Leading Safeguarding in Education

The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) role has very broad ranging operational and strategic responsibilities, that are integral to meeting the legal and statutory obligations related to child safety and welfare, that are required of UK schools.

Keeping Children Safe in Education (2023) outlines the role of the DSL and provides oversight of 5 key areas of responsibility. Whilst there are some clearly defined roles and responsibilities, there is very little by way of ‘how’ to do it.

Existing master’s level programmes focus on safeguarding, but there is not currently a course specific to the role of the DSL in UK schools. In addition, there is no standard training requirement for those undertaking the DSL role.

DSLs will benefit from this master’s level programme of study that improves their ability to successfully administer the role and improve outcomes related to child welfare and safety in their settings.