A Day in the Life of a MAT DSL: Volume 1

The clock shows 8:30 AM, but the MAT Designated Safeguarding Lead is already deep in conversation. A school DSL has called about a complex safeguarding issue. As they triage the concern, their calendar reminds them of a trust-wide safeguarding training session in an hour. Balancing immediate crises with long-term strategy is a daily reality for a MAT DSL.

In this role, every decision echoes across schools, staff, and pupils. It’s a responsibility that requires a steady hand, sharp focus, and unshakable resolve. With over 22,000 multi-academy trusts in the UK, the role of a MAT DSL has become increasingly serious. 

The Role of a MAT DSL

The MAT DSL serves as the safeguarding compass for multiple schools, ensuring consistency and quality in safeguarding practices. Their key responsibilities include:

• Setting and maintaining trust-wide safeguarding policies.
• Supporting headteachers to develop effective processes and structures for safeguarding within individual schools.
• Supporting school DSLs with complex cases and providing emotional reassurance.
• Designing and delivering training programs to elevate safeguarding standards.
• Conducting audits to ensure compliance and identify areas for improvement.
• Building relationships with external agencies to facilitate effective collaboration.

Their work is both strategic and operational, shaping the safeguarding culture across the entire trust. The Education Policy Institute highlights that consistent safeguarding policies across MATs significantly reduce risks for vulnerable children.

A Typical Day

A MAT DSL’s day alternates between planned initiatives and urgent demands. A typical day might include:

• Addressing escalated safeguarding concerns from schools.
• Delivering trust-wide training or meeting with senior leaders.
• Reviewing policies, conducting audits, or advising on complex cases.
• Preparing reports for trustees or multi-agency reviews.

The need for adaptability is constant, as new priorities emerge without warning. Surveys indicate that MAT DSLs manage an average of 15 active safeguarding cases at any given time, adding to their workload.

Challenges Faced

The role of a MAT DSL comes with significant challenges:

• Emotional weight from supporting overwhelmed school DSLs while managing high-stakes situations.
• Complex systems and navigating varied safeguarding processes across local authorities.
• Resource Constraints and balancing strategic leadership with operational demands.
• Addressing inconsistencies in safeguarding practices across schools.

These challenges require skill combined with a deep sense of purpose. Research by Ofsted highlights that MATs with centralised safeguarding support see better overall outcomes for children.

What would help 

Improving support for MAT DSLs requires systemic change:

Standardised frameworks and uniform safeguarding processes across regions to reduce inefficiencies.

Enhanced training preparing school DSLs to manage complex cases independently.

Integrated staffing, embedding multi-agency professionals within schools for seamless collaboration.

Increased resources and allocating more staff and tools to lighten the workload. 

These changes would allow MAT DSLs to focus on strategic growth rather than constant firefighting. 

Thoughts for the future

The future of safeguarding in MATs requires bold thinking and decisive action. Key priorities include:

• Creating peer-support systems for knowledge-sharing and guidance.
• Anticipating challenges and addressing them strategically.
• Ensuring long-term funding for safeguarding initiatives.

These steps would strengthen safeguarding systems and ensure better outcomes for pupils.

The MAT DSL plays a fundamental role in shaping the safeguarding landscape in the education sector. Their work is demanding, but it is also transformative. By addressing systemic challenges and creating a culture of shared responsibility, MAT DSLs feel empowered to lead with confidence and ensure the safety of every child under their care.

How Judicium Education Can Support DSLs

Ensure your school or academy trust has the right processes in place with expert Safeguarding support from Judicium Education.

Our comprehensive service is designed to strengthen your whole-school safeguarding strategy, ensuring compliance with Ofsted and ISI standards whilst creating a safe and supportive environment for pupils and staff alike.

From safeguarding audits and policy reviews to tailored training for DSLs and staff, we provide expert guidance, advise on best practices, and support strong safer recruitment practices.

Contact us today to find out how Judicium Education can help your school or academy trust.

 0345 548 7000 or email enquiries@judicium.com. 

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