Safeguarding Training

Contact the Diocesan Safeguarding team
If you have a concern that you need to share with the Diocesan Safeguarding team, please email us or phone us on 01905 732800. If possible, please complete this referral form and attach it to your email – the team will contact you at the earliest opportunity

All PCC members, licensed and lay ministers, and those working in roles with children and/or vulnerable adults must complete the relevant level of training as set out by the Learning and Development Framework 2024.

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

Most training is now completed either individually online, via the Safeguarding Training Portal, or via a virtual group.  All training must be renewed on a 3 yearly basis – renewing at the highest level required for your role.

For guidance using the online portal, please see Guide to Accessing the Training Portal and Training Portal FAQ. For technical queries relating to the portal (e.g. difficulty logging on or problems with username or password), please email elearning@mail.safeguardingtraining.cofeportal.org. For other training queries, please email dbsadmin@cofe-worcester.org.uk.

Basic Awareness course

Preparatory module for all other training levels, and useful basic knowledge for anyone who is interested. The Basic Awareness module is available via the Safeguarding Training Portal. Please contact your PSO for support in accessing this if required.

Foundation course

Required learning for all PCC members, those working with children and/or vulnerable adults, and as pre-requisite learning for anyone needing to complete ‘Leadership module’ Available via the Safeguarding Training Portal. Please contact your PSO for support in accessing this if required.

Leadership course

This course is designed for those people who play a lead role in shaping the culture of the Church.This includes Clergy, Retired Clergy, Readers, Authorised Lay Ministers, Parish Safeguarding Officers, Tower Captains (at prominent towers or who teach/instruct) and anyone who significantly influences the culture of the church or other relevant body. Church Wardens are not required to attend unless in vacancy, although are welcome at any time. 

If you are not sure what level of safeguarding training you should complete, please check Here for a complete list.

Before attending the Safeguarding Leadership course, you are required to read the 'Culture Audit' and answer some reflective questions. You will need to send your answered pre-course reflective questions and culture audit to the DBS Adminstrator at least 5 working days before your course. Please click on the links below to download the workbook containing the questions and other information required for the course:

Delegate Workbook

Culture Conversation Audit

Pre-Course Questions x2

Social GGRRAAACCEEESSS

Zoom FAQ

Virtual courses will take place on the following dates:

Wednesdays 3rd & 10th September 2025, 10am-11:30am; Book Here

Mondays 29th September & 6th October, 7pm-8:30pm; Book Here

Thursdays 9th & 16th October, 2pm-3:30pm; Book Here

Tuesdays 4th & 11th November, 10am-11:30am; Book Here

Further dates will follow in due course; to be added to the waiting list please email the DBS Administrator.

Both sessions must be attended in order to complete the course and bookings can be made using the relevant link – you only need to register for the first session which will qualify you for both (we have deliberately blocked out the second sessions so they will appear as “sold out”, to avoid duplicate bookings). 

We will be holding an in-person Leadership session at the Diocesan Office, Lowesmoor Wharf, on Wednesday 26th November between 10am and 3pm (including breaks). If you are unable to access the training virtually, or would prefer to attend in-person, please email the DBS Administrator to book. 

We run a specialised pathway for those holding PTO; invitations will be sent at time of renewal, or email the DBS Administrator for further information. 

Please note that places are limited and therefore fill quickly.

Raising Awareness of Domestic Abuse

It is a national requirement that this online training is completed by all clergy and lay ministers holding the Bishop's licence or Permission to Officiate, and also by all Parish Safeguarding Officers. It is also available to others in church officer roles who wish to increase their awareness, and will become a requirement for further roles (e.g. ALMs) later this year. The module is available as an online course via the Safeguarding Training Portal; it is accessible in your own time and does not need to be completed in one sitting. If you feel affected by any of the content of this training, please contact one of the safeguarding team who will be pleased to offer support.

Modern Slavery training

This optional module is available to everyone via the Safeguarding Training Portal.

Safer Recruitment Training

For Parish Safeguarding Officers, DBS Administrators, and anyone involved in parish recruitment, this is now available as an online course, accesible through the Safeguarding Training Portal.

Page last updated: Monday 14th July 2025 2:03 PM

 

Please remember - if a child or an adult is at immediate risk of significant harm or in immediate danger, call the emergency services on 999.

Contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisers

If you have safeguarding concerns about the welfare of a child, young person or an adult, please email the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisers for advice and support or phone 01905 732800.

If possible, please complete this referral form and attach it to your email – the team will contact you at the earliest opportunity.

Contact the team.

Contact details of Social Services and Police within the Diocese

  • Non-Urgent Police Enquiries - 101 (you will be put through to the appropriate force eg West Mercia or West Midlands)
  • Worcestershire - 01905 822 666 (out of hours 01905 768020)
  • Dudley Area which includes Halesowen, Stourbridge and Brierley Hill – 0300 555 0055 (out of hours 0300 555 8574)
  • Sandwell – 0121 569 2266

Latest Safeguarding News

Increased support for safeguarding

Following last year’s safeguarding audit, which recommended that the diocesan safeguarding team should be further strengthened, Casey Gallagher has joined the team as Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding Officer.
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