Course outline:

Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) and their deputies are expected to refresh their knowledge and skills at least every two years. This two-day level 3 SACPA Advanced Certificate is specifically designed to support both current and aspiring safeguarding leaders in strengthening their expertise and developing their leadership practice.

Grounded in the UK statutory guidance Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), this programme also draws on examples from international, charity, private sector, and devolved UK safeguarding practices. Participants will benefit from a range of engaging learning approaches including case studies, group exercises, reflective discussions, and multi-agency working simulations that integrate legal, regulatory, and ethical considerations.

Training topics:

• The role of the safeguarding leader
• Creating safer organisations and a listening culture
• Trauma-informed and contextual safeguarding
• Digital safety and emerging threats
• Specific concerns, including FGM, forced marriage, radicalisation, child-on-child abuse
• Inclusive safeguarding for vulnerable groups
• Early intervention and statutory frameworks
• Multi-agency collaboration and information sharing
• Building effective partnerships across services to support holistic safeguarding responses
• DSL professional development: supervision, coaching, staff support, and wellbeing.

Learning outcomes:

• Deepen or refresh understanding of the DSL’s role in liaising with children’s social care to safeguard and promote child welfare
• Know how to embed a culture of listening and child-centred practice
• Understand the long-term impact of trauma and adversity on behaviour, mental health, and educational outcomes—and how to respond effectively
• Enhance awareness of the needs of vulnerable groups
• Gain clarity on early help assessment processes, thresholds for statutory intervention, and local referral pathways
• Acquire practical knowledge of child protection case conferences and how to participate effectively in multi-agency safeguarding processes
• Develop a strong understanding of effective information sharing within and beyond the school or college setting
• Focus on their own professional growth as safeguarding leaders, including their role in guiding and mentoring staff, promoting wellbeing, and sustaining a strong safeguarding culture.

Those not able to attend this training may be interested in the one-day option on November 10, 2025.

Audience: 

Level 3 certificate training for DSL’s DDSLs, SENCO’s, Designated teachers for Looked After Children, Senior Leaders, Trustees, Governors 

A similar SACPA two-day DSL programme is also available on a consultancy basis where organisations have several colleagues in, or aspiring to be in, safeguarding leadership roles. Some tailoring of programme materials for specific organisational contexts is part of a consultancy package.   

For more information or to enquire about SACPA consultancy including face-to-face tailored training packages, review, audit, health check projects contact info@sacpa.org.uk to request a short scoping meeting about your needs. 

Platform: Zoom (online)

Cost:

• SACPA Member Rate: £470
• Non-member Rate: £940*

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*If you would like to become a member and access discounted rates for Sacpa CPD and events, please click here.

Speaker: