If you are preparing for an interview for a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) role, the following guide outlines key areas that candidates should be ready to explore. These questions are designed to assess the depth of their safeguarding knowledge, professional judgement, and ability to lead safeguarding practice in a school setting.
Key Interview Themes and Questions
1. Motivation and Responsibility
- What has motivated you to apply for the DSL role?
- Why is safeguarding the responsibility of all staff, not just the DSL?
2. Safeguarding Policies and Staff Awareness
- How do you ensure all staff are fully aware of their safeguarding responsibilities?
- What strategies do you use to evaluate the effectiveness of your school's safeguarding policies and procedures?
3. Identifying and Responding to Concerns
- Describe your approach to identifying and responding to safeguarding concerns.
- How do you ensure that pupils understand the school's safeguarding processes and know who to talk to if they feel unsafe?
4. Working with Parents and External Agencies
- How do you work in partnership with parents and carers to support safeguarding?
- How do you build and maintain effective relationships with external agencies (e.g. social care, health professionals)?
- Can you give an anonymised example of a safeguarding case you’ve managed, and how you approached it?
5. Promoting a Culture of Safeguarding
- How do you embed a culture of safeguarding throughout the school?
- What steps do you take to ensure safeguarding is understood and prioritised by governors, leaders, staff, and pupils?
6. Training and Professional Development
- How do you ensure your own safeguarding knowledge remains current and aligned with statutory requirements?
- What training have you recently undertaken, and how has it influenced your practice?
- How do you identify safeguarding CPD needs across the school?
Additional Interview Considerations
Tailoring to the School’s Context
Ensure that interview questions reflect the school’s unique setting and needs. Consider asking candidates to respond to scenarios relevant to your pupil demographics, local safeguarding priorities, or recent updates to national guidance.
For example:
- How would you approach safeguarding in a school with a high proportion of pupils with SEND?
- How would you respond to a disclosure made via a digital platform or outside of school hours?
Allowing Time for Candidate Questions
- A strong DSL will also want to know about your school's culture, safeguarding priorities, staff training programme, and support from senior leadership. Encourage candidates to ask questions that reflect their understanding of the role and the responsibilities it involves.
Resources for Designated Safeguarding Leads
Safeguarding and Compliance
Leadership and Training
School Inspection and Governance
Additional Support and Tools
For further safeguarding resources and professional development, explore:
Final Thoughts
The role of the Designated Safeguarding Lead is central to ensuring the safety, welfare, and protection of all pupils. These interview questions will help you assess a candidate’s confidence, clarity, and ability to lead safeguarding with rigour and compassion.
For additional DSL resources, guidance, and professional development opportunities, visit:
HeadteacherChat Resources for School Leaders