Safeguarding Training

Approved training in the safeguarding of children and adults and procedures and good practice is offered to all clergy and lay people, paid and unpaid, who work with children and young people and adults in the diocese.

The C0 course is available in the Safeguarding Training Portal. It is recommended learning for all members of a PCC, and as useful basic knowledge for anyone who does not need to attend face to face training. It is included as pre-reading for anyone signed up to attend the Foundation (C1) module.

There are clear signposts throughout the e-learning for anyone with immediate needs to be responded to appropriately. Your PSO or incumbent would also be able to signpost to additional support.

The Foundation (C1) and Leadership (C3) courses are run by the Diocesan Safeguarding training team. Separate training specific to the role is also available for Parish Safeguarding reps.

Those working with children or adults should attend the relevant diocesan training course (which is specific to the church environment) within 12 months of taking up a post, even if they already have previous knowledge of safeguarding. If your role is not one for which a DBS check is required, but you work with children or vulnerable adults then you should still attend the Foundation (C1) training.

Churchwardens and PCC members are also welcome and encouraged to attend.

There is no charge for the course but it is essential to book in advance by contacting dbsadmin@cofe-worcester.org.uk to ensure that there are spaces available or that the event is viable.

C0 course

Recommended learning for all members of a PCC, and as useful basic knowledge for anyone who does not need to attend face to face training. The C0 course is available in the Safeguarding Training Portal. 

Foundation (C1) course

For all lay workers or church workers (paid or voluntary). Face-to-face training has been suspended until at least 2021, but the Foundation (C1) course can be accessed online via the Safeguarding Training Portal.  

Leadership (C2) course (was previously C3)

For Clergy, Retired Clergy, Readers & Authorised Lay Ministers. Leadership (C2) training should be renewed on a three-yearly basis. Face-to-face training has been suspended until at least 2021, but the National Safeguarding Team has adapted the course into a digital format, comprising two sessions of an hour and a half over Zoom, plus some preliminary reflections and an evaluation task:

Thursdays 10th & 17th September 2020, 10:00am-11:30am

Mondays 21st September & 5th October 2020, 7:00pm-8:30pm

Wednesdays 14th & 21st October 2020, 10:00am-11:30am

Please email dbsadmin@cofe-worcester.org.uk for more information and to book.

Safer Recruitment Training

For Parish Safeguarding Officers, DBS Administrators, and anyone involved in parish recruitment. Incorporates the S1 Safer Recruitment module and the new online system for DBS applications. Dates will be scheduled in due course, please check back soon. 

Resources from the Safeguarding training courses

• Risk Assessment template for activities
• Personal safety risk assessment
• Responding to Safeguarding situations flow chart
• Recording form template for Safeguarding concerns or disclosures
• Sample policy for Social Media use

External links for Safeguarding advice

• For further information on Safeguarding children including a helpline phone number for advice external to the diocese, the Churches’ Child Protection Advisory Service may be helpful.
• For support and advice with regard to stopping child sexual abuse, the ‘Stop it Now’ website is very helpful.
• For advice on staying safe online in your homes and churches including concerns about social media, gaming platforms and tablet devices: CEOP’s ‘Think U know’ website has excellent resources for children, teenagers, teachers, parents and carers.
• For resources and support where you may be concerned about abuse of elderly, vulnerable adults, the ‘Action on Elder Abuse’ charity has a website and helpline for advice.
• For advice on domestic violence issues.