Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Course Overview

The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) Training Course provides comprehensive training for professionals working in health, social care, education, and other settings where there are safeguarding responsibilities for children and/or vulnerable adults. This in-depth programme explores safeguarding legislation, recognising abuse and neglect, and the correct procedures for reporting concerns to help ensure the safety and wellbeing of those in your care.

Designed as a structured learning pathway, this course combines essential safeguarding theory with practical application through case studies and scenario-based exercises. You will develop the skills needed to manage safeguarding responsibilities confidently, understand different forms of abuse, recognise child sexual exploitation (CSE), and produce clear safeguarding records and reports.

This course also provides step-by-step guidance on how to respond to disclosure, share information appropriately, and understand what action to take following a safeguarding referral. To support flexible learning, the course is suitable for both part-time and full-time learners. You can become accredited in 20–30 hours, with the freedom to study at your own pace.

Last audited and updated on: 20th January 2026

Key Features

• Accredited by CPD
• Instant e-certificate upon completion
• Printed certificate available (dispatch by next working day; shipping cost £5.99)
• Fully online, interactive course with audio voiceover
• Developed by qualified safeguarding professionals
• 24/7 Learning Assistance
• Self-paced learning (laptop/tablet/smartphone-friendly)
• Discounts on bulk purchases

Skill Value in the United Kingdom (2023)

£29,900 average salary, up to £48,500/yr for this skill according to top UK career sites.

Sneak Peek

• Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) Certification
• Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) Certification Sneak Peek
• Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) Certification Sneak Peek 1

Key Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, learners will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of legislation surrounding safeguarding children and adults
• Identify different kinds of abuse and neglect, including emotional and physical harm
• Report safeguarding concerns to the appropriate authorities using correct procedures
• Respond appropriately to disclosure and share personal information correctly
• Understand how a child can be sexually exploited and recognise signs of sexual exploitation
• Conduct safeguarding risk assessments and manage safeguarding risks effectively
• Take appropriate action after a referral and complete a safeguarding report accurately
• Understand the importance of effective communication within care settings
• Show awareness of the legal responsibilities involved in safeguarding children and vulnerable adults

Course Aims

This course aims to equip learners with the knowledge and understanding required to:

• Lead safeguarding practice confidently within their organisation or setting
• Recognise safeguarding risks early and take timely, appropriate action
• Apply safeguarding legislation, policies, and procedures in real-life scenarios
• Respond effectively to disclosure and manage information-sharing appropriately
• Maintain accurate safeguarding records and complete professional safeguarding reports

Who This Course Is For

This Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) Training Course is suitable for anyone with child or adult safeguarding responsibilities, including professionals in roles such as:

• Teacher
• Social Worker
• Childminder
• Foster Care Worker
• Paediatric Nurse
• Health and Social Care Professionals

Course Content / Units

• Safeguarding Fundamentals and the Role of the DSL
• Safeguarding Legislation, Policies, and Duty of Care
• Types of Abuse and Neglect: Signs, Indicators, and Impact
• Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE): Risks and Recognition
• Responding to Disclosure and Information Sharing
• Reporting Concerns, Referral Pathways, and Multi-Agency Working
• Safeguarding Risk Assessment and Risk Management
• Safeguarding Records and Completing a Safeguarding Report

Course Delivery

The course is delivered fully online through structured modules, combining expert-led instruction with interactive learning materials. Learners can study flexibly at their own pace with access via laptop, tablet, or smartphone, supported by 24/7 learning assistance.

Assessment

Assessment is completed online at the end of the course. Answers are marked instantly and automatically, allowing you to know straight away whether you have passed. If you haven’t, there’s no limit on the number of times you can retake the final exam. All of this is included in the one-time course fee.

Accreditation

This Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) Training Course is CPD accredited. CPD certification supports Continuing Professional Development and demonstrates updated safeguarding competence for workplace practice.

Certification

Upon successful completion, learners will receive:

• An instant Digital CPD Certificate
• An optional Printed Certificate delivered by post (shipping cost £5.99)

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) Certification

Disclaimer

This CPD-accredited course provides essential safeguarding knowledge and practical skills. It is not an Ofqual-regulated qualification or part of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). Certification supports professional development and safeguarding competence but does not replace statutory training requirements where applicable.

No reviews yet. Be the first to review this course!