Safeguarding training

Learning bubble resting on hand

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 Framework.

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.
View live availability and book your place via the Diocesan Safeguarding Eventbrite page
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'.
Can’t book online or just have a question? Email the Team at email: training.safeguarding@bathwells.anglican.org. For urgent enquiries you can always call us on 01749 588907.

Please note: There have been updates on the required levels of training for Commissioned Lay Ministers (previously titled Lay Worship/Pastoral Assistants). Please view the drop down boxes below for further information.

Safeguarding Leadership Pathway courses

Leadership

Who is it for? (This is not an exhaustive list but an indication of roles.)

All clergy holding a bishop’s licence or permission, including PTO; Honorary/Assistant Bishops and Chaplains; all Readers, including Readers with PTO
Non-executive members of Chapter
Parish Safeguarding Officers/Leads.
Bell 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, Churchwardens (especially during vacancy).
Commissioned Lay Ministers covering a significant period of vacancy, or if the PCC determine the role has a significant influence on the church culture pllease note: in normal circumstances, the standard requirement is for Commissioned Lay Ministers to undertake basic awareness, foundations, and domestic abuse awareness training only).

How to access?

Visit the Events Calendar and select Safeguarding to view the current dates or visit the Eventbrite page to view live availability and book your place.

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.

Please note that the whole process of regular leadership course will take 5-6 weeks to complete in it's entirety including pre-course work, both training sessions, and the post course reflection.

We do also offer a condensed version of the Leadership Course specifically for those with PTO who may only undertake occasional parish ministry. The PTO condensed course is delivered in two session in 1 day and is supported by a workbook but with no need to submit any pre-course work. Sessions are available in person at Flourish House, Wells, and online via Zoom and can be booked via the Events Calendar or Eventbrite page.

Please note that the whole process of the PTO condensed Leadership course will take 5 weeks to complete in its entirety including pre-course work, the training day and the post course reflection. This course is not suitable for Assistant Bishops who should complete the regular leadership course.

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.

Foundations in Safeguarding

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 bishop's licence, or permission, inc. Clergy, PTO, Readers, and Commissioned Lay Ministers
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.

Basic Awareness

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 all church volunteers, church officers (including commissioned lay ministers), diocesan staff, bellringers and anyone requiring a higher level of 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 only need to 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

Parish Safeguarding Officer Induction and Networking (for new and existing PSOs)

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?

This course is run on an ad-hoc basis. If you are new PSO, or in need to a refresher, email training.safeguarding@bathwells.anglican.org to be added to the waiting list.

Raising Awareness of Domestic Abuse

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? (updated from January 2025)

Anyone holding a bishop’s licence, or permission, inc. Clergy, PTO, Readers, and Commissioned Lay Ministers
Ordinands during IME 1
Anyone who works in the church context with children or vulnerable adults
Parish Safeguarding Officers

How to access?

Access online via the Church of England's Safeguarding Portal.

When to renew?

Every three years. A newly appointed volunteer who meets the criteria shouldcomplete this course within 6 months of appointment. Existing volunteers who meet this criteria must complete this training within the next 3 years (by January 2028).

If you or someone you know is affected by the content of this course, the National Domestic Abuse Helpline is available 24/7 at 0808 2000 247 (further helplines are also available on our Reporting concerns or abuse - Bath and Wells Diocese page and on the 'Promoting a Safer Church' posters). Alternitively, please do get in touch with the safeguarding team who will be able to signpost to further support.

Safer Recruitment and People Management

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.

Year of Action on: Domestic Abuse

This year our focus is on Domestic Abuse Awareness. As part of this we are delivering a range of courses highlighting various and lesser known aspects of domestic abuse to raise awareness and equip staff.