Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) Training

 

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) Training develops practical knowledge for people involved in safeguarding children and supporting effective child protection arrangements. The programme covers the responsibilities of a designated safeguarding lead, from recognising abuse and responding to disclosures to maintaining records, sharing information and working with other agencies. It also explores safer recruitment, online risks, exploitation, radicalisation, FGM, forced marriage, honour-based abuse and domestic abuse. Across 20 modules, learners build a structured understanding of safeguarding policies, procedures and decision-making. The training is particularly relevant to education, childcare, youth and children’s services where safeguarding responsibilities form an important part of professional practice.

Key curriculum areas include:

• Understanding child abuse and recognising signs of abuse
• Roles and responsibilities of a designated safeguarding lead
• Safeguarding policies, procedures, documentation and child protection
• Multi-agency working, confidentiality and information sharing
• Online risks, exploitation, Prevent, FGM, forced marriage and domestic abuse

 

COURSE OVERVIEW

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) Training provides a broad, career-focused introduction to the knowledge areas associated with safeguarding leadership. It follows 20 modules covering child abuse, safeguarding legislation and guidance, DSL responsibilities, policies and procedures, recognition of abuse, disclosures, documentation, multi-agency working and safer recruitment. Later modules address child protection procedures, confidentiality, information sharing, e-safety, exploitation, Prevent, FGM, forced marriage, honour-based abuse and domestic abuse. This breadth can help learners understand how safeguarding concerns are identified, documented, escalated and managed within organisational procedures. In England, current safeguarding expectations emphasise child-centred practice, appropriate information sharing, record keeping, multi-agency working and clear safeguarding responsibilities. The programme can therefore support professional development for people working with children and young people, subject to employer requirements and role-specific training.

 

DESCRIPTION

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) Training is designed to build knowledge of safeguarding practice and the responsibilities associated with leading child protection arrangements. Learners explore how to recognise concerns, respond appropriately to disclosures, maintain safeguarding records, work with partner agencies and apply organisational procedures. The curriculum also addresses online safety, exploitation, Prevent, FGM, forced marriage, honour-based abuse and domestic abuse. This makes the training relevant to professionals and aspiring professionals who work with children or contribute to safeguarding systems. It is an educational training programme and should be considered alongside applicable legislation, statutory guidance, local procedures and employer-specific requirements.

 

COURSE CURRICULUM

 

MODULE 1: INTRODUCTION TO SAFEGUARDING

This module introduces the fundamental principles of safeguarding and establishes the context for understanding child protection responsibilities.

Main learning topics:

• Introduction to safeguarding
• Importance of protecting children
• Core safeguarding principles
• The role of safeguarding within organisations

 

MODULE 2: UNDERSTANDING CHILD ABUSE

This module explores child abuse as a central safeguarding concern and provides a foundation for understanding different forms of harm.

Main learning topics:

• Understanding child abuse
• Different forms of abuse
• Factors associated with safeguarding concerns
• Importance of recognising concerns appropriately

 

MODULE 3: LEGISLATION AND GUIDANCE

This module introduces the legislative and guidance framework relevant to safeguarding children.

Main learning topics:

• Safeguarding legislation
• Relevant guidance
• Organisational responsibilities
• Importance of keeping safeguarding practice aligned with current requirements

For England, safeguarding professionals should be aware of current statutory guidance such as Keeping Children Safe in Education 2026 and Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026, alongside local safeguarding arrangements.

 

MODULE 4: ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF A DSL

This module focuses directly on the role of a designated safeguarding lead and the responsibilities associated with safeguarding leadership.

Main learning topics:

• Role of the designated safeguarding lead
• DSL responsibilities
• Safeguarding leadership
• Supporting effective safeguarding arrangements
• Coordinating safeguarding activity

Current DfE guidance emphasises the importance of clearly defined safeguarding responsibilities and knowing who the DSL and deputy DSL are within an education setting.

