Designated Safeguarding Leads' Forum

Join fellow Designated Safeguarding Leads from across the independent school sector for a practical, participative forum focused on the safeguarding issues that matter most to schools right now.

The NAISA DSL Forum is designed to be more than a briefing session. While we will share key information and updates, the real value of the forum comes from bringing DSLs together to discuss current challenges, exchange practice, ask questions and learn from the experience of colleagues working in similar settings.

At this forum, we will explore the latest Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) requirements and consider what they mean in practice for independent schools. We will look beyond whether staff have simply read part one of KCSIE and consider the bigger question: how do DSLs know that staff genuinely understand their safeguarding responsibilities and would be able to demonstrate that understanding if questioned?

We will also consider the increasingly important relationship between safeguarding and attendance, including how DSLs can work proactively with colleagues to identify concerns, improve attendance and ensure that safeguarding remains everyone's responsibility.

A substantial part of the session will be given over to open discussion. Delegates will have the opportunity to raise emerging safeguarding themes, areas of uncertainty and challenges they are encountering in their own settings, while hearing how other schools are approaching similar issues.

The forum will also help shape future NAISA DSL Forums. We want these sessions to respond directly to the needs of DSLs, so delegates will be invited to suggest future topics, areas of practice they would like to explore and potential speakers or expertise that would be valuable to the group.

Who is this forum for?
This forum is particularly suitable for:

• Designated Safeguarding Leads
• Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads
• Headteachers and senior leaders with safeguarding responsibilities
• Safeguarding professionals working within independent schools

The forum is intended to be collaborative, supportive and practical. Delegates are encouraged to contribute their experience and questions, while ensuring that no identifiable information about individual pupils or safeguarding cases is shared.

Whether you are looking for clarification on current requirements, reassurance about your own practice, fresh ideas from colleagues or simply the opportunity to connect with other DSLs who understand the realities of the role, the NAISA DSL Forum provides a valuable space for professional discussion and shared learning.