Designated Safeguarding Lead Adults Level 3 DSL Training Course

Designated Safeguarding Lead Adults Level 3 – Online Course

Course overview
This online course prepares professionals who hold, or are preparing to hold, lead responsibility for safeguarding adults at risk within their organisation. It develops the practical knowledge needed to recognise complex safeguarding concerns, respond to disclosures, coordinate referrals and work with partner agencies. The course takes three hours and is CPD accredited.

Please note: This course provides knowledge and guidance for safeguarding leads. It does not replace any role-specific, practical or organisational training an employer may require, and it is not a regulated qualification.

What the course covers
• The role and responsibilities of the Designated Safeguarding Lead
• Why care settings need Designated Safeguarding Leads
• Statutory guidance and regulations, including recommendations for first-time leads
• Significant harm, influencing factors and vulnerability protections
• Behavioural signs of abuse, harm or neglect in adults
• Defining adult abuse, including unnoticed and unreported abuse and warning signs
• Types and forms of abuse: physical, emotional, sexual and neglect, with their indicators
• Bullying, LGBTQ+ awareness and support, and forced marriage
• Protecting yourself
• Policies and procedures, including sharing information
• Note keeping and documenting, and threshold documents
• Disclosure and the steps to take after a disclosure

Who is it for?
The course is designed for professionals with lead safeguarding responsibilities in health, social care and other organisations that support adults at risk. It is appropriate for:
• Designated Safeguarding Adults Leads and deputy safeguarding leads
• Registered managers and deputy managers
• Care home, supported living and domiciliary care managers
• Healthcare managers, nurses and GP practice managers
• Mental health services and local authority staff
• Safeguarding champions
• Voluntary sector and charity leaders
• Anyone coordinating safeguarding concerns, managing referrals or overseeing safeguarding policies and procedures

It can be used as induction training for new safeguarding leads and as refresher training for experienced professionals.

Practical benefits
• Build confidence in leading adult safeguarding procedures
• Understand safeguarding leadership responsibilities under the Care Act 2014
• Respond appropriately to safeguarding disclosures and referrals
• Strengthen multi-agency safeguarding practice
• Support safer, person-centred care across the organisation
• Gain a CPD-accredited certificate to demonstrate safeguarding competence

What learners will be able to do
• Explain the purpose and principles of safeguarding
• Recognise common signs, indicators and patterns of abuse or neglect
• Identify factors that may increase vulnerability or risk
• Respond appropriately when a concern or disclosure arises
• Record safeguarding information clearly, accurately and objectively
• Follow local reporting, referral and escalation procedures
• Understand confidentiality and information-sharing considerations
• Apply person-centred safeguarding principles in day-to-day practice

Is this training a legal requirement?
UK legislation does not prescribe a specific Designated Safeguarding Adults Lead training course. However, employers have legal responsibilities to protect adults at risk and to ensure staff are competent for their safeguarding duties. The Care Act 2014 places safeguarding duties on local authorities and expects organisations providing care and support to have effective safeguarding arrangements. The Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 also requires providers to protect service users from abuse and improper treatment. Employers should ensure safeguarding leads receive suitable training that reflects their responsibilities, organisational policies and current guidance.

Assessment and certificate
Learners complete an online multiple-choice test. After successfully completing the assessment, they can download a CPD-accredited digital certificate straight away. The course is delivered online with instant access, so it can be studied on a phone, tablet or computer at the learner’s own pace.