Diploma in Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) Level 5

Name: Diploma in Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) Level 5
Price: 20 GBP
Rating: 4.8 (26 reviews)

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Curriculum

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, but effective safeguarding leadership requires specialist knowledge and confident decision-making. A Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) plays a central role in protecting children, young people, and vulnerable adults while ensuring organisations meet their safeguarding responsibilities.

This QLS Diploma in Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) Level 5 explores safeguarding leadership, child protection procedures, risk management, safer recruitment, multi-agency working, and the legal responsibilities of a DSL. You’ll also develop the knowledge needed to respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns and promote a strong safeguarding culture.

Whether you’re preparing for a DSL role or looking to enhance your professional knowledge, this course provides a solid understanding of safeguarding leadership across education, childcare, healthcare, and social care settings.

Last audited and updated on: 22nd September 2026

Sneak Peek

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

Understand the core principles of safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.
Identify key safeguarding legislation and policy frameworks.
Recognise signs and types of abuse and neglect.
Understand the risks and indicators of child sexual exploitation.
Explain the role and responsibilities of a Designated Safeguarding Lead.
Apply effective communication skills in safeguarding situations.
Respond appropriately and sensitively to a disclosure.
Carry out basic safeguarding risk assessments.
Follow correct procedures for reporting and referral.
Maintain accurate and confidential safeguarding records.

What is a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)?

A Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is the person responsible for leading safeguarding and child protection within an organisation. They oversee safeguarding policies, manage concerns, support staff, and work with external agencies when necessary. DSLs play an important role in creating a safe environment by ensuring safeguarding procedures are followed and concerns are handled appropriately.

Who Should Take This DSL Level 5 Course?

Strong safeguarding knowledge is essential for professionals responsible for the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable individuals. This course is suitable for anyone looking to develop the knowledge and confidence needed to support effective safeguarding practices.

Suitable for:

Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs)
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads
Teachers and teaching assistants
Childcare and early years practitioners
Social care and healthcare professionals
School leaders and governors
Youth workers and support staff
Anyone with safeguarding responsibilities

Ideal for learners at all stages of their safeguarding career.

Why Take This DSL Level 5 Course?

Effective safeguarding depends on informed leadership and a clear understanding of safeguarding responsibilities. This course helps you build the knowledge needed to support children, young people, and vulnerable adults while promoting a safer environment within your organisation.

This course will help you to:

Understand the role of a DSL
Strengthen safeguarding knowledge
Recognise safeguarding risks
Respond to safeguarding concerns
Understand child protection procedures
Promote a safeguarding culture
Support safer recruitment
Learn at your own pace

Whether you’re preparing for a Designated Safeguarding Lead role or broadening your safeguarding knowledge, this course can help you make informed decisions and support effective safeguarding across a range of settings.

Job Opportunities & Salary Expectations in the UK

Safeguarding knowledge is valued across sectors that support children, young people, and vulnerable adults. While this course does not qualify you for regulated roles on its own, it can strengthen your understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and support progression into roles where safeguarding forms part of everyday duties.

Common roles where safeguarding knowledge is beneficial include:

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) – £30,000–£55,000+
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead – £25,000–£45,000
Safeguarding Officer – £28,000–£45,000
Family Support Worker – £24,000–£38,000
Pastoral Support Officer – £22,000–£35,000
Childcare Manager – £25,000–£45,000
Education Welfare Officer – £28,000–£45,000
Social Care Team Leader – £30,000–£50,000+

Salaries vary depending on your role, qualifications, employer, experience, and location within the UK. This course can complement existing knowledge and support continued development in safeguarding-related responsibilities.

Entry Requirements for DSL Level 5

There are no formal entry requirements for this course. It is open to anyone who wants to develop their understanding of safeguarding and the responsibilities of a Designated Safeguarding Lead.

To get the most from the course, you should have:

Whether you’re new to safeguarding or looking to expand your existing knowledge, you can study this course at your own pace.

