2. Peer Networks & Multi-Agency Collaboration

• Encourage DSLs to attend multi-agency forums or network meetings facilitated through STSCP.
• Promote collaborative practice with local MASH teams and child protection leads from other schools.

3. Access to Strategic Oversight & Policy Guidance

• Ensure DSLs have direct access to STSCP policies, local thresholds, and flowcharts via the training portal.
• Embed monthly or termly reviews to revisit policy updates (such as changes to DSL availability) as recommended in KCSIE.

4. Continued Professional Development

• Set CPD objectives, ensuring DSLs complete accredited courses each year (e.g., domestic abuse, information sharing, adolescent mental health).
• Support external CPD such as NSPCC DSL updates or Operation Encompass training.

5. Wellbeing & Workload Management

• Line-managers should monitor DSL workload, ensuring protected time and preventing burnout.
• Offer dedicated cover during DSL absence to maintain continuity of service and compliance with statutory duties.

Embedding these strategies ensures DSLs are informed, supported, and positioned to respond effectively to safeguarding challenges in education settings.