Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) Application Guide
DSL application requirements — safeguarding training, KCSIE 2025 fluency, multi-agency working — with worked evidence.
**TL;DR.** Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is the named statutory role in every school under KCSIE 2025. The DSL must be a senior member of staff with the status and authority to carry out the responsibilities. Panels expect current DSL training, multi-agency working experience, and strong KCSIE literacy.
What panels look for
- Current DSL / Level 3 safeguarding training (refreshed every two years)
- Section 175 / 157 awareness (whole-school safeguarding duty)
- Multi-agency working — Children's Social Care, police, health
- Record-keeping discipline (CPOMS, MyConcern, or equivalent)
- Safer recruitment (KCSIE Part Three) awareness
- Prevent duty awareness
Worked paragraph (DSL, 200 words)
*Multi-agency working (essential).* As Deputy DSL for two years I have coordinated an average of 12 live safeguarding cases annually, including six that required Section 47 enquiries. In a recent case involving a Year 5 pupil, I received a disclosure of neglect at the end of a school day. I completed the disclosure record on CPOMS within the hour, made a same-day referral to Children's Social Care using the local authority's multi-agency safeguarding hub (MASH) form, and followed up with a phone call to confirm the referral had been allocated. I attended the subsequent strategy discussion, provided the school's contribution to the child protection conference, and coordinated ongoing school-side support with the pastoral lead and class teacher. The case led to a Child Protection Plan; the pupil's attendance and engagement improved over the following term.
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Frequently asked questions
What training do DSLs need?
Level 3 DSL training, refreshed at least every two years, plus ongoing safeguarding training at least annually. Many DSLs also complete Prevent training, online safety training, and local authority-specific training.