Roles and responsibilities

This NCVO guide explains the core roles and responsibilities needed to embed effective safeguarding across a voluntary organisation, with particular focus on the designated safeguarding lead (DSL) — the minimum requirement for any organisation. It covers what a DSL does (managing referrals, record-keeping, liaising with the local authority) and how the role differs by organisational size, as well as the collective safeguarding duties of trustees. The guide also signposts specialist resources for CEOs, HR, fundraising, and marketing teams, plus external support through local authority contacts and national helplines. It is part of NCVO's broader 'Steps to a safer organisation' series and is relevant to organisations working with both children and adults at risk.