Safeguarding CPD Course - Advanced (DSL)
Course Objectives
By the end of this session, you will:
- Have a thorough understanding of safeguarding legislation, including the roles of Local Safeguarding Partnerships and Safeguarding Adults Boards, as well as the responsibilities of the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
- Clearly understand the difference between safeguarding and child protection across different settings.
- Be confident in applying the legal and policy framework for safeguarding adults and children.
- Know how to create and maintain a safe environment within your organisation.
- Have strong working knowledge of safeguarding thematic topics and the broader safeguarding remit.
By the end of this session, you will be able to:
- Ensure your organisation’s policies and procedures align with legislative and statutory safeguarding guidance.
Develop and implement effective safeguarding strategies within your organisation. - Establish and embed a safeguarding culture at all levels of your setting.
- Recognise when and with whom it is appropriate to share safeguarding information and understand correct recording and storage practices.
- Recognise, record, and report disclosures and concerns safely and in line with best practice.
- Promote and integrate multi-agency working to achieve a consistent, collaborative approach to safeguarding.
- Maintain practices that keep yourself and others safe in the workplace.

| Modules | Guided Learning Hours | Brief Description | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction to Designated Safeguarding Lead | 45 minutes | 1) The difference between Safeguarding and Child Protection in different settings. 2) Roles and Responsibilities as the Designated Safeguarding Lead. |
| 2 | Internal and External Legislation, Policies and Guidance | 1 hour | 1) Key Safeguarding Legislations in the UK 2) Creating and keeping organisation Policies and Procedures up to date in line with the legislative and statutory guidance safeguarding framework. |
| 3 | Creating a Culture of Safeguarding inc. the importance of Communication. | 1 hour | Vigilance, a safe environment, effective relationships, policies and procedures, safer recruitment and processes. (Case Studies) |
| 4 | Safer Recruitment | 45 minutes | Creating a Safe Environment DBS – selection, background checks and assessing risk (Soham Report 2004) |
| 5 | Implementing Safeguarding Strategies | 1 hour | 1) Values, Vision, Leadership, Voice, Environment, Partnerships 2) Mental Capacity Act 2005 |
| 6 | Wider Safeguarding Remit | 3 hours | 1) Child-on-child abuse, bullying, cyberbullying, internet and social media misuse. 2) Child Protection Plans, Child in Need Plans and Early Help Assessments. 3) Forced Marriage, FGM, Radicalisation/Extremism and Domestic Abuse, County Lines inc. Geographical Information. (Case Studies) |
| 7 | Responding to Concerns | 90 minutes | Responding to concerns, how concerns might be raised, responding to a disclosure, responding to concerns raised, levels of need, no additional needs, early help, child in need, child protection and what response is needed. (Case Studies) |
| 8 | The Importance of Information Sharing | 1 hour | 1) GDPR and Lawful Basis 2) 10 step guide to sharing information (Lessons Learnt - Published Case Studies) |
| 9 | Multi Agency Working | 30 minutes | The key principles of multi-agency working, multi-agency working, resolving disagreements, the escalation process. (Case Studies) |
| 10 | Risk Management for DSL’s | 30 minutes | 1) Legal Obligations 2) Risk Assessments 3) Safety Principles 4) Training and Resources |
| 11 | Recording, Sharing and Holding Information | 30 minutes | Recording information, what to record, why professionals don’t share information, sharing information, information sharing - best practice and record keeping. |
| Total Guided Learning Hours = 12 hours | |||
Lead Safeguarding in Your Organisation.
Become a confident Designated Safeguarding Lead — master legislation, embed effective policies, drive a safeguarding culture, and coordinate multi‑agency responses with authority.
