Advanced Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) Training for British International Schools

Meet BSO, COBIS, and CIS standards. Learn how to successfully apply UK safeguarding compliance (KCSIE 2026) within your local international context.

Being a Designated Safeguarding Lead in a British International School is uniquely complex. You are expected to maintain gold-standard UK safeguarding practices while navigating transient expat communities, high-wealth family dynamics, and host-country laws that often clash with British standards. Furthermore, you must manage risk without the safety net of UK social services like MASH or a LADO.

You need training designed specifically for the international circuit.

Led by Michael Hawkins, a safeguarding expert who has worked directly with international schools and overseas governments, this 1-day accredited masterclass bridges the gap between UK statutory compliance and the realities of your international setting. Trusted by international schools in Africa and Europe.

Maintain Your Elite Accreditations

Our advanced DSL training ensures your international school is fully prepared for rigorous overseas inspections. The syllabus is aligned with:

• BSO (British Schools Overseas) Standards
• COBIS & CIS Safeguarding Requirements
• Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2025/2026 (Applied to an international context)
• Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026

How this masterclass makes you a more confident International DSL:

This highly interactive, 6-hour live Zoom training connects you with other international DSLs to share best practices. You will leave with actionable skills to protect your students and your school’s reputation. You will learn how to:

• Navigate Legal Conflicts: Understand how to balance KCSIE 2026 mandates with the local laws and cultural norms of your host country.
• Manage Without a LADO: Learn best-practice frameworks for managing allegations against staff when you do not have a UK Local Authority to rely on.
• Master International Safer Recruitment: Identify the gaps in overseas police checks (ICPC) and learn how to secure your hiring pipeline against transient offenders.
• Address Contextual Expat Risks: Handle complex disclosures related to “third culture kids,” affluent neglect, and online exploitation.

The Core Syllabus

• The statutory roles and responsibilities of the International DSL.
• Translating UK thresholds (Early Help & Section 47) to your local infrastructure.
• Managing peer-on-peer abuse and radicalisation in a global setting.
• Safer recruitment and managing staff allegations internally.
• Managing safeguarding governance and reporting to your international Board of Directors.
• Action planning for your next BSO or COBIS inspection.

Prefer bespoke, whole-staff training for your International School?

Ensure your entire international staff (including local hires) understands your safeguarding culture. We deliver tailored, online training via Zoom, carefully scheduled to accommodate your school’s local time zone or face to face in your location.

Contact Mark today to discuss your global needs:

📧 safeguarding@alltrainingmatters.co.uk | 📞 +44 (0)20 8355 6834

Frequently asked questions

• How long does the training last?
  It is a 6-hour masterclass.
• Is the course certified?
  Yes, it is CPD certified and recognised globally as official Level 3 Designated Safeguarding Lead training, meeting BSO and COBIS criteria.
• How do you handle time zones for live Zoom training?
  For individual bookings, our open courses run on UK time (GMT/BST). However, if you book bespoke training for your school, we will schedule the Zoom sessions to fit your local time zone perfectly.
• Does the training cover new UK changes like KCSIE 2026?
  The course is updated monthly to ensure absolute compliance with the latest UK guidance, while constantly reflecting on how to apply those changes internationally.

Real reviews from International Schools

“High-quality training and very impressed that they had taken time to research our local environment to tailor the information accordingly” – Headteacher, Cairo

“The Safeguarding for Parents session was very well received, to the extent that news had spread amongst parents and the second session they delivered was oversubscribed…excellent in helping to engage parents” – Deputy Head, Cairo

“Have to say Michael and Mark make a great team, covering all the bases” – Assistant Head Teacher

“The Health & Safety walk around helped confirm many of the things we were questioning” – Deputy Head, El Gouna

About the trainer

Michael Hawkins is currently the school improvement lead for a large London local authority with responsibility for 100 schools and settings from Early Years to Post-16. He leads on education safeguarding for the local authority and works alongside professionals in education, health, child and adult social care and other agencies. This current and practical experience is reflected in the materials, activities and discussions in his safeguarding training. He has worked in education for over 30 years, in a range of London schools, for Local Authorities and in national roles. He has also worked internationally with schools and governments on safeguarding and school improvement.