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Designated Safeguarding Officer

  • Level(s) of Study: Short course
  • Course Fee:

    Available at no cost to eligible individuals (see criteria below).

  • Start Date(s): Tuesday 14 October 2025
  • Duration: Tuesday 14 & Wednesday 15 October 2025, 10am-4pm (two days)
  • Study Mode(s): Part-time
  • Location: Kirkby-in-Ashfield
  • Entry Requirements: More information
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Introduction:

Please note: This course is delivered through the Enterprising Ashfield project, which is funded by the Government's Towns Fund. Nottingham Trent University (NTU) is pleased to offer free (fully funded) places on this course to support individuals and employees of businesses that are based in the towns of Kirkby-in-Ashfield and Sutton-in-Ashfield.

This comprehensive 2-day course is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills required to perform the role of a Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO).

Focused on safeguarding children, young people, and vulnerable adults, this course covers key legislation, best practices, and the responsibilities of a DSO in ensuring the safety and protection of individuals in various settings.

This course is ideal for individuals appointed as Designated Safeguarding Officers, as well as managers, leaders, or those working in roles that involve safeguarding responsibilities in schools, healthcare, charities, and community organisations.

What you’ll study

What will I learn?

  • Understand their responsibilities as a Designated Safeguarding Officer.
  • Recognise and respond to safeguarding concerns effectively.
  • Gain confidence in handling disclosures and escalating concerns appropriately.
  • Be familiar with key safeguarding legislation and best practices.
  • Understand how to work with external agencies to ensure protection.

What skills will I gain?

  • Roles and responsibilities of a Designated Safeguarding Officer.
  • Understanding safeguarding legislation and guidance.
  • Recognising signs of abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
  • How to handle disclosures and concerns appropriately.
  • Recording and reporting safeguarding incidents.
  • Working with external agencies and safeguarding teams.
  • Managing safeguarding within your organisation.

Certificate of attendance and digital badge

Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a digital certificate of attendance and a digital badge powered by Accredible.

Your digital credential is more than just a certificate – it’s secure, verifiable, and protected against fraud through encryption and blockchain technology.

They also come with detailed metadata, including an overview of the skills you have achieved on the course, evidence of completion, and assessment criteria if appropriate.

Share your achievements seamlessly with friends, customers, and potential employers online, and proudly add your badge or certificate to social media platforms such as LinkedIn, so all the right people can see it.

How you’re taught

The course will be delivered in-person from the Summit Centre in Kirkby-in-Ashfield.

Contact hours

Tuesday 14 & Wednesday 15 October 2025, 10am-4pm

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Tutor profiles: Beth Rhodes

Beth Rhodes is an experienced quality and compliance Internal Quality Assurer (IQA) and auditor with over 14 years’ experience in the training sector, currently leading the training division at Clear Quality.

She has developed training materials, systems, products, qualification standards, and specifications across a wide range of sectors, including management, logistics, customer service, retail, catering, hospitality, and administration.

Beth is responsible for overseeing quality, compliance, and development for the training and certification business. This includes the creation of training materials, products, systems, procedures, standards, and qualifications. Additionally, she manages the development of Learning Management Systems (LMS), SharePoint, and the operational procedures for her team, ensuring the highest standards of training, certification, and qualifications through rigorous auditing.

Entry requirements

You must be over the age of 18 in order to attend this course.

To be eligible for a fully funded place, you must live or work in the towns of Kirkby-in-Ashfield or Sutton-in-Ashfield. To check if your home or work postcode is eligible visit the Enterprising Ashfield postcode checker page.

Fees and funding

This course is available at no cost to eligible participants.

If you live or work outside the eligible postcode area, you can join our fee-paying short courses delivered on the City Campus.

How to apply

Click to here apply

If you have any questions about this course, you can email EnterprisingAshfield@ntu.ac.uk or call us at +44 (0)115 848 2813.