Course Curriculum

Module 01: Introduction to Safeguarding 00:21:00
Module 02: Laws and Guidance 00:43:00
Module 03: Child Abuse 00:49:00
Module 04: Child Sexual Exploitation 00:38:00
Module 05: Responding to Disclosure and Reporting 00:25:00
Module 06: Risks and Risk Assessment 00:16:00
Module 07: Things to Do after Referral 00:24:00
Module 08: Record Keeping 00:18:00
Module 01: An Introduction to Safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults 00:15:00
Module 02: Safeguarding Legislations 00:25:00
Module 03: Understanding Abuse and Neglect 00:25:00
Module 04: Safeguarding Vulnerable AdultsPolicy, Roles and Responsibilities 00:23:00
Module 05: Understanding the Importance of Communication in Care 00:20:00
Module 06: Sharing Information and Responding To a Disclosure 00:20:00
Module 07: Reporting Your Concern 00:17:00
Mock Exam – Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) 00:20:00
Final Exam – Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) 00:20:00
Assignment – Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) Unlimited

Course Overview

Designated Safeguarding Lead – DSL Course is an important training programme for anyone who works with children or vulnerable adults in the UK. Whether you work in a school, healthcare setting, social care service, or community support role, safeguarding is a serious responsibility. This course helps you understand what to look for, how to respond, and how to act with confidence when someone may be at risk.

This CPD-accredited course covers two key areas: safeguarding children and safeguarding vulnerable adults. You will learn about UK safeguarding legislation, recognising signs of abuse, responding to disclosures in the right way, carrying out risk assessments, keeping clear records, and knowing when a referral should be made. Each topic is based on real safeguarding practice in the UK, so the knowledge you gain can be applied in everyday working situations.

The Designated Safeguarding Lead – DSL Course is fully online, giving you the flexibility to study at your own pace and revisit the materials whenever you need to. You do not need any previous experience to get started. Just a genuine commitment to keeping people safe. Whether you are preparing for a DSL role or want to build stronger safeguarding knowledge, this course gives you a clear and practical starting point.

What You Will Learn

  • Explain the core principles of safeguarding and understand the key responsibilities that come with a Designated Safeguarding Lead role
  • Identify UK safeguarding legislation and apply the correct legal framework when managing concerns in children and adult care settings
  • Recognise the different forms of child abuse and child sexual exploitation, and know the warning signs to look out for
  • Respond appropriately to disclosures, complete accurate safeguarding referrals, and follow the correct reporting procedures with confidence
  • Carry out risk assessments and take the right next steps after a safeguarding concern has been raised and referred
  • Understand the safeguarding needs of vulnerable adults, including relevant legislation, communication responsibilities, and how to report concerns effectively through the Designated Safeguarding Lead – DSL Course framework

Assessment

Complete the Designated Safeguarding Lead – DSL course with an online multiple-choice assessment and prepare with the included mock exam. After successful completion, you will receive a CPD-accredited digital certificate. A hardcopy certificate is available for £9.99, with £10 UK delivery or £19.99 international shipping.

Who Is This Course For

This course is ideal for anyone responsible for safeguarding or looking to step into a Designated Safeguarding Lead role. It is suitable for teachers, school staff, healthcare workers, care assistants, social workers, managers, and volunteers working with children or vulnerable adults.

Why Take This Course from The Cambridge Open Academy

This course offers clear, practical safeguarding knowledge designed for real-world use. With flexible online study, lifetime access, and a CPD-accredited certificate, you can build essential safeguarding skills at your own pace. The content is easy to follow, focused on UK safeguarding practice, and supported by 24/7 customer assistance to guide you throughout your learning journey.

Requirements

No prior experience in Designated Safeguarding Lead training online Level 3 is required. You only need a basic understanding of English, access to an internet-connected device, and a willingness to learn and apply safeguarding knowledge in real-life settings.

Designated Safeguarding Lead Career Path

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) / Safeguarding Officer
Supports the DSL with day-to-day safeguarding responsibilities, including record-keeping, handling disclosures, staff guidance, and referrals within schools or care settings.
Salary = £28,000 – £39,000 per year

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) in Schools / Education Settings
Takes lead responsibility for safeguarding and child protection, manages concerns, coordinates with external agencies, ensures compliance with safeguarding regulations such as KCSIE, and promotes a safe culture across the organisation.
Salary = £35,000 – £55,000 per year (higher in senior combined roles such as Deputy Head)

Safeguarding Lead / Manager in Charities, Alternative Provision, or Multi-Site Organisations
Oversees safeguarding policies, staff training, audits, case management, and multi-agency collaboration across organisations supporting children, young people, or vulnerable adults.
Salary = £40,000 – £60,000 per year

Strategic / Inclusion and Safeguarding Lead
Provides strategic leadership for safeguarding, inclusion, attendance, and wellbeing initiatives across multiple schools, academies, trusts, or local authority services.
Salary = £50,000 – £75,000 per year

Head of Safeguarding / Senior Safeguarding Professional
Leads organisation-wide safeguarding strategy, compliance, inspections, risk management, and senior-level multi-agency coordination within large organisations, universities, or NHS settings.
Salary = £60,000 – £100,000+ per year

Independent Safeguarding Consultant / Auditor / Trainer
Provides expert safeguarding audits, policy development, compliance advice, and professional training services to multiple organisations on a freelance or consultancy basis.
Salary = £425 – £1,500+ per day (or equivalent annual income depending on workload)

Certification:​

Once you have successfully completed this course, you can order a certificate as proof of your achievement.

A PDF certificate is available for £5.99. You can also request a hardcopy certificate for £9.99.

Delivery of the hardcopy certificate is free within the United Kingdom. For international learners, an additional delivery charge will apply based on the destination country.

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