Role of the designated safeguarding lead (DSL)

Understand the DSL's responsibilities, what training they need and what to consider when determining how much time your DSL needs for their role.

Updated
on 29 August 2024
See updates
School types: AllSchool phases: AllRef: 8076
Contents
  1. Understand the DSL's responsibilities 
  2. Expectations for the DSL and deputies
  3. Provide training for your DSL
  4. Availability and time allocation

Understand the DSL's responsibilities 

You should have a designated safeguarding lead (DSL) whose role is to:

  • Take lead responsibility for safeguarding and child protection (including online safety and understanding the filtering and monitoring systems you have in place)
  • Support staff members to carry out their safeguarding duties
  • Liaise closely with children’s social care and other services 

They should receive training to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to carry out the role. Read more about training for DSLs later on in this article. 

Managing referrals Your DSL should refer cases: Of suspected abuse and neglect to the local authority (LA) children’s social care team as required, and support any staff who do so To the Channel programme where there is a radicalisation concern, and support any staff