Over 20 years experience of training in the care sector
Call us on
020 3129 5667
Over 20 years experience of training in the care sector
Call us on
020 3129 5667
The role of the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is central to keeping people safe in both adult and child care settings. DSLs act as the main point of contact for safeguarding concerns, ensuring that policies are followed, staff are trained, and referrals are made promptly to the appropriate agencies. Inspectors from Ofsted and the CQC pay close attention to whether this role is clearly defined and effective in practice.
In early years and childcare settings, the EYFS statutory framework requires every setting to appoint a DSL responsible for liaising with local statutory children’s services and safeguarding partners. The DSL leads on safeguarding policy, ensures staff know how to act on concerns, and maintains compliance with statutory requirements, including Section 3 and Annex C of the EYFS guidance.
In adult social care, the Care Act 2014 statutory guidance sets the legal framework for safeguarding adults at risk. Providers must designate a safeguarding lead and maintain clear roles, systems, and leadership to protect people from abuse. CQC Regulation 13 requires evidence of robust safeguarding arrangements, timely reporting, and learning from incidents.
The DSL’s responsibilities cover several key areas:
Coordinate concerns and referrals
Act promptly on worries about a child or adult at risk.
For adults, involve the person and follow Making Safeguarding Personal principles.
For children, follow Working Together 2023 guidance and liaise with local MASH or children’s social care teams.
Liaise with agencies
Serve as the key contact for local authority safeguarding teams and safeguarding partners.
Adult care DSLs should be familiar with Section 42 adult safeguarding enquiry procedures.
Policies and procedures
Maintain clear procedures for raising concerns, allegations against staff, whistleblowing, and information sharing.
Ensure policies reflect local partner guidance and statutory requirements.
In childcare, EYFS Section 3 lists the required content for safeguarding policies, which DSLs must uphold.
Training and competence
Ensure all staff receive safeguarding training appropriate to their role.
Early years DSLs must meet EYFS Annex C training requirements, with regular updates in line with DfE expectations.
Record keeping and learning
Oversee accurate, timely records of concerns, decisions, and referrals.
Analyse incidents to drive improvements and reduce future risk, in line with CQC Regulation 13 expectations.
DSLs must be accessible during opening hours to advise staff and make timely referrals. In childcare, settings must designate a practitioner to take lead responsibility. In adult care, a named safeguarding lead must be supported by clear cover arrangements so safeguarding advice and action are always available.
Inspectors focus on both systems and culture around safeguarding.
CQC (adult social care):
Robust safeguarding systems
Staff who can describe how to raise concerns
Evidence of timely referrals and learning from incidents (Regulation 13)
Ofsted/EYFS (childcare):
A designated safeguarding lead in place
Compliant policies that reflect Section 3 and Annex C requirements
Staff knowledge of how to act on concerns and allegations
Effective liaison with statutory agencies
A DSL who demonstrates strong leadership, clear processes, and ongoing training will help providers meet inspection standards and keep residents safe.
To carry out their role effectively, DSLs should draw on trusted statutory guidance. For adult safeguarding, the Care Act statutory guidance provides a comprehensive framework, including Section 42 enquiries and principles such as Making Safeguarding Personal, which ensure that adults at risk are actively involved in safeguarding decisions. The CQC Regulation 13 guidance outlines expectations for preventing abuse, maintaining robust reporting systems, and learning from incidents.Â
In early years and childcare, the EYFS statutory framework 2025 specifies the content required in safeguarding policies, including training requirements in Section 3 and Annex C, while Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023 gives clear direction on how to liaise with statutory agencies and respond to child protection concerns. By using these resources, DSLs can ensure their safeguarding practice is aligned with current legislation, inspection standards, and best practice.
CareTutor courses provide practical guidance for DSLs, safeguarding leads, and all staff on:
Coordinating referrals and reporting concerns
Maintaining clear records and activity logs
Delivering role-specific safeguarding training
Understanding statutory frameworks for adults and children
By completing these courses, staff can strengthen their confidence and competence in safeguarding, ensuring compliance and protecting the people they care for.
Â
Staff can build confidence and competence through CareTutor’s safeguarding training, which covers how to recognise, record, and report abuse effectively.
Click below to access our full Knowledge Hub E-Book, featuring this article, related insights, and other key topics across health and social care, with links to trusted resources and official websites.
CareTutor delivers training that is fully accredited and regulator aligned.
👉 Book a free demo today.