The Diary of a DSL

lloydperry72

Welcome to The Diary of a DSL:  A warm, honest, and conversational space where safeguarding is never carried alone. Each episode explores the shared responsibilities, tough moments, and small victories that keep young people safe. From teamwork to wellbeing, this is the supportive voice of DSLs walking alongside each other, one story at a time

  1. Jul 12

    The Diary of a DSL: KCSIE 2026 Summer Special

    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.

  2. Jul 4

    The Diary of a DSL: We will be back in the Autumn!

    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.

  3. Jun 28

    The Diary of a DSL: Summer Safeguarding

    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.

  4. Jun 21

    The Diary of a DSL: Building a Safeguarding Culture in FE

    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.

  5. Jun 14

    The Diary of a DSL: When the System Feels Broken: Bringing Hope in Hard Times

    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.

  6. Jun 7

    The Diary of a DSL: Safeguarding Students in a Connected World

    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.

  7. May 31

    The Diary of a DSL: Mental Health for DSLs: Q+A with Jen Hope, Mental Health Lead at the AOC

    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/

  8. May 24

    The Diary of a DSL: FE’s Hidden Safeguarding Curriculum

    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.

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About

Welcome to The Diary of a DSL:  A warm, honest, and conversational space where safeguarding is never carried alone. Each episode explores the shared responsibilities, tough moments, and small victories that keep young people safe. From teamwork to wellbeing, this is the supportive voice of DSLs walking alongside each other, one story at a time

Information

  • Creator
    lloydperry72
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Diary of a DSL

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