Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) Networks

Who are these for?

These networks are for DSLs, Deputy DSLs /SLT who may make up wider safeguarding teams in education settings.

We encourage every setting to make representation at each round of meetings. 

Why should I engage?

The networks fulfil duties under statutory guidance Keeping Children Safe in Education Part 2 - the management of safeguarding: 

• To keep up to date with local safeguarding arrangements and provide a mechanism for to engage with the Local Safeguarding Partnership (Keeping Bristol Safe Partnership). 
• To ensure knowledge and skills are adequately updated (in addition to the requirement to update formal training every 2 years).
• Provide a chance to develop and share good practice and contribute towards a community of practice.
• Network with other education settings.
• Develop working relationships with the local safeguarding advisor and statutory agencies
• From 2023-24 - the Locality Networks will share and cascade information pertinent to the geographical area from Avon and Somerset Constabulary and Bristol City Council Community Safety teams to assist settings with their contextual safeguarding approaches. 

 

Structure of meetings

These happen every other Bristol term (3 times a year) and last for about 2 and a half hours to allow for colleagues to network.  

Each round will be locality based where colleagues will have an opportunity to network with colleagues from their locality services around issues that affect their geographical area. 

A shorter virtual citywide meeting is available if colleagues cannot attend the locality based meetings. 

 

Standing Agenda

• News
• Updates from the Local Safeguarding Partnership
• Topical Safeguarding issues.
• Multi-agency updates. 

Each session will allow for professional networking and reflective exercises.

 

DSL Network Materials

Missed a meeting? Don't worry. You can find links to slides and associated materials below. 

• Term 1 2024-25
• Term 3 2024-25

Older resources:

• Term 1 2023-24
• Term 3 2023-24
• Term 5 2023-24 - and Video from ACS Cyber Prevent

• Term 5 2023
• Term 3 2023
• Term 1 2022-23

Upcoming Events

To sign up please use the hyperlink to the event you wish to attend.

 

 

Term 5

• 6th May 2025 - 09:00-11:30 South Education Settings  - Venue TBC (Cancelled*)
• 7th May 2025 - 09:00-11:30 East Central Education Settings - Begbrook Primary Academy (Cancelled*)
• 8th May 2025 - 09:00-11:30 North Education Settings  - Badminton School (Cancelled*)

 

Virtual Session 15th May 2025 - 15:00-17:00 

 

* Thank you for your interest for these events. Unfortunately due to unforeseen circumstances we are going to have to cancel the session as we have to prioritise other safeguarding demands. We will be sending out materials which can be disseminated to governors, members of the SLT, and your wider safeguarding teams as a video in lieu of the cancelled event. We will arrange new DSL Network sessions as soon as possible. We thank you for your understanding. 

 

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