Accreditation of DSL Level 5

All of our courses, including this dsl level 5 is fully accredited, providing you with up-to-date skills and knowledge and helping you to become more competent and effective in your chosen field.

CPD Accredited

All of our courses are accredited by the CPD Certification Service as conforming to universally accepted Continuing Professional Development (CPD) guidelines.

QLS Endorsed

The Quality Licence Scheme (QLS) is a trusted endorsement framework that certifies high-quality, non-regulated training programmes across various sectors.

Association of Healthcare Trainers

The Association of Healthcare Trainers (AoHT) promotes high-quality healthcare training, supporting providers to deliver relevant, industry-aligned education and improve professional standards.

RoSPA Membership

RoSPA Membership recognises commitment to health and safety excellence, offering guidance, resources, and credibility to organisations aiming to reduce risks and improve workplace safety standards.

British Safety Council Member

A British Safety Council Member demonstrates commitment to high health, safety, and wellbeing standards, promoting best practices and safer workplaces across industries.

Certification of DSL Level 5

After completing this QLS course, learners can order an endorsed certificate to prove their achievement. The Quality Licence Scheme approves this certificate of achievement. You can have endorsed certificates delivered to your home via post for just £109.

Also, once you’ve completed your course, you will immediately be sent a CPD Accredited FREE Digital Certificate. You can have your FREE printed CPD Accredited Certificate delivered by post (shipping costs £5.99).

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Recommended renewal: 3 years.
Our certifications have no expiry dates, but we recommend renewing them to stay up to date with industry best practices.

Course Curriculum

Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults

Module 01: An Introduction to Safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults

In Module one, we will focus on what safeguarding vulnerable adults involves and detail the basic things we need to know about safeguarding.

Module 02: Safeguarding Legislations

In module two, we will start to look into the key legislations and why they are relevant to safeguarding as well as the key points to each act.

Module 03: Understanding Abuse and Neglect

In module three, we will look into more detail about what constitutes as abuse or neglect and learn how to recognise the signs of abuse.

Module 04: Safeguarding Vulnerable AdultsPolicy, Roles and Responsibilities

In module four we will look at the responsibilities that you will have in ensuring a vulnerable adults safety and wellbeing.

Module 05: Understanding the Importance of Communication in Care

In module 5, we will look at communication methods within a care setting, and why it is important to build respectful and trusting relationships.

Module 06: Sharing Information and Responding To a Disclosure

In module six, we will look at how we respond to a safeguarding concern.We will learn how we share the information we have, and who to report your concerns to.

Module 07: Reporting Your Concern

In module seven, we will look at your responsibilities when raising a concern in more depth.

You will learn the specifics of what you must report and when and how you should do so.

Safeguarding Children

Module 01: Introduction to Safeguarding

In module one, we will learn what safeguarding means and why children may require safeguarding. It explores key safeguarding practices and principles.

Module 02: Laws and Guidance

In module two, we will get an in-depth understanding of child safeguarding laws, exploring key legislation and guidance. It covers the fundamental principles of The Children Act 1989.

Module 03: Child Abuse

In module three, we will learn about the different types of child abuse and neglect, taking a look at both emotional and physical abuse. We will also learn how to identify the signs of abuse, through case studies and audio-visual guidance.

Module 04: Child Sexual Exploitation

In module four, we will take a detailed look at the different types of child sexual exploitation and their impact on children. We will also learn how to identify the signs of sexual exploitation in children.

Module 05: Responding to Disclosure and Reporting

In module five, we will learn what to do when a child makes a disclosure and how to handle that personal information. It also discusses why children may be reluctant to make a disclosure.

Module 06: Risks and Risk Assessment

In module six, we will be guided through each step of the child safeguarding risk assessment and will learn how to identify child protection and safeguarding risk.

Module 07: Things to Do after Referral

In module seven, we will learn what should be included in a child safeguarding referral and how to report a child at risk of harm. It explores action to be taken after a referral to child’s social care.

Module 08: Record Keeping

In this final module, we will explore best practice procedures for child safeguarding record-keeping, why record keeping is important and how to fill out a safeguarding report.

