Safeguarding From the Top: When the Head Is the DSL

What happens when your headteacher is also the DSL… and the culture isn’t just written on paper, it’s actually lived?In this episode, Chris speaks with Jon Turner about the realities of being both Headteacher and DSL - the leadership strain, the sleepless nights, and the cultural backbone that makes it all possible.Jon shares:how he built a trust-first culture from day onewhy empathy is a leadership strength rather than a soft option, andwhat it feels like to make a referral at 4.30pm… then spend the evening wondering if a child is actually safe.This is an honest, vulnerable, and deeply human look at safeguarding from the top, and the emotional weight no policy ever prepares you for.Connect:Jon Turner - Head of Academy & DSLKVPA School: https://www.kvpa.org.uk/index.asp---Useful Links: https://buymeacoffee.com/cornerstonesafeguarding  - Every coffee you buy helps us keep creating practical tools and content for safeguarding professionals like youTo find out more about Cornerstone Safeguarding - www.CornerstoneSafeguarding.co.uk Email us at Cornerstone: [email protected] in a meeting to discuss your safeguarding needs: https://calendar.app.google/AGMat9bDsAjPtqMZASubscribe to Cornerstone Connect - https://www.cornerstonesafeguarding.co.uk/cornerstoneconnectsignup - for fresh safeguarding insights, priority access to support, and exclusive discounts. Chris East on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-east-801496174/Leah East on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-east-cornerstone/Producers of this episode: Chris East, Leah EastHost of this episode: Chris East