Raising Awareness of Domestic Abuse – An update on safeguarding training

The National Safeguarding Team has updated the training requirements for the Raising Awareness of Domestic Abuse online course accessed online via the Church of England training portal .

Previously, this course had been a requirement for all clergy, licensed ministers, PSOs and PCC members. The national team have now updated this requirement so that anyone working with children, young people or vulnerable adults will be required to undertake the online course within 6 months of beginning a new role (or within the next 3 years if previously recruited). 

All clergy, licensed ministers and PSOs are still required to complete and update this training every 3 years. It is still best practice for PCC members and other church officers to complete the Domestic Abuse Awareness course.

From the 1 May, the Safeguarding Dashboards will be updated to reflect this in the ‘Church Activities’ section and these will need reviewing over the next 12 months before the dashboard light turns red. There will be further updates to the Raising Awareness of Domestic Abuse course over the coming months as the National Safeguarding Team continue to work on a new course.

Please note that this course may contain triggering content for some. If you, or someone you know, is affected by the content, the National Domestic Abuse Helpline is available 24/7 on 0808 2000 247 (further helplines are also posted on our website and on the ‘Promoting a Safer Church’ posters). Alternatively, please do get in touch with the safeguarding team who will be able to signpost you to support.

We are deeply grateful for the dedication of volunteers and staff across the diocese, and we recognise that these changes in requirements may have an impact on many. Please do remember that the diocesan Safeguarding team are here to support you. If you have any questions or need further guidance, please do visit the Safeguarding section of the Bath and Wells website.