Why Supervision for DSLs Isn’t a ‘Nice-to-Have, It’s a Need-to-Have

Vicki Shevlin
Nov 12, 2025
2 min read

Designated Safeguarding Leads are doing some of the most complex, emotionally demanding work in schools — holding responsibility for children’s safety, supporting staff, attending meetings, managing disclosures, writing referrals, and still showing up to teach, lead and care.

And yet, in many schools, DSLs receive no formal supervision.

No structured space to reflect.No independent sounding board.No one to check, “Am I doing this right?”

We wouldn’t dream of letting a social worker practice without supervision.So why is it still optional in education?

The Emotional Load DSLs Carry

DSLs hear things most people never have to hear. They’re expected to make confident decisions about risk, hold staff anxiety, manage parents’ anger, and navigate the grey areas that safeguarding constantly presents.

Without supervision, all of that sits in the person, not in the system.

That’s when burnout creeps in. That’s when confidence falters. And that’s when mistakes happen; not because DSLs don’t care, but because the expectation on them is too great.

What Supervision Offers

Supervision isn’t therapy, and it’s not management.

It’s a safe, structured space to:

✅ Reflect on complex cases

✅ Process the emotional impact of the role

✅ Gain clarity on decision-making

✅ Reduce risk through independent quality assurance

✅ Strengthen safeguarding confidence and leadership

Good supervision brings perspective. It reminds DSL's that they’re not alone in the responsibility they carry.

The Impact on Schools

When DSLs are supported, everything strengthens:

✔ Safeguarding decisions are clearer

✔ Referrals are more confident and analytical

✔ Communication improves with staff and agencies

✔ Leaders model calm, reflective practice

✔ Emotional resilience increases

Supervision protects children, staff and the school.

Let’s Change the Narrative

Supervision for DSLs isn’t an indulgence or an “add-on.”

It’s an essential safeguard for the people safeguarding everyone else.

If you’re a DSL or senior leader and you’ve never had formal supervision, I’d encourage you to ask:

Who supports the people who hold the hardest conversations?

It starts with recognising that support isn’t a sign of weakness — it’s part of safe, professional practice.

Want to explore what this could look like for your school?

I offer independent safeguarding supervision for DSLs and senior leads — a space to reflect, think, and strengthen the quality of your safeguarding practice through my signature framework: Confidence, Competence and Calm.