The Safeguarding Association Blog
Essential Leadership Skills for Designated Safeguarding Leads in Higher Education
Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) play a critical role within the higher education setting. They ensure the safety of every student, staff, and visitor within their institution, making complex decisions about potential risks, and responding appropriately to concerns. This often involves working in collaboration with governance teams, which can bring its own challenges. This blog will delve into the essential leadership skills that DSLs need to develop to succeed in this role.
KCSiE 2023: Key themes for DSLs
The new draft of Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023 has been published. Like many others, I've been through it with my pen, sticky notes and the highlighter. I'm not going to go through each of the changes made in this document. There are several organisations...
Strategies for Effective Supervision for Designated Safeguarding Leads
In educational institutions, the safety and well-being of students are of paramount importance. Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) play a critical role in ensuring that safeguarding procedures are in place and that all students are protected from harm. As a DSL, effective supervision strategies are essential for maintaining a robust safeguarding framework. In this blog post, we will explore some key strategies that can help DSLs enhance their supervision practices and create a safe environment for students.
Developing Essential Supervision Skills for Designated Safeguarding Leads
In any educational or organisational setting, the role of a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is crucial in ensuring the safety and well-being of children and at risk individuals. As a DSL, you are responsible for coordinating safeguarding efforts, providing guidance to staff, and ensuring compliance with safeguarding policies and procedures. One of the key aspects of this role is the ability to effectively supervise and support your team. In this blog post, we will explore the essential supervision skills that every DSL should develop to fulfill their role effectively.
Types of supervision for DSLs
Supervision is vital for any designated safeguarding lead (DSL). It makes a huge difference to practice and really can't be undervalued.
There are several types of supervision available, and it's important you choose the right one for you. Below is a brief outline of each of the different types.
Importance of Supervision for Designated Safeguarding Leads
Supervision is an essential aspect of the designated safeguarding lead's role. It provides you with the opportunity to reflect on your practice, learn from your experiences, and receive support and guidance to enhance your safeguarding skills. Supervision also helps you to manage the emotional demands of your role and prevent burnout. For new DSLs, supervision is crucial as it helps you to develop your skills as a leader and build confidence in your role. It provides you with a safe space to discuss any challenges you may face in your new position and receive constructive feedback to help you improve your performance.
5 areas to consider for your training needs
When you are conducting your review of safeguarding processes and procedures, it is a good idea to also look at the training needs of your staff and team. This is good for 3 reasons: You understand what training everyone needs You can ensure relevant training is...
5 mental health issues affecting teenagers
It is not an understatement to say that mental health issues are by far the biggest issues affecting our teenagers.
In this blog I'll highlight the 5 top areas affecting teens.
5 considerations when your electronic safeguarding software goes offline
In recent times there has been an explosion of software services that will help you, as designated safeguarding lead, manage your safeguarding referrals queries & enquiries electronically. These systems have been a life changer for many designated safeguarding...
5 areas to consider in your Risk Assessment
I appreciate that for many of you, you will probably be fed up to the back teeth about safeguarding audits and risk assessments. They are however, still, a really important part of the work that you do in your organisation. Your risk assessments are really, really...
The 4 R’s of child protection: a reminder
The start of a new year is always a good time to remind ourselves of the basics. As a designated safeguarding lead you will have overall responsibility for child protection. Many of you will follow the process below in your sleep. However, for others of you, it may...
What my dog taught me about the start of term
Sometimes our pets can teach us valuable lessons we need to heed ahead of the new term.
Safeguarding Updates
Receive regular free safeguarding updates straight to your inbox.
You'll also get details of new blogs and 5 minute masterclasses to help you keep yourself and your team up to date, plus details of upcoming courses, conferences and membership of the Safeguarding Association. This won't be every week but will be several times a year.