Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) Policy

Aligned with AEGIS Standard 6.2

1. Policy Statement

Skywise Educational Guardianship UK Ltd is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people under our care. In accordance with the AEGIS Quality Standards, we have appointed a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) to take overall responsibility for safeguarding and child protection matters within the organisation.

This policy sets out the role, responsibilities, and procedures for the DSL, including training requirements, inter-agency collaboration, record-keeping, and contingency arrangements.

2. Appointment of the DSL

●      The organisation’s DSL is a senior member of staff with the authority and capacity to influence safeguarding practices across the organisation.

●      The appointed Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is:
Ms Zhiying Zheng

3. DSL Training Requirements

●      The DSL must attend suitable, live safeguarding training that is recognised and accredited for Designated Safeguarding Leads.

●      Online training is acceptable only if it is delivered live (i.e., via real-time webinar or virtual classroom).

●      DSL training must be renewed at least every two years to ensure up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding practices, legislation, and inter-agency procedures.

●      The DSL must maintain records of their training, which are available for inspection upon request.

4. Liaison with Partner Schools

●      The DSL is responsible for making contact with and liaising as necessary with Designated Safeguarding Leads in each of the partner schools where students under Skywise’s care are placed.

●      The DSL will maintain a safeguarding contact list of all partner schools and ensure communication channels are established for the prompt sharing of concerns.

●      The DSL will work collaboratively with partner schools to promote consistency in safeguarding practices and information sharing.

5. Liaison with the Local Safeguarding Partnership (LSP)

●      The DSL will liaise with the Local Safeguarding Partnership (LSP) and other relevant statutory agencies (e.g., the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO), Children’s Social Care, Police) as necessary when safeguarding concerns arise.

●      The DSL will ensure that all local inter-agency procedures are followed in line with statutory guidance (e.g., Working Together to Safeguard Children).

●      All actions, advice received, and decisions made will be documented and securely stored.

6. Record Keeping

●      Safeguarding case notes, including any correspondence with the Local Children’s Services, the LSP, the Police, or other professional bodies, must be kept securely.

●      These records will be:

o   Stored in a password-protected electronic system or a locked cabinet in a secure location.

o   Accessible only to the DSL and senior management as necessary.

o   Retained in accordance with the organisation’s Data Protection and Record Retention Policy.

7. Contingency Arrangements

●      Skywise Educational Guardianship UK Ltd recognises the importance of ensuring safeguarding cover at all times.

●      If the DSL is unavailable (e.g., due to annual leave or illness), the organisation will make arrangements for a temporary safeguarding lead who is suitably trained and competent.

●      The organisation aims to appoint a Deputy DSL trained to the same level as the DSL where possible.

●      The safeguarding contact details will be clearly communicated to all staff, homestays, and relevant parties in the Safeguarding Contact Sheet .

8. Review and Monitoring

●      This policy will be reviewed annually or following significant changes in legislation, statutory guidance, or organisational structure.

●      Any updates will be approved by the Company Director (DSL) and communicated to all staff and homestays.

Last Reviewed: Mrs Katherine Lee 01/03/2025
Next Review Due: 01/03/2026