The Diary of a DSL

This episode explains the main changes in Keeping Children Safe in Education 2026 and what they mean for designated safeguarding leads and college staff.Key topics include the removal of Annex A, increased focus on violence against women and girls, updated guidance on online harms and AI, new language around nude/semi-nude images, and practical priorities for policy, training and culture before September 1, 2026.

Host Lloyd Perry delivers a short summer check-in from the Diary of a DSL, reminding listeners that safeguarding work continues even when campuses quieten.The episode highlights preparation, partnership and staying connected over the break, previews an autumn return with new episodes and Q&A, and thanks listeners for their support since Easter 2026.Take a moment to rest, stay connected, and know the safeguarding team remains ready for students’ return.

In this episode, host Lloyd Perry explores the unique safeguarding challenges that arise during the summer break in further education. He outlines common risks—online harm, exploitation, housing and financial insecurity, mental health crises—and shares a practical DSL summer checklist covering risk mapping, multi-agency coordination, staff briefings, student messaging, and cover arrangements.The episode follows a week-by-week diary to show how risks evolve through the summer and emphasizes the importance of continuous safeguarding, clear communication, and preparing for a challenging return to term in September.

This episode explores how safeguarding in further education is driven by leadership and culture, not just policies. Lloyd Perry discusses the role of designated safeguarding leads (DSLs) in shaping environments where students feel safe, heard and supported.Listeners will hear why relational, student‑centred approaches, staff support and consistent leadership are essential for effective safeguarding, and how collective responsibility and student voice create safer college communities.

Host Lloyd Perrion explores the challenges of safeguarding in further education when systems are stretched and students face complex needs. The episode reflects on the emotional burden carried by DSLs and safeguarding teams, the power of relationships as a protective factor, and practical ways to hold hope through consistent, compassionate support.Listeners are reminded that small interventions and steady presence can change lives, and that safeguarding professionals also need psychological safety, supervision, and support. The episode encourages sharing, self-care, and continuing to show up for students even when progress feels slow.

This episode explores how students' online lives shape their safety, wellbeing and behaviour in further education and post‑16 settings. Lloyd Perry discusses the real risks—bullying, exploitation, image abuse, AI harms—and why digital safeguarding must be woven into college culture, policy and everyday practice.Listeners will hear practical guidance on building trust, training staff, listening to students and responding calmly rather than punitively so young people feel supported to seek help when things go wrong.

In this episode Lloyd Perry talks with Jen Hope (AOC) about the role of Designated Safeguarding Leads in supporting student and staff mental health. They cover practical boundary-setting, modelling kindness, building organisational culture, and tailored approaches for prevention, early intervention and crisis support.
Jen shares sector resources, the AOC Mental Health Charter and top tips—like carving out time, using line-manager conversations, and small practical changes to reduce anxiety during exam seasons—so DSLs can protect their own wellbeing while supporting students.
Resources links:
AoC Student Mental Health Report 2026
AoC Staff Mental Health Report 2026
ETF – AoC Leadership Mental Health Programme - resources
https://www.educationsupport.org.uk/

This episode explores how safeguarding in further education is taught informally through everyday interactions, not just policies. Lloyd Perry explains the ‘hidden curriculum’ — the small moments, routines and relationships that model safety, boundaries and care across colleges.Through a typical day in the life of a Designated Safeguarding Lead, the episode highlights practical strategies for making safeguarding a visible, relational culture and why staff behaviour and wellbeing matter more than compliance alone.

In this episode Lloyd Perry examines how special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) can increase a young person’s vulnerability and why labels mustn’t mask safeguarding concerns.He outlines common risks, communication barriers, and missed signals, and offers practical steps for DSLs and teams to make safeguarding systems accessible, build trusted relationships, and respond with professional curiosity.

This episode celebrates the vital role of designated safeguarding leads and teams in further education during Mental Health Awareness Week 2026, following a week in the life of DSLs as they support students facing mental health, housing, financial and identity challenges.It highlights the power of noticing, compassionate conversations, staff wellbeing and collaborative action—showing how small, everyday interventions keep students on their courses and help them believe in a future worth investing in.