The Church has an ambition to make a paradigm shift in its relationship with safeguarding, so that safeguarding flows from the essence of its mission and values. Safeguarding training is a key aspect of working towards this ambition.
Attendance at Church of England training is mandatory for anyone performing certain roles connected with church activity including those who are lay and ordained. There is also a requirement to refresh training every three years. Although you may have done safeguarding training with other organisations, you are still required to complete the Church of England training which has been developed specifically for church context to support you in your role. For more information from the national church regarding safeguarding training click here.
There are four 'levels' or 'Core Pathways' of training and different roles are eligible for each level. Each course builds on the knowledge gained from the previous, so they should be completed in consecutive order until the individual has reached the highest level of learning for their role.
There is also a safer recruitment online course (available through the Church of England Training Portal), and Understanding Domestic Abuse which will be available online and as a face-to-face course from January 2022.
Within Salisbury Diocese we have created a matrix to help guide parishes about
the minimum level of training (and DBS) each role may require.
Please be aware that the Church Of England are currently revising their Safeguarding Training Development Framework so when this is announced there will be changes to which roles need to complete which level of training.
Accessibility
If you struggle to access the safeguarding training for whatever reason, please do not hesitate to contact our training coordinator at parishsupport@salisbury.anglican.org, who will be able to discuss how we might be able to make reasonable adjustments to support you.
This may be relevant if you are a survivor of abuse and may require some additional support to enable you to engage with training.
If you require support to access the National Safeguarding Training Portal, you can contact their helpdesk on elearning@mail.safeguardingtraining.cofeportal.org.
Core Training Pathways
Basic (approximately 1.5 hours)
For those within Church communities who need to have a basic awareness of safeguarding issues.
This course is completed online via the Church Of England Training Portal. Some parishes and churches are delivering this course face-to-face.
Foundations (approximately 1.5 hours)
For those who hold responsibility for safeguarding others within church settings. Please complete Basic Awareness before undertaking Foundations.
This course is completed online via the Church Of England Training Portal. Some parishes and churches are delivering this course face-to-face.
Leadership training (2 x 90 minutes online, or 1 x 3 hours face-to-face)
This course is designed for those people who play a lead role in shaping the culture of the church body concerned. Please complete Basic Awareness and Foundations before undertaking Leadership training.
This course is facilitated by the Diocese of Salisbury via an online zoom course or face-to-face learning. You will need to register and then book through the events and training section of the website.
Senior Leadership
For Bishop’s and the senior staff team within a diocese for example the Diocesan Secretary. This course is led by the National Safeguarding Team.
Delivered over 3 sessions with a total of 6 hours of input with pre and post course work to be completed, this pathway explores leadership behaviours and organisational culture issues in depth.
Permission To Officiate
The Leadership Pathway for those with PtO is now available as a face to face course. To book your place please go to the events and training page of the website.
Additional Training courses
Raising Awareness of Domestic Abuse
This is an online course and can be accessed via The Church of England Training Portal.
Safer Recruitment and People Management
This is an online course and can be accessed via The Church of England Training Portal.
Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking
This is an online course and can be accessed via The Church of England Training Portal.
Train the Trainer Course
Periodically we offer Train the Trainer courses so parishes can then deliver Basic and Foundation courses within their locality. For more information please contact our training coordinator at parishsupport@salisbury.anglican.org.