DSL Level 5 Course Reviews

Excellent

4.8 Average 26 Reviews

Reviews

Good, clear DSL course. Appropriate questions asked.

I urgently needed a safeguarding certificate during a bank holiday weekend. I was able to enrol , complete and get the certificate on time.

This course was absolutely interesting to learn. I enjoyed learning the course.

Thoroughly enjoyed the Safeguarding course to reach my career goal of becoming DSL.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the responsibilities of a Designated Safeguarding Lead?

A Designated Safeguarding Lead is responsible for managing safeguarding concerns, maintaining accurate records, supporting staff with safeguarding issues, making referrals where appropriate, and ensuring safeguarding policies remain effective. They also help raise safeguarding awareness, encourage good safeguarding practices, and work with relevant agencies to support the safety and wellbeing of children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

Who should take a Designated Safeguarding Lead course?

This course is suitable for anyone with safeguarding responsibilities or those preparing for a Designated Safeguarding Lead role. It is particularly relevant for teachers, school leaders, childcare practitioners, healthcare staff, social care workers, safeguarding officers, youth workers, and anyone responsible for promoting safeguarding within an organisation.

Is Designated Safeguarding Lead training mandatory in the UK?

Many organisations are expected to appoint a Designated Safeguarding Lead to oversee safeguarding arrangements, particularly in education and childcare settings. The training requirements may vary depending on the organisation and sector. Completing a recognised DSL course helps individuals understand safeguarding responsibilities, current guidance, and the knowledge expected of those leading safeguarding within an organisation.

What is the difference between safeguarding and child protection?

Safeguarding is the wider process of promoting the safety, wellbeing, and welfare of children and vulnerable individuals while preventing harm wherever possible. Child protection is one part of safeguarding and focuses on responding when there are concerns that a child is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect. Both are closely linked and are essential responsibilities for organisations working with children.

Can I complete Designated Safeguarding Lead training online?

Yes. This course is delivered entirely online, allowing you to study whenever it suits your schedule. You can work through the learning materials at your own pace and revisit topics whenever needed. Online learning offers a flexible way to build safeguarding knowledge without attending classroom-based sessions.

What qualifications do I need to become a Designated Safeguarding Lead?

There are no universal qualifications required to become a Designated Safeguarding Lead, as requirements differ between organisations and sectors. Employers typically appoint individuals with suitable safeguarding knowledge and relevant experience. Completing a Designated Safeguarding Lead course can help develop the understanding needed to carry out safeguarding responsibilities with greater confidence.

How long does it take to complete this DSL course?

The time needed to complete the course depends on your study schedule and previous knowledge of safeguarding. As the course is delivered online, you can learn at your own pace and fit your studies around work and other commitments. This flexible approach allows you to progress through the course whenever it is convenient.

Why choose Training Express for Designated Safeguarding Lead training?

Training Express offers flexible online learning designed to fit around your schedule. This course provides comprehensive coverage of safeguarding leadership, child protection, safeguarding legislation, and the responsibilities of a Designated Safeguarding Lead. Whether you are expanding your safeguarding knowledge or preparing for a DSL role, you can study at your own pace and access your learning whenever it suits you.

Course Curriculum

Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults Training
	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
Safeguarding Children
	Module 01: Introduction to Safeguarding	00:21:00
	Laws and Guidance.	00:42:00
	Module 02: Child Abuse	00:48:00
	Child Sexual Exploitation.	00:39:00
	Risks and Risk Assessment.	00:16:00
	Module 03: Responding to Disclosure and Reporting	00:32:00
	Things To Do After Referral	00:22:00
	Record Keeping.	00:17:00
Assignment
	Assignment – Diploma in Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) at QLS Level 5	2 weeks, 1 day
Get Your QLS Endorsed Certificate
	Get Your Level 5 QLS Endorsed Certificate	00:00:00
Transcript and Certificate
	Share Your Feedback	00:00:00
	Transcript and Certificate	00:00:00