 

MODULE 5: SAFEGUARDING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

This module examines the importance of structured safeguarding policies and procedures in supporting consistent organisational practice.

Main learning topics:

• Safeguarding policies
• Safeguarding procedures
• Applying organisational processes
• Consistency in safeguarding practice
• Supporting effective child protection arrangements

 

MODULE 6: RECOGNISING SIGNS OF ABUSE

Recognising potential indicators of abuse is an important part of safeguarding practice. This module focuses on identifying signs that may require further attention.

Main learning topics:

• Recognising signs of abuse
• Identifying safeguarding concerns
• Understanding behavioural and other indicators
• Responding appropriately to concerns

Current KCSIE guidance highlights awareness of different types of abuse, neglect and exploitation, including online harms, and recognising indicators such as changes in behaviour or attendance, injuries and disclosures.

 

MODULE 7: RESPONDING TO DISCLOSURE

This module focuses on how safeguarding concerns may be communicated through disclosures and the importance of an appropriate response.

Main learning topics:

• Responding to disclosures
• Handling safeguarding concerns
• Appropriate communication
• Following safeguarding procedures
• Escalating concerns appropriately

 

MODULE 8: RECORD KEEPING AND DOCUMENTATION

Accurate safeguarding documentation supports continuity, accountability and appropriate decision-making.

Main learning topics:

• Safeguarding record keeping
• Documentation
• Recording concerns and actions
• Maintaining relevant information
• Supporting safeguarding decisions

Current KCSIE guidance states that safeguarding records should include a summary of the concern, actions taken, decisions made, the rationale for decisions and outcomes.

 

MODULE 9: MULTI-AGENCY WORKING

Safeguarding often involves collaboration between organisations and professionals. This module explores the importance of working with other agencies.

Main learning topics:

• Multi-agency safeguarding
• Working with partner organisations
• Communication between agencies
• Coordinating safeguarding responses
• Supporting child protection arrangements

Multi-agency working is a central part of the UK’s safeguarding framework, with current statutory guidance setting expectations for cooperation between safeguarding partners and relevant agencies.

 

MODULE 10: SAFER RECRUITMENT

This module explores safeguarding considerations associated with recruitment and the importance of safer recruitment practices.

Main learning topics:

• Safer recruitment
• Safeguarding during recruitment
• Recruitment procedures
• Reducing safeguarding risks
• Supporting safer organisations

Safer recruitment remains an important element of safeguarding arrangements in schools and colleges under current statutory guidance.

 

MODULE 11: CHILD PROTECTION PROCEDURES

This module examines child protection procedures and how organisations can respond systematically to safeguarding concerns.

Main learning topics:

• Child protection procedures
• Responding to concerns
• Following established processes
• Escalation and referral considerations
• Supporting child protection arrangements

 

MODULE 12: CONFIDENTIALITY AND INFORMATION SHARING

This module addresses the relationship between confidentiality, safeguarding records and responsible information sharing.

Main learning topics:

• Confidentiality
• Safeguarding information
• Information sharing
• Responsible handling of sensitive information
• Supporting information-based safeguarding decisions

Current DfE guidance makes clear that data protection should not be treated as a barrier to necessary safeguarding information sharing. Information should be shared and recorded when necessary to protect a child.

 

MODULE 13: E-SAFETY AND ONLINE RISKS

Children can encounter safeguarding risks through digital environments. This module explores e-safety and online risks as part of wider safeguarding practice.

Main learning topics:

• E-safety
• Online safeguarding
• Digital risks
• Recognising online concerns
• Supporting safer online environments

Current KCSIE guidance specifically includes online harms within safeguarding awareness and responsibilities.

 

MODULE 14: CHILD SEXUAL EXPLOITATION (CSE)

This module focuses on child sexual exploitation as a safeguarding concern and considers the importance of recognising potential risks.

