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Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) responsibilities

1. Purpose

This policy defines the responsibilities of the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) at Turning Point Leeds (TPL) to ensure the effective implementation of safeguarding and child protection procedures in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (2024), Leeds City Council safeguarding guidance, and the DfE Voluntary National Standards for Alternative Provision.

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2. Scope

This policy applies to the DSL, Deputy DSL, and all staff at TPL. It clarifies the DSL’s role in leading safeguarding, supporting staff, liaising with external agencies, and ensuring the protection of all pupils.

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3. Role of the DSL

The DSL is a senior member of staff with lead responsibility for safeguarding and child protection. The DSL ensures that safeguarding policies are effectively implemented and that concerns are dealt with promptly, fairly, and transparently.

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4. Responsibilities

A. Managing Referrals

  • Act on all safeguarding concerns raised by staff, pupils, or external agencies.

  • Refer cases of suspected abuse or neglect to Leeds Children’s Social Work Services.

  • Refer to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) if an allegation is made against staff.

  • Refer to the Channel programme where radicalisation is a concern.

  • Refer to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) if a member of staff is dismissed or leaves due to safeguarding concerns.

  • Refer to the police where a crime may have been committed.

  • Support staff who make referrals.

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B. Working with Others

  • Liaise with Leeds City Council, the LADO, police, health, and other safeguarding agencies.

  • Work in partnership with host school DSLs to ensure joined-up safeguarding practice.

  • Provide advice and guidance to staff on safeguarding issues.

  • Work closely with the Headteacher and senior leaders to embed safeguarding in all aspects of TPL.

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C. Training and Development

  • Undertake DSL training updated every two years, with regular knowledge refreshers at least annually.

  • Ensure all staff receive annual safeguarding training and updates.

  • Stay up to date with changes in law, policy, and best practice.

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D. Record Keeping

  • Maintain accurate, secure, and confidential safeguarding records.

  • Record all concerns, referrals, actions, and outcomes.

  • Share information lawfully and appropriately to protect pupils, ensuring GDPR is not a barrier to safeguarding.

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E. Raising Awareness

  • Ensure TPL’s safeguarding policies are known, understood, and followed by staff.

  • Promote safeguarding awareness across the TPL community.

  • Ensure pupils know how to seek help and feel confident doing so.

  • Review safeguarding policies annually and update in line with legislation.

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F. Managing the Safeguarding Team

  • Appoint and support a Deputy DSL trained to the same standard.

  • Lead the safeguarding team, holding regular meetings to review cases and practice.

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G. Safeguarding in the day 

  • Ensure safeguarding themes, including online safety, Prevent, healthy relationships, and resilience, are taught across PSHE. 

  • Promote restorative approaches to help pupils understand harm, repair relationships, and build resilience.

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H. Policy and Procedure Development

  • Lead the development and review of safeguarding policies and ensure their effective implementation.

  • Ensure procedures are consistent with KCSIE, Leeds protocols, and statutory guidance.

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5. Monitoring and Evaluation

  • Regularly review safeguarding practice to ensure effectiveness. 

  • Use feedback from staff, pupils, and external partners to improve safeguarding systems.

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6. Confidentiality and Information Sharing

  • Maintain confidentiality at all times, sharing information only on a need-to-know basis.

  • Share safeguarding information with other professionals and agencies in line with statutory guidance.

  • Ensure that safeguarding always takes precedence over data protection concerns.

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7. Conclusion

The DSL plays a vital role in ensuring TPL provides a safe, supportive, and restorative environment for all pupils. By leading safeguarding practice, working with partners, and embedding safeguarding across all aspects of provision, the DSL ensures the well-being of every child is prioritised.

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Written: August 2025
Next Review: August 2026

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