Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) Training

Our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) training is a comprehensive, practitioner-focused course designed for managers and professionals who hold, or aspire to hold, safeguarding leadership responsibilities.

This course equips learners with the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills required to effectively safeguard vulnerable individuals, respond to concerns, and lead a strong safeguarding culture within their organisation.

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Duration: 6

Maximum Capacity: 8-20

Session Format: Classroom Based Learning

Course Overview

The training is primarily aligned to children’s services, but can be tailored specifically for professionals working in adult services, ensuring legal frameworks, case examples, and safeguarding responsibilities are fully relevant to the learner’s setting. This flexibility makes the course suitable across a wide range of health, social care, education, and support services.

Delivered through interactive classroom-based learning, the course supports DSLs to understand their statutory responsibilities, manage disclosures appropriately, work effectively with multi-agency partners, and support staff wellbeing when dealing with safeguarding cases.

What’s Involved?

The course is highly interactive and practical, enabling learners to apply safeguarding principles directly to real-world situations. Case studies and scenarios are used throughout to explore lessons learned, common safeguarding failings, and best practice responses.

Duration: 6 hours

Delivery: Classroom-based learning

Group Size: 8–15 learners

Learning Methods: Tutor-led input, group discussion, case studies, and scenario-based exercises

Learning Outcomes

Understand the role and responsibilities of a Designated Safeguarding Lead

Explain the legal and regulatory framework for safeguarding, including Section 47 and Section 17 enquiries under the Children Act 2004 (or equivalent adult safeguarding legislation when tailored)

Identify different types of abuse, including situations that may not initially appear abusive but require safeguarding action

Recognise risk factors at individual, service, and organisational levels

Respond appropriately to signs of abuse and neglect

Manage and report safeguarding concerns confidently and correctly

Apply best practice when handling disclosures, including confidentiality, consent, and information sharing

Assess and manage risk in safeguarding situations

Work effectively with external agencies and multi-agency partners

Understand local safeguarding policies, procedures, partnerships, and available toolkits

Learn from case studies to identify safeguarding failings and lessons learned

Support staff wellbeing and resilience when managing safeguarding cases

Promote and embed a strong safeguarding culture within the organisation

Benefits of Completing This Course

Clear Understanding of DSL Responsibilities

Gain confidence in your statutory role and accountability as a safeguarding lead.

Improved Safeguarding Decision-Making

Learn how to assess risk accurately and respond proportionately to safeguarding concerns.

Stronger Multi-Agency Working

Understand how to work effectively with local authorities, safeguarding partnerships, and external agencies.

Enhanced Confidence in Managing Disclosures

Develop practical skills for responding to disclosures sensitively and lawfully.

Support for Staff Wellbeing

Learn how to support and supervise staff dealing with emotionally challenging safeguarding cases.

A Stronger Safeguarding Culture

Equip yourself to lead, influence, and embed safeguarding best practice across your organisation.

Who Is This Course For?

This course is ideal for:

Designated Safeguarding Leads and Deputy DSLs
Managers and leaders within children’s services
Professionals working in education, social care, health, and support services
Senior staff responsible for safeguarding governance and compliance
Practitioners in adult services, where the course is tailored to reflect adult safeguarding legislation and practice

Why choose Empeiria Training?

Empeiria Training is all about offering training that is unique and bespoke to your organisation and its needs.
It's our mission to deliver a range of bespoke training solutions, underpinned by a diverse breadth of knowledge and experience. We offer a safe environment for face-to-face learning, with our specialism being working with people with learning disabilities.

Ready to get started on your course? Speak to one of our team members to find the right course for you today!

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Nicole was absolutely great she always makes sure we understand what we have been learning and makes it fun and easy!
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Empeiria Training is all about offering training that is unique and bespoke to your organisation and its needs. Backed by decades of experience, we offer a safe environment for face-to-face learning, with our specialism being working with people with learning disabilities.

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