Main learning topics:

• Child sexual exploitation
• Safeguarding concerns associated with exploitation
• Recognising potential indicators
• Appropriate safeguarding responses

 

MODULE 15: CHILD CRIMINAL EXPLOITATION (CCE)

This module examines child criminal exploitation and its relevance to safeguarding children and young people.

Main learning topics:

• Child criminal exploitation
• Recognising potential safeguarding concerns
• Understanding exploitation risks
• Supporting appropriate safeguarding responses

 

MODULE 16: RADICALISATION AND PREVENT DUTY

This module introduces radicalisation and the Prevent Duty as areas of safeguarding awareness.

Main learning topics:

• Radicalisation
• Prevent Duty
• Safeguarding concerns linked to extremism
• Recognising potential risks
• Appropriate organisational responses

 

MODULE 17: FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION (FGM)

This module explores FGM as a safeguarding issue and develops awareness of the importance of appropriate safeguarding procedures.

Main learning topics:

• Female genital mutilation
• Safeguarding concerns
• Recognising potential indicators
• Appropriate responses
• Child protection considerations

 

MODULE 18: FORCED MARRIAGE

This module focuses on forced marriage as a safeguarding concern affecting children and young people.

Main learning topics:

• Forced marriage
• Safeguarding risks
• Recognising concerns
• Appropriate safeguarding responses
• Child protection considerations

 

MODULE 19: HONOUR-BASED ABUSE (HBA)

This module introduces honour-based abuse and its significance within safeguarding practice.

Main learning topics:

• Honour-based abuse
• Safeguarding concerns
• Recognising potential risks
• Appropriate responses
• Child protection considerations

Current safeguarding guidance recognises honour-based abuse as an area requiring appropriate awareness and safeguarding responses.

 

MODULE 20: DOMESTIC ABUSE AND SAFEGUARDING

The final module examines domestic abuse in the context of safeguarding children and young people.

Main learning topics:

• Domestic abuse
• Impact of domestic abuse on safeguarding
• Recognising concerns
• Appropriate safeguarding responses
• Child protection considerations

Current Working Together guidance has strengthened attention to abusive behaviour in intimate relationships, coercive control and teenage relationship abuse as part of wider safeguarding practice.

 

WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) Training can be relevant to people who work with children and young people or contribute to safeguarding arrangements within an organisation.

It may be particularly useful for:

• Existing or aspiring designated safeguarding leads
• Deputy designated safeguarding leads
• Teachers and education professionals
• School and college staff involved in safeguarding
• Childcare and early years professionals
• Children’s services workers
• Youth workers and youth support staff
• Family support workers
• Pastoral and student support staff
• Managers with safeguarding responsibilities
• Professionals seeking broader child protection knowledge
• Individuals considering designated safeguarding lead jobs
• People looking for designated safeguarding lead training online
• Learners seeking online designated safeguarding lead training for professional development

The course can also be useful for individuals who want to understand the relationship between safeguarding policies, child protection procedures, documentation, information sharing and multi-agency working.

However, completing training does not automatically appoint someone as a DSL. Organisations should determine whether an individual has the appropriate experience, authority, role responsibilities and additional training required for a particular DSL position.

 

REQUIREMENTS

No specific entry requirements were supplied for this programme.

Learners should, however, consider the responsibilities of their intended role and any requirements established by their employer or relevant organisation.

For actual designated safeguarding lead positions, employers may require relevant experience, role-specific safeguarding knowledge, additional training or other qualifications. Current statutory guidance should also be considered alongside local safeguarding arrangements and organisational policies.

This training should therefore be viewed as professional development rather than as an automatic substitute for employer-specific DSL preparation, statutory requirements, local procedures or other role-specific training.

