The Shield of Care: Why Every Adult Provision Needs a Trained Safeguarding Lead
In the complex world of health and social care, the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for Adults is the ultimate shield for those who may be unable to protect themselves. As we move through 2026, the legislative landscape and the methods used to protect adults at risk have become increasingly sophisticated.
High-quality DSL training is no longer just a box-ticking exercise for compliance; it is a critical leadership requirement that ensures “Making Safeguarding Personal” (MSP) moves from a policy document into real-world practice.
1. What is a Designated Safeguarding Lead for Adults?
While every staff member has a duty to report concerns, the DSL is the senior point of contact within an organisation. They are responsible for receiving reports of abuse, making critical decisions on whether to escalate to the Local Authority (Adult Social Care), and liaising with the Police where a crime is suspected.
In the adult sector, this role is governed primarily by the Care Act 2014, which shifted the focus from merely “protecting” people to “Making Safeguarding Personal”. This approach ensures that the adultโs wishes, feelings, and desired outcomes are the driving force behind any intervention.
2. Core Curriculum: What the Training Covers
A Level 3 or “Advanced” DSL course for adults is significantly more intense than basic awareness training. It typically breaks down into several key pillars:
The Legal Framework & Leadership
- The Care Act 2014: Understanding the statutory duty of local authorities and the role of Safeguarding Adult Boards (SABs).
- The Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005: A cornerstone of adult safeguarding. DSLs must master the five principles of the MCA, including the “Presumption of Capacity” and “Best Interests” decision-making.
- Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS): Training includes the latest 2026 updates on the transition toward Liberty Protection Safeguards (LPS) and how to manage the legalities of restrictive care.
Identifying the Ten Categories of Abuse
The training ensures DSLs can recognise and differentiate between the ten specific categories of abuse identified in the Care Act:
- Physical: Hitting, slapping, or misuse of medication.
- Domestic: Including coercive control and “honour-based” violence.
- Sexual: Direct or indirect sexual activity without consent.
- Psychological: Threats, humiliation, or blaming.
- Financial: Theft, fraud, or pressure regarding Wills and property.
- Modern Slavery: Human trafficking and forced labour.
- Discriminatory: Harassment based on protected characteristics.
- Organisational: Poor care standards or rigid routines within a setting.
- Neglect: Failing to provide medical, emotional, or physical care.
- Self-neglect: Hoarding or neglecting personal hygiene/health.
The Six Principles of Safeguarding
DSLs are trained to apply these six principles to every case they manage:
- Empowerment: Supporting people to make their own decisions.
- Prevention: Taking action before harm occurs.
- Proportionality: The least intrusive response to the risk presented.
- Protection: Support for those in greatest need.
- Partnership: Working with local communities and agencies.
- Accountability: Transparency in safeguarding practice.
3. The DSLโs Practical Responsibilities
Training isn’t just about learning the law; itโs about mastering the “how-to” of senior leadership.
- Managing Disclosures: DSLs are trained to support staff who have received a disclosure, ensuring that evidence is preserved without performing an “investigation” that might compromise a police case.
- Effective Record Keeping: In a CQC inspection or a Safeguarding Adults Review (SAR), your notes are your evidence. Training emphasizes the “chronology”โa timeline of events that can reveal patterns of “slow-burn” neglect or grooming.
- Safer Recruitment: A DSL often oversees the HR side of safeguarding, ensuring that DBS checks are current and that “position of trust” (PoT) allegations are handled with legal precision.
4. Key Differences: Adults vs. Children
A common pitfall in the UK is assuming that a “Child DSL” qualification covers adults. They are entirely different disciplines with different legal thresholds.
| Feature | Safeguarding Children | Safeguarding Adults |
| Primary Law | Children Act 1989/2004 | Care Act 2014 |
| Consent | Parents or Gillick Competency | Mental Capacity Act 2005 |
| Overriding Principle | The Child’s Welfare is Paramount | Making Safeguarding Personal |
| Intervention | Mandatory if at risk of harm | Can be refused by a capacitous adult |
5. Training Frequency & Compliance in 2026
To remain compliant with CQC standards and local authority requirements:
- Initial Training: A full-day Level 3 Advanced course (face-to-face or interactive virtual).
- Refresher Training: It is a statutory expectation that DSLs refresh their training every 2 years.
- Continuous Professional Development (CPD): Beyond the two-yearly course, DSLs should attend quarterly forums or webinars to stay updated on emerging risks like cyber-fraud and cuckooing.