Landlord planning on not securing bond?

Protecting a deposit does not necessarily mean the money is physically handed over to a third pary. Your landlady will be putting it into an account and holding until the end of your tenancy. The protection is a matter or her registering the deposit with whichever scheme she uses. Nothing whatsoever to panic about. You will get your DPS details through. I am sure your landlady is perfectly aware of her responsibilities. This is perfectly normal.