Quick links and helpful hints
- Visit the Church of England’s Safeguarding Portal to complete your online courses, for example, Basic Awareness, Foundation and Domestic Abuse Awareness.
- Find our training courses on the Events Calendar - select ‘Safeguarding’ from the drop down menu to see our upcoming courses, including 'Leadership and Training for Parish Safeguarding Officers'.
- Need leadership training near you? If you have a group of 15 or more people in need of training, email Ben Goodhind at email: Ben.Goodhind@bathwells.anglican.org to find out about our bespoke offerings.
- Can’t book online or just have a question? Email Leonie at email: training.safeguarding@bathwells.anglican.org. For urgent enquiries you can always call us on 01749 588907.
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and as a diocese we are striving to provide the tools and support to help us grow our depth of knowledge. Core safeguarding training modules aim to promote a safer church across church communities, from members of our congregations to our senior leaders. For some, completion of safeguarding training is an expectation as we strive to achieve best practice. For others, it is a mandatory requirement for the role they fulfil.
Some form of safeguarding training should take place at least once every three years, when you should refresh the highest level of training you have undertaken. For the latest safeguarding training guidance, check out the Church of England’s Learning and Development Practice Guidance.
Safeguarding Leadership Pathway courses
Who is it for? (This is not an exhaustive list but an indication of roles.)
- All clergy holding a bishop’s licence, commission, or permission, including PTO, Honorary/Assistant Bishops and Chaplains; all Readers and licensed Lay Ministers, including PTO
- Non-executive members of Chapter; Safeguarding Officers/Leads.
- Tower captains working with children or within one of our larger churches
- Anyone in a local context who significantly influences the culture of that church body, for example, lay ministry staff and Churchwardens, especially during vacancy
How to access?
Visit the Events Calendar and select Safeguarding to view the current dates.
This course is delivered as two sessions, one week apart, and is supported by a workbook which should be completed and submitted to the training inbox one week before the first session. Sessions are available in person at Flourish House, Wells, and online via Zoom.
When to renew?
Every three years. You only need to refresh at the highest level, but we do recommend revisiting the Basic Awareness and Foundation courses for a reminder of the basics.
This course aims to provide a deeper understanding of safeguarding and enables learners to contribute to, and implement, good safeguarding practice within church and community contexts.
Who is it for?
- Anyone holding a bishops's licence, commission, or permission, e.g. Clergy, PTO, Readers, Lay Worship and Pastoral Assistants
- Anyone training to become one of the above, prior to BAP, selection or discernment
- Churchwardens
- Vergers
- PCC members
- Anyone in a role working with children, young people or vulnerable adults
- Anyone requiring a higher level of leadership training
How to access?
Access online via the Church of England's Safeguarding Portal.
When to renew?
Every three years. If you have completed more of the pathway you can just refresh at the highest level, but we recommend going through the course again as it is a good reminder of the foundations.
This course aims to provide learners with a basic awareness of safeguarding and enable them to integrate this into their Christian faith and the Church’s ministry.
Who is it for?
Everyone! This is a required course for anyone requiring a higher level of leadership training, all church officers, and diocesan staff. We also encourage volunteers in all roles to complete this course to brush up on their basic Safeguarding Awareness.
How to access?
Access online via the Church of England's Safeguarding Portal.
When to renew?
Every three years. If you have completed more of the pathway you can just refresh at the highest level, but we recommend going through the course again as it is a good reminder of the basics.
Further safeguarding courses
This course aims to engage and equip all Parish Safeguarding Officers with information they need to complete the varied aspects of this important role. The half-day course includes information on what to do in the case of a safeguarding disclosure, managing risk, safer recruitment and use of the parish dashboards.
Who is it for?
This course is suitable for both new PSOs and those who would like a refresher.
How to access?
Visit the Events Calendar and select Safeguarding to view the current dates.
This course aims to equip learners with the information they need to engage thoughtfully and proactively with the issue of domestic abuse and those affected.
Who is it for?
- Anyone holding a bishop’s licence, commission, or permission, e.g. Clergy, PTO and Readers
- Ordinands during IME 1
- Pastoral Visitors
- Safeguarding Officers - PCC Members
How to access?
Access online via the Church of England's Safeguarding Portal.
When to renew?
Every three years.
This course aims to equip participants with an understanding of safer recruitment and the skills and practices necessary to promote positive safeguarding behaviour (and detect safeguarding risk) once a person is in role.
Who is it for?
- Line Managers and anyone involved in recruitment of church officers, whether paid employees or volunteers
- Those with DBS administration responsibilities
- Safeguarding Officers
- Ordinands during IME 1
How to access?
Access online via the Church of England's Safeguarding Portal.
When to renew?
Every three years.
Who to contact
For general training enquiries and bookings please email: training.safeguarding@bathwells.anglican.org.
Downloads
Safeguarding Leadership Training dates (updated 6 June 2024)
Accessing the CofE Safeguarding Portal
Leadership Chaplaincy Pathway Handbook
Leadership for PTO Course Handbook
