In addition to the safeguarding learning pathways detailed above, additional development opportunities will be offered by the National Safeguarding Team. These additional opportunities will be arranged / commissioned / delivered nationally in response to safeguarding developments and learning from national and local reviews for a range of attendees across Church bodies. Moving forwards this work will be presented by way of a structured training plan for each year. The plan will clearly set out:
- Why we are offering the opportunities.
- Who each opportunity is for.
- What forms our core offer each year.
- What the opportunities are for advancing and developing skills.
- How we will support safeguarding staff to develop new knowledge.
Whilst there will be an offer of additional learning opportunities from the NST to safeguarding staff it is also important that they are encouraged to take responsibility for their own CPD and that they make use of local resources and opportunities.
Examples of such opportunities will include:
- Training in risk assessment on an annual basis.
- Training in Spiritual Abuse and Healthy Cultures and Mental Health First Aid.
- Training for Chairs and members of Safeguarding Case Management Groups[1].
- Networking days for DSOs / CSOs / Safeguarding Trainers (at least annually).
- Networking days for Cathedrals.
- Networking days for Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel Chairs.
6.1 Induction Programme
A series of induction videos covering a broad range of topics is now available on the safeguarding training portal. Whilst the materials have been prepared with safeguarding team members in mind, some will be of use to other colleagues and so the videos accessible for anyone volunteering or working within the church who needs or wants an understanding of how safeguarding works.
Topics covered as part of the programme are:
- The history of the Church
- Safeguarding: The Church’s history of safeguarding
- Church Traditions
- Doctrine – Theology
- Connectivity between safeguarding and the faith
- Structure and Roles within the Church of England
- Governance and Decision Making
- Formation
- Discernment
- Canon Law / CDM
- Diocesan Secretaries
- Lay Ministries
- National Safeguarding Panel
- The role of the DSAP Chair
6.2 Post Graduate Certificate and Master of Science - Safeguarding: Leading Safer Organisations
The MSc and PG Certificate in Safeguarding: Leading Safer Organisations is uniquely designed to support leaders and future leaders in a wide range of organisations to better protect children and adults at risk. The course has been developed with statutory, faith based and third sector organisations, recognising the need for cultural change, and to better understand risk from perpetrators and the impact on victims.
The quality of leadership and practice within institutions is critical in protecting children and adults at risk of harm, and in preventing and responding to abuse. Leaders have a key role and responsibility in improving culture and practice in responding to vulnerable children and adulates. Leaders need to model the right behaviours and values, including engage in open and honest dialogue within their organisations to promote and ensure safe practices. The programme aims to be reflective of cutting-edge thinking, practice, and research in safeguarding and in leadership, drawing on contemporary issues nationally and internationally. To support the programme national and international leading academics, practitioners and organisational leaders have been invited to contribute to the design, development, teaching, learning and assessment of the programme.
As part of the programme, there is input from experts regarding understanding of perpetrator behaviour, the experience of victims, trauma, and the healing journey. There is a strong emphasis on equality, diversity and inclusion and understanding how these can impact safeguarding in multiple contexts. Systems to protect individuals from the risk of allegations through safer working practices and the response to allegations in also addressed.
From the end of the first module learners will be able to demonstrate dealing with complex safeguarding issues systematically, sensitively, and creatively, making safe judgements often in the absence of complete data.
The MSc and PG Certificate in Safeguarding: Leading Safer Organisations is a part time, modular programme, at level 7 (post graduate level). The title reflects the emphasis of the degree; it is not primarily for professional safeguarding officers within organisations, but for leaders and future leaders who have (or will have) responsibility for creating and leading cultures that are protective rather than harmful, but who do not have a professional background in safeguarding. The degree is aimed at senior leaders from several sectors including faith, sport, the arts, charities, non-government organisation (NGO) and across the voluntary sector.
In a press release to support the launch of the course Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York said: "I welcome wholeheartedly the opportunity the qualification in Leading Safer Organisations offers to explore good safeguarding practice and how we can all individually contribute to create safer organisations.
“This course equips leaders with the knowledge, skills and understanding they need to enhance the work already being done to embed safeguarding in all we do, and to make our organisations safe spaces for children, young people, and vulnerable adults. I hope many will be interested in the flexible study options that are available."