Skills and abilities needed for the role

You don’t always need to have previous experience or qualifications in safeguarding to be the designated safeguarding lead. Knowledge of safeguarding guidance and procedures is helpful, but you can learn this through training. You do need to be confident to lead and influence others and be prepared to deal with difficult situations and people.

You also need to be organised and able to create clear systems and processes, as managing safeguarding concerns and tracking actions is the main part of your role.

Skills and abilities

• Ability to build effective working relationships with staff and others.
• Ability to advise and support individuals at all levels within an organisation.
• Act with integrity and respect when working with others.
• Administration management skills.
• Communication skills.
• Influencing skills.
• Ability to work with conflict and emotionally distressing matters.
• Ability to produce and develop guidance and resources.

Knowledge

• The role voluntary organisations have in safeguarding.
• Types of abuse and harm.
• Legislation, government guidance and national frameworks for safeguarding children and adults at risk.
• Role and responsibilities of local key safeguarding agencies, including social services and the police.
• Local social services processes for the assessment and referral of safeguarding concerns.
• Local and national agencies that provide support for children, adults and their families.