DESIGNATED SAFEGUARDING LEAD (DSL) IN CHILDREN’S SOCIAL CARE
Strengthen your safeguarding leadership through our specialist four-module live online programme. Starting 17 November 2026.
Social Care Skills is pleased to announce the launch of its new Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) in Children’s Social Care programme, taking place from 17 to 26 November 2026.
Developed specifically for professionals working in Children’s Homes, Supported Accommodation and wider children’s social care services, this four-module programme aims to strengthen safeguarding knowledge, professional judgement, leadership confidence and organisational accountability.
Delivered live online across 12 hours, the programme combines safeguarding knowledge with practical scenarios, professional discussion and a practice-based assessment.
Strengthening Safeguarding Leadership in Children’s Social Care
The role of a Designated Safeguarding Lead involves much more than responding to safeguarding concerns or making referrals. Effective safeguarding leadership requires the ability to recognise emerging risks, assess complex situations, make informed decisions, work with statutory agencies, manage allegations and ensure that safeguarding responsibilities are understood throughout the organisation.
Our new programme has been designed to support professionals who currently undertake, or are preparing to undertake, DSL responsibilities. Rather than focusing solely on safeguarding awareness, the programme explores how safeguarding knowledge is applied in practice and how DSLs contribute to effective organisational safeguarding arrangements.
Four Modules Covering Key DSL Responsibilities
The programme consists of four interactive live online sessions.
Module 1: The DSL Role and Safeguarding Decision-Making
Tuesday 17 November | 14:00–17:00
Exploring the responsibilities of the DSL, professional curiosity, recognising safeguarding concerns, assessing risks and making defensible safeguarding decisions.
Module 2: Referrals, Thresholds and Multi-Agency Safeguarding
Monday 23 November | 10:00–13:00
Understanding safeguarding thresholds, referral processes, information-sharing, multi-agency working and professional challenge.
Module 3: The DSL and the Allegations Process
Monday 23 November | 14:00–17:00
Exploring the management of allegations against adults working with children, the role of the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO), referral thresholds and organisational responsibilities.
Module 4: Safeguarding Leadership, Oversight and Organisational Learning
Thursday 26 November | 10:00–13:00
Developing effective safeguarding oversight, identifying patterns and emerging concerns, strengthening organisational learning and promoting a positive safeguarding culture.
Learn from Experienced Safeguarding Professionals
The programme will be delivered by two experienced professionals bringing complementary expertise in safeguarding and children’s social care leadership.
Paul James is a registered social worker with over 25 years of safeguarding experience. He currently works as a Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) and is Co-Chair of a Regional LADO Network, bringing specialist knowledge of allegations management, safeguarding thresholds and multi-agency working.
Miguel Valerio is a registered social worker with over 20 years of experience in social care, including extensive experience managing Children’s Homes and Supported Accommodation services, providing regulatory oversight and supporting organisational development.
Together, they will support participants to connect safeguarding knowledge with the practical responsibilities of leadership and professional decision-making.
Practical Learning and Certificate of Completion
This is a structured professional development programme rather than a standalone safeguarding awareness seminar. Participants will engage in practical exercises, safeguarding scenarios and facilitated discussions designed to strengthen their confidence in responding to real-world safeguarding challenges.
To achieve the Social Care Skills Certificate of Completion, participants must attend at least 75% of the programme and successfully complete the practice-based assessment. The certificate recognises successful completion of the programme and is not a regulated qualification.
Who Should Attend?
The programme is particularly relevant for:
- Designated Safeguarding Leads and Deputy DSLs.
- Registered Managers and Registered Service Managers.
- Responsible Individuals and Nominated Individuals.
- Deputy Managers and senior practitioners.
- Professionals preparing to undertake safeguarding leadership responsibilities.
It is suitable for professionals working in Children’s Homes, Supported Accommodation and other children’s social care services.
Programme Fees
| Booking Option | Price Including VAT |
|---|---|
| Early Bird | £215 |
| Standard | £280 |
| Group Booking (5+ participants) | £250 per person |
The fee includes all four live online modules, the practice-based assessment and a Certificate of Completion for participants who meet the completion requirements.
Book Your Place
The programme begins on Tuesday 17 November 2026, with further sessions on 23 and 26 November.
If you are currently undertaking DSL responsibilities, preparing for a safeguarding leadership role or looking to strengthen safeguarding oversight within your organisation, this programme offers a practical opportunity to develop your knowledge and confidence.
Bookings are now open for the complete four-module programme.
