DSL Network

A free peer group for DSLs in international schools

Being the DSL can be lonely work. The DSL Network puts you in touch with others who do the same job, in schools like yours, in your country or region. It is free, and nobody sells anything.

Apply to join

What it is

The DSL Network is a global community for designated safeguarding leads (DSLs), deputies and safeguarding teams in international schools. Members meet online in chapters, one for each country or region.

The format follows the Bristol model for DSL networks, adapted for international schools. Members compare practice, hear from local agencies, and ask experienced colleagues for advice on hard cases.

I run it. I am not a DSL. I organise the meetings and keep the rules, and the advice comes from DSLs who have done the work.

Who it is for

You do not need to be a SafeguardIS customer to join.

  • Designated safeguarding leads in international schools
  • Deputy DSLs and aspiring DSLs
  • Members of a school safeguarding team

How it works

  • A chapter meeting each termEach chapter meets online for two hours every term. The agenda is the same each time, so you know what to expect.
  • A monthly drop-inA short online session each month. Bring a question or a template you want a second pair of eyes on, or just come to listen.
  • A hard-case panelThree or four experienced DSLs hear one anonymised case and give advice. The school and the agencies keep the decision.
  • A local agency at every meetingI invite one local agency to each chapter meeting. You hear how it works in your country and you can ask it questions.
  • Shared templatesMembers share templates and checklists with each other. Nobody sells anything, and nothing shared may identify a child, a family, a colleague or a school.

The chapter meeting agenda

Every chapter meeting lasts two hours and follows the same five parts.

  1. NewsWhat has changed in law, guidance and inspection since the last meeting.
  2. Local agency updateA guest from one local agency speaks, then answers questions.
  3. One topical issueA single subject chosen by the chapter, discussed in depth.
  4. Anonymised hard-case panelOne case, presented without any identifying detail. The panel advises.
  5. ReflectionWhat each member will take back to school.

How the hard-case panel works

  • A panel of three or four experienced DSLs listens to one anonymised case.
  • The panel gives advice only. The school and the agencies keep the decision.
  • The Chatham House rule applies. You may use what you hear, but you may not say who said it or which school it came from.
  • Nobody takes notes and nothing is recorded during this part of the meeting.
  • Presenters describe the situation without names, places or details that could identify a child, a family, a colleague or a school.
  • The panel is not a way to report a concern. If a child may be at risk now, follow your school procedure and contact the agency that applies.

Chapters

  • Kazakhstan and Central AsiaOpening first
  • Gulf and Middle EastPlanned
  • Southeast AsiaPlanned
  • East AsiaPlanned
  • South AsiaPlanned
  • EuropePlanned
  • AfricaPlanned
  • Latin AmericaPlanned

Dates are not set for chapters that have not opened. If your region is not open yet, apply anyway and I will note where you are.

Community rules

  1. Never post or say anything that could identify a child, a family, a colleague or a school. This rule has no exceptions.
  2. Treat what you hear as confidential. Do not record, screenshot or repeat it outside the network.
  3. Give advice, not instructions. The decision stays with the school and the agencies.
  4. No selling. Do not promote products, services or your own business, in meetings, chat or shared files.
  5. Disagree about practice, never about people. Be kind and be direct.
  6. Follow your own school policy and local law. The network does not give legal advice.

Questions DSLs ask

Is the DSL Network free?
Yes. There is no fee to join, and meetings have no sales pitch.
Who can join the DSL Network?
Designated safeguarding leads, deputy DSLs and safeguarding team members who work in international schools. If your role is different, apply and tell me what it is. I will reply.
Do I have to work in Kazakhstan or Central Asia?
No. The network is global, with a chapter for each country or region. Kazakhstan and Central Asia open first. If your region has no chapter yet, you can still apply.
How often does a chapter meet?
Once each term, online, for two hours. There is also a short online drop-in each month. I confirm the date of the next chapter meeting with members by email.
What happens in the hard-case panel?
Three or four experienced DSLs hear one anonymised case and give advice. The school and the agencies keep the decision. The Chatham House rule applies, and nobody takes notes or records this part.
Can I bring a real case from my school?
Yes, once it is anonymised. Leave out every name, place and detail that could identify a child, a family, a colleague or your school. If you are unsure whether a detail could identify someone, leave it out.
Does the panel replace my school procedure or the local agencies?
No. The panel gives advice only. Your school and the agencies keep the decision, and the panel is not a way to report a concern.
Who runs the network?
I do. I am not a DSL. I organise the meetings and look after the rules. The advice on cases comes from experienced DSLs.
How do I join?
Fill in the form on this page. I will be in touch by email to confirm your membership.

Apply to join

Membership is free. Tell me a little about your role and school. I will use these details to confirm your membership and invite you to meetings.