Designated Safeguarding Lead

Statutory DfE guidance requires schools and colleges to appoint a designated safeguarding lead from senior leadership: 'Governing bodies and proprietors should ensure an appropriate senior member of staff, from the school or college leadership team, is appointed to the role of designated safeguarding lead. The designated safeguarding lead should take lead responsibility for safeguarding and child protection (including online safety and understanding the filtering and monitoring systems and processes in place).' The guidance is explicit that although day-to-day activities can be delegated to trained deputies, 'the ultimate lead responsibility for child protection, as set out above, remains with the designated safeguarding lead, this lead responsibility should not be delegated.'

The role carries defined referral and liaison duties. The designated safeguarding lead 'is expected to refer cases: of suspected abuse and neglect to the local authority children's social care as required and support staff who make referrals to local authority children's social care,' 'to the Channel programme where there is a radicalisation concern,' cases involving dismissal for risk of harm to a child to the Disclosure and Barring Service, and possible crimes to the police. They must also 'act as a point of contact with the safeguarding partners' and, during term time, 'the designated safeguarding lead (or a deputy) should always be available (during school or college hours) for staff in the school or college to discuss any safeguarding concerns.'