 

SKILLS YOU CAN DEVELOP

Based strictly on the supplied curriculum, learners can develop knowledge and practical understanding in areas including:

• Safeguarding awareness
• Understanding child abuse
• Recognising signs of abuse
• Understanding the responsibilities of a DSL
• Safeguarding policy awareness
• Child protection procedure awareness
• Responding to disclosures
• Safeguarding documentation and record keeping
• Information-sharing awareness
• Multi-agency working
• Safer recruitment awareness
• E-safety awareness
• Understanding online safeguarding risks
• Awareness of child sexual exploitation
• Awareness of child criminal exploitation
• Understanding radicalisation and Prevent
• Awareness of FGM safeguarding issues
• Awareness of forced marriage
• Awareness of honour-based abuse
• Awareness of domestic abuse and safeguarding

These skills and areas of knowledge can support safeguarding-related professional development, but the exact competencies required for employment depend on the role, employer and applicable UK requirements.

 

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By completing the programme, learners should be able to:

1. Explain fundamental safeguarding principles and their importance in protecting children.
2. Identify key forms of child abuse and recognise potential signs of harm.
3. Describe the responsibilities associated with the designated safeguarding lead role.
4. Explain the importance of safeguarding policies, procedures and child protection processes.
5. Respond appropriately to safeguarding disclosures within established procedures.
6. Explain the importance of accurate safeguarding records and documentation.
7. Describe how multi-agency working can support safeguarding and child protection.
8. Explain the importance of confidentiality and appropriate information sharing.
9. Recognise safeguarding issues involving online risks, exploitation, radicalisation, FGM, forced marriage and honour-based abuse.
10. Explain how domestic abuse and other safeguarding concerns can form part of wider child protection considerations.

 

CAREER PATHS

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) Training is most directly relevant to safeguarding responsibilities within organisations working with children and young people. It may also support knowledge development for wider education, youth work, family support and child protection-related roles.

 

DESIGNATED SAFEGUARDING LEAD

Indicative salary: Varies according to employer, seniority, sector and the underlying job role.

How the course is relevant: The curriculum directly addresses DSL roles and responsibilities, safeguarding policies, child protection, record keeping, information sharing, multi-agency working and safer recruitment. These areas are closely connected with safeguarding leadership responsibilities.

A DSL position is generally an additional responsibility within an organisation rather than a single standalone occupation with one nationally fixed salary. Individuals should check the requirements of the specific employer and role.

 

CHILD PROTECTION OFFICER / SAFEGUARDING OFFICER

Indicative salary: £25,000 starter to £40,000 experienced, according to the National Careers Service.

How the course is relevant: The programme covers child abuse, recognising signs of abuse, child protection procedures, disclosures, record keeping, information sharing and multi-agency working. These subjects are relevant to child protection and safeguarding environments.

The National Careers Service lists safeguarding officer as an alternative title for child protection officer. Entry routes and requirements vary, so this training should not be treated as a guaranteed route into the occupation.

 

FAMILY SUPPORT WORKER

Indicative salary: £24,000 starter to £36,000 experienced.

How the course is relevant: Family support workers work with children, families and other agencies and are expected to follow safeguarding procedures. The course’s focus on safeguarding concerns, abuse, information sharing, domestic abuse and multi-agency working can provide relevant supporting knowledge.

Actual entry requirements vary, and the National Careers Service notes that employers may look for relevant experience and qualifications for family support work.

 

YOUTH WORKER

Indicative salary: £24,000 starter to £37,000 experienced.

How the course is relevant: Youth workers support young people and may work with schools, social workers, police and other professionals. The safeguarding curriculum can help develop awareness of abuse, exploitation, online risks, radicalisation and multi-agency working.

A separate professional youth work qualification may be required for particular youth worker roles, so learners should check individual vacancy requirements.

 

TEACHING ASSISTANT

Indicative salary: £19,000 starter to £26,000 experienced.

How the course is relevant: Teaching assistants work directly with children and may need to recognise concerns, report safeguarding issues and work closely with teachers and families. DSL safeguarding knowledge can therefore complement existing education-based responsibilities.

The course does not replace the entry requirements or employment-specific checks required for teaching assistant positions.

