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Safeguarding update for DSLs (level 3 certificate)
🏷️ £235-470
🎧 Level 3 certificate training for Educational Guardians, DSL’s, DDSLs
📍 Online
🎥 Watch live or on catch up
Course outline:
Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) in schools must complete regular refresher training to maintain the knowledge and skills needed to fulfil their responsibilities effectively.
This one-day SACPA Certificate Programme meets the learning outcomes set out in Annex C of Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE). While rooted in statutory guidance for education professionals in England, the programme also draws on examples from international, third-sector, and independent settings—making it relevant for a wide range of safeguarding practitioners.
Combining expert-led instruction, practical case studies, and peer discussion, the course also includes a dedicated focus on self-care in safeguarding roles.
Training topics will include:
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The core responsibilities of the DSL
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Legal and regulatory frameworks across the UK and Charity Commission expectations
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Building a culture of listening to children
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The importance of effective information sharing
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Recognising trauma and supporting vulnerable groups
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Key safeguarding indicators and emerging concerns (e.g., online safety, peer-on-peer harm, exploitation)
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Multi-agency collaboration and referral processes.
Learning outcomes:
- Understand the DSL’s role in working with children’s social care and promoting child welfare
- Promote a culture where children’s voices are heard and their views inform safeguarding practice
- Recognise the long-term effects of trauma and adversity on behaviour and learning
- Be alert to the specific needs of vulnerable children, including those with SEND, health needs, or caring responsibilities
- Confidently address online safety risks, particularly for children with SEND
- Support colleagues in meeting Prevent Duty requirements
- Navigate early help pathways, statutory thresholds, and referral protocols
- Contribute effectively to child protection conferences and multi-agency meetings
- Apply best practice in internal and external information sharing.
Experienced safeguarding leads and those interested in refreshing their DSL training with a programme at advanced level, or those new to role wishing to reflect on values and key dilemmas may consider a two-day Sacpa certificate Designated Safeguarding Lead Advanced Certificate (DSL) (level 3 – 2 days)
A similar SACPA one 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.
Speaker:
Ann Marie Christian
Ann Marie is an International Safeguarding Consultant, Trainer, Author, and Speaker with over 30 years’ experience as a qualified social worker. Since 1996, she has worked across local authorities in frontline services, management, and as a Safeguarding Advisor, LADO, and Designated Safeguarding Lead Trainer. Ann Marie became an independent consultant in 2010, providing safeguarding advice, training, and consultancy services to schools, charities, local authorities, and global organisations, including the NSPCC, COIS, BSME, ISI Consultancy, BSA, IAPS, the Premier League, and many more. She regularly writes for Head Teachers Update, SEN Magazine, and Nursery World, and develops safeguarding courses for Optimus, The Key for Leaders and Educare. Ann Marie has delivered keynotes and workshops internationally in regions such as the UK, Dubai, Singapore, Texas, Monaco, Jamaica and more. Recognised for her impact, she was Highly Commended at the 2019 WinTrade Awards for ‘Woman in the Public Sector’ and previously nominated as NSPCC Child Protection Trainer of the Year.
