Becoming and being DLP: Designated Liaison Persons’ experience of the role in the Irish primary school

A systematic review and thematic synthesis of research on school leadership in the Republic of Ireland

“…This is an example of a specific role that is normally expected to be the principal of deputy principal; it is a role concerned with child protection and involves co-professional interaction with the school's pastoral care team and child protection services. Nohilly (2018) found that participants perceived the experience offered by this role in disadvantaged schools to be particularly rich and transformative, although the study does not postulate how leadership may be shared with teachers (either formally or informally) or how organisational structures might play a factor in the almost inevitability that the principal or deputy principal becomes the DLP.…”

“…This study found that leadership potential was limited by the hierarchical structures of school organisation and that, in the context of an evolving policy context of initial teacher education, more attention should be paid to the relationship senior school leaders have with teacher leaders, particularly the principal and mentor teachers. Similarly, a recent study examined how teacher leaders become designated liaison persons (DLPs) (Nohilly, 2018). This is an example of a specific role that is normally expected to be the principal of deputy principal; it is a role concerned with child protection and involves co-professional interaction with the school's pastoral care team and child protection services.…”

Child Protection in Irish Primary Schools: Supports and Challenges in the Role of Designated Liaison Person for Child Protection

“…Findings from research indicate that the role of DLP is one that is extremely emotional and challenging: 'the isolation and sole responsibility of the role become more apparent when the reality of supporting a hurt child and liaising with staff, families and outside agencies are taken on board (Nohilly, 2018, p.22).' In 2008 carried out an investigation and review of the role of DLP.…”