Children are at an increased risk of abuse due to their vulnerability so anyone working with them must have the knowledge and skills to protect them from abuse and safeguard their well-being. A DSL must ensure that everyone working with children in their organisation follows legal guidance and maintains the highest standards of child safeguarding.
This comprehensive DSL training is necessary for individuals in senior or lead safeguarding roles across settings including schools, universities, charities, places of worship, sports clubs, leisure centres and healthcare facilities.
The course offers insights into the role and responsibilities of a DSL and the legal frameworks they must follow. This advanced-level DSL safeguarding training course covers the content of both Safeguarding Levels 1 and 2 as well as Designated Safeguarding Lead – Children. Trainees learn how to recognise signs of abuse, handle disclosures and manage referrals. They will also develop the knowledge necessary to develop safeguarding policies for their organisation, train staff and coordinate with other agencies.
Child abuse is sadly widespread in the UK. According to the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, about half a million children suffer from abuse in the UK every year. A report from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) also reveals that around one in five people experience abuse before age 16. The police in England and Wales recorded 32,961 cruelty offences against children during the 2020-2021 period. These statistics highlight the pressing need for vigilant child protection measures.
Designated Safeguarding Lead – Children Training plays a crucial role in addressing these distressing realities. It equips DSLs with the knowledge and skills to recognise, prevent and respond to child abuse. The course helps safeguard vulnerable children and contributes to the broader effort to eliminate all forms of abuse.
Every professional who comes into contact with children is responsible for ensuring their safety and well-being. Legal responsibilities to protect children are spread across multiple pieces of legislation, with the key acts being:
- The Children Act 1989
- Equality Act 2010
- Children and Families Act 2014
- The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child 1992
- The Human Rights Act 1998
- Keeping Children Safe in Education 2019
- Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018
- The Children and Social Work Act 2017
- The Education Act 2002
Within this framework of legal responsibilities, DSLs play a crucial role in ensuring children’s safety and well-being. It is their legal duty to:
- Protect children and provide them with a healthy environment to thrive in
- Shield them from discrimination, harassment and victimisation
- Ensure a safe environment for their growth and development
- Develop and update safeguarding policies and procedures
- Provide training to staff and volunteers on child safeguarding
- Maintain accurate records of safeguarding concerns and incidents
- Collaborate with external agencies when necessary
- Provide support and guidance to children and families in need
- Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements
- Respond promptly to safeguarding concerns and take appropriate action
Our course gives DSLs the knowledge and skills to personally fulfil these duties and support others to do so.