 

SEN TEACHING ASSISTANT

Indicative salary: £19,000 starter to £27,000 experienced.

How the course is relevant: SEN teaching assistants support children with disabilities and special educational needs. Safeguarding knowledge can complement work involving children who may require additional support, particularly through awareness of safeguarding concerns, reporting, documentation and child protection procedures.

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

What is a DSL?

DSL stands for Designated Safeguarding Lead. A DSL is the person given lead responsibility for safeguarding and child protection within an organisation or setting. In schools and colleges, staff should know who their DSL and deputy DSL are.

 

What does a designated safeguarding lead do?

A designated safeguarding lead takes a leading role in safeguarding and child protection arrangements. Responsibilities can include supporting staff, coordinating safeguarding concerns, maintaining appropriate records, supporting referrals and working with relevant agencies, depending on the organisation and role.

 

What is designated safeguarding lead training?

Designated safeguarding lead training develops knowledge relevant to safeguarding leadership and child protection responsibilities. Topics can include abuse, disclosures, record keeping, information sharing, multi-agency working, online risks, exploitation and safeguarding procedures.

 

Is designated safeguarding lead training online available?

Yes. Online designated safeguarding lead training can provide flexible access to learning about DSL responsibilities, safeguarding procedures and child protection topics. However, online training should be considered alongside employer requirements, local procedures and current statutory guidance.

 

Is DSL training the same as safeguarding training?

DSL training and general safeguarding training are related but can have different purposes. General safeguarding training may introduce safeguarding responsibilities for staff, while DSL training focuses more specifically on the knowledge and responsibilities associated with leading safeguarding arrangements.

 

What is DSL safeguarding?

DSL safeguarding refers to the safeguarding and child protection responsibilities associated with the Designated Safeguarding Lead role. It includes areas such as recognising concerns, responding to disclosures, record keeping, information sharing and multi-agency working.

 

Can this training help me apply for designated safeguarding lead jobs?

It can support your safeguarding knowledge and professional development, but it does not guarantee employment. Designated safeguarding lead jobs can have employer-specific requirements relating to experience, seniority, training and responsibilities.

 

Can I become a DSL after completing this training?

Completing training does not automatically appoint someone as a designated safeguarding lead. The organisation or setting must appoint an appropriate person and ensure they have the required authority, support, training and resources for the role.

 

What topics are covered in DSL training?

This programme covers 20 modules, including child abuse, safeguarding legislation and guidance, DSL responsibilities, safeguarding policies, recognising abuse, disclosures, record keeping, multi-agency working, safer recruitment, child protection, confidentiality, e-safety, CSE, CCE, Prevent, FGM, forced marriage, honour-based abuse and domestic abuse.

 

Why is record keeping important in safeguarding?

Accurate records help organisations maintain a clear account of safeguarding concerns, actions, decisions and outcomes. Current KCSIE guidance specifically highlights the importance of recording the concern, actions taken, decisions, rationale and outcomes.

 

What is multi-agency safeguarding?

Multi-agency safeguarding involves relevant organisations and professionals working together to help, support and protect children. Current Working Together to Safeguard Children guidance provides the statutory framework for multi-agency safeguarding arrangements in England.

 

Does DSL training cover online safeguarding?

Yes. Module 13 specifically covers E-Safety and Online Risks. The programme therefore includes online safeguarding as part of its wider child protection curriculum.

 

Does the training cover child exploitation?

Yes. The curriculum includes separate modules on Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) and Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE).

 

Does the course cover Prevent, FGM and forced marriage?

Yes. The curriculum includes dedicated modules covering Radicalisation and Prevent Duty, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and Forced Marriage, as well as Honour-Based Abuse (HBA).

 

Is this training a substitute for statutory safeguarding guidance?

No. Training should be used alongside current legislation, statutory guidance, local safeguarding arrangements and organisational policies. In England, current guidance includes Keeping Children Safe in Education 2026 and Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026.