Every setting that works with children needs someone at the helm of safeguarding — someone who leads with confidence, clarity, and care. That’s where the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) steps in. From schools to clinics, DSLs are the people staff turn to when concerns arise. But what does that leadership really involve — and how can DSLs build a culture where safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility?
This blog is part of our Safeguarding and Child Health: Essentials for Every Setting series. If you missed Blog 1 Why Safeguarding Training Can’t Wait or Blog 2 Recognising and Responding to Abuse and Neglect, you can catch up on our website.
If you’re a safeguarding lead or aspiring DSL, this post is for you.
What Is a Designated Safeguarding Lead?
Every school and college is required to appoint a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). In healthcare and community organisations, an equivalent safeguarding lead role is expected to meet regulatory standards and ensure children are protected.
Whether you work in education, healthcare, or community services, your DSL is central to building a safe, responsive culture.
What Does a Designated Safeguarding Lead Do?
The DSL’s responsibilities extend beyond knowing the policy. They must be confident leaders, ready to make decisions and support others through difficult situations.
A DSL typically:
- Acts as the first point of contact for safeguarding concerns
- Supports staff during disclosures or concern escalation
- Makes timely referrals to children’s social care and works closely with relevant safeguarding agencies
- Maintains detailed, confidential safeguarding records
- Reviews and updates policies and procedures
- Prepares for inspections and demonstrates compliance
As the NSPCC states, DSLs must have the “authority and resources to act on concerns and ensure swift intervention.”
Leading and Supporting Your Team
Safeguarding decisions are often emotionally demanding. DSLs are not only safeguarding leads — they are also team leaders, mentors, and sources of reassurance.
They help build confidence and resilience in their colleagues by:
- Providing regular emotional support and reflective supervision, and ensuring staff access formal safeguarding supervision where required
- Creating space for reflective practice after incidents
- Encouraging open conversations about complex safeguarding decisions
No member of staff should feel isolated when handling safeguarding. A strong DSL ensures no one has to make difficult decisions alone.
Being Inspection Ready
From Ofsted to local authority visits, DSLs are expected to lead the way in evidencing a safe culture. Inspectors look for:
- Clear records showing how concerns were identified and responded to
- Training records confirming all staff understand their duties
- Regular safeguarding updates and reviews embedded in practice
Inspection readiness builds long-term confidence — not just for external audits but for your whole team.
Why Level 3 Safeguarding Children Training Matters
Designated Safeguarding Leads require in-depth training that goes beyond the basics. Level 3 safeguarding children training provides the essential foundation for DSLs.
The course typically covers:
- Key legislation and statutory responsibilities
- Managing high-risk and complex safeguarding cases
- Working with multi-agency teams
- Handling disclosures with professionalism and care
Without Level 3 training, DSLs may lack the practical tools and legal knowledge needed to lead safely. For DSLs, this forms the essential starting point. In practice, most will also benefit from additional role-specific training in areas such as supervision, leadership, and managing the emotional demands of safeguarding.
A DSL Example
Imagine a staff member approaches you with concerns about a child’s sudden change in behaviour. As a DSL, you not only listen and reassure the staff member, but you also know the right questions to ask, what to document, who to notify, and how to act quickly and appropriately.
This confidence and clarity come from training, experience, and support.
Final Thoughts: Leadership in Action
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, but the DSL sets the tone. Your leadership shapes how safeguarding is viewed, discussed, and acted upon in your organisation.
By remaining visible, well-informed, and approachable, DSLs ensure safeguarding becomes part of everyday culture — not just a policy.
Ongoing training, peer support, and space for reflection are vital to this work. With the right tools and mindset, DSLs help create settings where children are safer, staff feel supported, and concerns are acted on swiftly and professionally.
Ready To Grow Your Confidence As A Safeguarding Lead?
Explore our CPD-certified Level 3 Safeguarding Children course — trusted by schools, clinics, and care teams across the UK.
