OVERVIEW
This higher-level course provides the depth of knowledge needed to act as a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for adults at risk. It covers the law and statutory guidance underpinning safeguarding adults in England, the strategic and operational responsibilities of the DSL role, safer recruitment, recognising the ten categories of abuse and neglect under the Care Act 2014, mental capacity and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards, Making Safeguarding Personal, responding to disclosures, making referrals to the local authority, the Section 42 enquiry process, multi-agency working, information sharing and accurate recording. Safeguarding adults means protecting an adult's right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect. The DSL is the central point of contact, expertise and leadership within an organisation, holding overall responsibility for the way safeguarding concerns are recognised, reported and acted upon, and working in partnership with the local authority, the police, health partners and the wider Safeguarding Adults Board.
This course supports that role with detailed, current, practice-based guidance, worked scenarios and reference tables. The role of DSL for adults carries significant accountability. Getting safeguarding right protects people from serious harm; getting it wrong can cost lives, breach human rights and expose both the individual at risk and the organisation to serious consequences. This course is therefore designed to build not only awareness but genuine working competence and confidence in the role.
