The designated safeguarding lead (DSL)
Be clear on who the DSL can be, and what their responsibilities are.
Every school should have a DSL
All schools should have a DSL who will "provide support to staff to carry out their safeguarding duties and who will liaise closely with other services, such as children’s social care".
This is explained on page 8 of Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).
Who can be the DSL?
The role of DSL should be held by a senior member of staff.
Governors or trustees cannot take on this role – you need to make sure the DSL is a senior member of staff from the leadership team.
Have the appropriate status and authority within the school to carry out the duties of the post Have the role explicitly set out in their job description Be given the time, funding, training, resources and support to: Advise and support other staff on child welfare, safeguarding and child protection matters Take part in strategy discussions and inter-agency meetings – and/or to
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