Closed petition Make the DSL role in schools a stand-alone role with no other responsibility

Closed on 18 January 2023

It is unfeasible to think that this fundamental role in keeping children safe in education can be fulfilled as a bolt on to any other role, especially whilst maintaining a teaching timetable.

The role of Designated Safeguarding Lead is broad in scope. It must take into consideration case management, health and safety, site security, governance, safer recruitment, mental health and wellbeing, and staff development and safeguarding within the curriculum. We are increasingly seeing DSL’s becoming professionally burnt out, desensitised, and professionally blinded due to a lack of capacity, and this is putting children at risk.