Safeguarding Training

Core Safeguarding Training Requirements

All clergy, Readers, Licensed Lay Ministers and all who hold the Bishop’s licence, commission, authorisation or permission must complete training to Leadership level.  The latest Safeguarding Training dates for all upcoming courses in 2024 are below: 

To book a place on any course or if you have any queries about courses please contact safeguarding.training@durham.anglican.org or 01388 605 515.

Others requiring Safeguarding training

Those who are new to Church of England Safeguarding training must begin with the Basic Awareness course and do all the levels up to the one they need for their role (so new churchwardens with no previous church-based safeguarding training will need to complete Basic Awareness, Foundation and Leadership training).

Those who have completed church-based training in the last three years only have to refresh at the highest level they are required to do - eg PSOs must do Basic Awareness, Foundations and Leadership, but as long as they have completed training in the last three years, they only need to do the Leadership for their renewal.  

Which course(s) do I need to do?

1. Basic Awareness

Delivery: 

E- learning through the Church of England Safeguarding Training Portal

Required by:  

• All Church Officers
• Anyone who has to complete any other higher level of training

2. Foundation

Delivery: 

E- learning through the Church of England Safeguarding Training Portal 

Required by:  

• Anyone in a role, which involves work with children, young people, or vulnerable adults.
• Churchwardens
• Anyone going on to complete any other safeguarding learning pathway.
• Vergers
• PCC Members 
• Parish Safeguarding Officers
• Bell Tower Captains and Bell Ringing Teachers

3. Leadership

Delivery: 

Online training platform or in-person session, delivered by the Diocesan Safeguarding Team. Dates and booking details can be found at the top of this page. To book a place on any course or if you have any queries about courses please contact safeguarding.training@durham.anglican.org or 01388 605 515.

Required by:

• Parish Safeguarding Officers
• Churchwardens
• Bell Tower Captains and Bell Ringing Teachers
• Leaders* of groups which involve work with children, young people, or vulnerable adults.

*Note:
‘Leader’ means the person in overall charge of a group; the ‘go-to’ person for decisions about activities or things that happen during sessions.  ‘Helpers’ will generally need training to Foundation level. 

If you are in any doubt about which level of training your role requires, please contact your Parish Safeguarding Officer or Beth Miller - Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser
Email: beth@bethmillerisw.co.uk | beth.miller@durham.anglican.org

Additional Training Requirements

Safer Recruitment and People Management (SRPM)

The aim of this training is 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.

Delivery:

E- learning through the Church of England Safeguarding Training Portal

Required by:

• All clergy involved in the recruitment or line management of Church Officers (employees, elected members, and volunteers)
• Churchwardens
• Parish Safeguarding Officers
• Others involved in recruitment or line management of Church Officers (employees, elected members, and volunteers)
• Those with responsibility for administering DBS

Note:  before completing this training, you must have current training to Foundation level or above.

Raising Awareness of Domestic Abuse

The aim of this training is to equip participants to engage thoughtfully and proactively with the issue of domestic abuse and those affected.

Delivery:

E- learning through the Church of England Safeguarding Training Portal or in person training. Please contact safeguarding.training@durham.anglican.org; 01388 605 515 to enquire about in person training.   

Required by:

• All clergy, Readers Licensed Lay Ministers and anyone holding the Bishop’s licence, commission, authorisation, or permission
• Parish Safeguarding Officers
• PCC members

Note:  before completing this training you must have current training to Foundation level or above.

Although the National Guidance Requires PCC members to complete this training this is currently under review by the National Safeguarding Team.  As such you may choose to wait until the decision has been made before requiring PCC members to undergo this training.