As a Church we are required to best equip our leaders and people to recognise and respond to safeguarding issues. The House of Bishops has therefore agreed a detailed guidance document that addresses training in core aspects of safeguarding within the context of worshipping communities. At the present time these requirements apply to all leaders (ordained and lay leaders) and those working or volunteering on behalf of church communities with children, young people or vulnerable adults. They apply therefore to all members of the Church of England leading or working in new or emerging forms of Church, including mission communities.

Click here for the Practice Guidance: Safeguarding and Development.

We have previously briefed all incumbents, PCC Secretaries and Parish Safeguarding Officers on the new arrangements relating to the Safeguarding Learning and Development Framework 2021. You can read the briefing here and also view the full document which highlights the appropriate mandatory training for all roles.

Safeguarding Learning and Development Framework 2021

What safeguarding training do I need for my role?

The expectation is that the Basic and Foundation modules will be completed online via the Church of England Safeguarding Training Portal. 

However, we understand that people may not always be able to access training online so we can provide materials to enable you to deliver face-to-face sessions within your own parish setting. Please let us know if you plan any such events and provide details of all those who attend and complete the training so that our records are kept up to date.

If you need further help or to submit details of training completed please email Kerry Ellis or the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser.

This training consists of two x 90 minute sessions which are usually delivered a week apart (*unless specified below). Also, by booking session one, participants are automatically enlisted onto the second session. To complete this training successfully, it is imperative that you attend both sessions, complete the pre programme work (which involves answering 4 questions but should take no more than an hour to complete) and also complete the post training reflective account. This information will all be sent to you in a separate email following booking. Please contact safeguarding.adviser@carlislediocese.org.uk if you have any questions about this before booking.

There is availability on both a selection of face to face and virtual courses, and we are also now trialling delivery of the two sessions in one day.

You only need to do this training if you have not completed the old C2/C3 level in the past three years. This level of training is for (as per the Safeguarding Learning & Development Framework 2021):

• All clergy holding the Bishop’s licence, commission, authorisation, or permission (including PtO where exemption has not been given and PtO specific pathway is not available – please contact the DSA if you require clraification) including Honorary/Assistant Bishops and Chaplains.
• All Readers and Licensed Lay Ministers holding the Bishop’s licence (under Canons E6 & E8), together with all others who hold the Bishop’s commission, authorisation, or permission to carry out similar ministerial functions (including PtO where exemption has not been given). (Ordinands need to have completed the Leadership Pathway before their diaconal ordination and lay ministers in training before they are licensed.)
• Non-executive members of Chapter (unless their role in the diocese requires a higher level).
• Parish Safeguarding Officers / Leads in all Church bodies.
• Teaching staff at Theological Education Institutions who are delivering the Leadership Pathway.
• It should also, according to the local context, include such other people who significantly influence the culture of that Church body. These may include, for example, lay ministry staff employed by a PCC or Bishops’ Mission Order, locally appointed leaders of new worshipping communities, focal ministers, and Churchwardens.*

* Whilst in many contexts the level of influence of Churchwardens may well not reach the threshold, it should be noted that this can increase significantly during vacancies. Please contact the DSA to discuss if you are unsure. 

If you have any questions/concerns about the contents or method of delivery of this course, or if there are any ways that we can assist you with your learning, either prior to or during the session, please make contact with Jo on safeguarding.adviser@carlislediocese.org.uk. We will do our best to facilitate your requirements. Please do this as soon as you have booked onto the course.

Click here for the Leadership training flow chart.

This stand-alone course is aimed at any person taking on the role of Parish Safeguarding Officer and / or, for existing Parish Safeguarding Officers.

The aim of this course is to equip learners with an understanding of the role of the Parish Safeguarding Officer and induct them into key working practices and relationships. It is delivered over a 3-hour session. There is a short piece of reflective work to complete afterwards. Feedback so far indicates that this course is assisting in empowering PSOs to understand their role and provides a networking opportunity to develop relationships with the DSA and other people in the same role as you.

The available dates and links to book are as follows (if you would like to attend but this date is not convenient, please contact safeguarding.administration@carlislediocese.org.uk so we can assist you with future dates):

‘Train The Trainer’ Training

Forthcoming Course

Raising Awareness of Domestic Abuse 2021

Face-to-Face Training

Modern Slavery and Safeguarding Training for PSOs