Zoom training dates for Local Leadership, National Leadership Pathway and Raising Awareness of Domestic Abuse available below – contact natasha.nield@winchester.anglican.org.
The Diocese of Winchester is working towards creating a church which is safer for everyone. The Church has an ambition to make a paradigm shift in its relationship with safeguarding, so that safeguarding flows from the essence of its mission and values. Safeguarding training is a key aspect of working towards this ambition.
Attendance at Church of England training is mandatory for anyone performing certain roles connected with church activity including those who are lay and ordained. There is also a requirement to refresh the learning every three years. The Church of England’s Safeguarding Learning and Development Framework sets out the Church’s safeguarding learning pathways for all Church bodies, and the expectations on Church Officers in respect of those pathways.
There are four pathways of safeguarding learning. The pathways build on the knowledge gained from the previous pathway and therefore they must be completed in consecutive order until the individual has reached the highest level of learning required for their role.
Within the Diocese of Winchester, we have created a matrix to help guide parishes with identifying the minimum level of training each role may require.
Additional support for those undertaking the pathways – we want to ensure no one is excluded from completing any of the pathways. If we can support you by providing the details in a different format or supporting you over the phone, or by email please let us know. If you require someone to sit with you during the Zoom or on-line sessions to assist you, please do so.
Safeguarding learning can impact participants in a variety of ways. If you feel at all uncomfortable about any aspect of the learning, please get in touch with our Safeguarding Trainer either before or after you attend the course. If there is anything that would trigger any previous experience of abuse or make participation difficult then please ask to speak to the trainer.
Safeguarding Training
For any safeguarding training please get in touch with our safeguarding training officer:
The Core Safeguarding Learning Pathways
This pathway gives an overview of what safeguarding is, and why it is important in the church and in our communities. Recommended for anyone within church communities who needs and would like a basic awareness of safeguarding, and those who work with children and adults who are vulnerable or at risk. It is mandatory that the basic pathway is completed prior to the foundation and leadership pathways. It is open for anyone to complete, regardless of their role, including members of congregations. This course is completed online via the Church Of England Training Portal. Here are some instructions to help you sign up.
Recommended for anyone wanting or needing a Basic Awareness of safeguarding.
Required for:
- All Church Officers
- Anyone going on to complete any other Church of England safeguarding course
Approximate completion time is 1hr 15 minutes. Questions to complete throughout the pathway, 75% pass mark required.
The advantage of this pathway is that it is now CPD accredited and can be used as evidence of having completed a safeguarding awareness course, for many other settings.
Where there may be difficulties in accessing the safeguarding training portal, particularly due to IT or technical challenges, local support should be given to the individual so that they are able to register for and complete the pathway through their own account on the Portal.
In a small number of circumstances, you may have participants for whom the above-outlined options are not viable and, in this case, we have a diocesan safeguarding trainer who can deliver Basic Awareness and Foundations to groups within your parish. The group size for this would normally be 10-16. If you would like to arrange for a face-to-face session to be delivered at your parish then please contact our safeguarding training officer.
This pathway is for those who hold responsibility for safeguarding others within church settings. You need to have completed the Basic Awareness before undertaking Foundations.
This pathway builds on the Basic Awareness pathway and can also be completed online. This course is completed online via the Church Of England Training Portal. Here are some instructions to help you sign up.
For the vast majority of participants, Foundations should be completed online using the Safeguarding Training Portal. Approximate completion time is 1hr 30 minutes. Questions to complete throughout the pathway, 75% pass mark required. This course is now CPD accredited.
Required for:
- Anyone in a role which involves work (paid or unpaid) with children and/or vulnerable adults
- Pre-ordination or license students, prior to BAP or selection Panel
- Vergers
- PCC Members/Lay Chapter Members
- Staff at Theological Education Institutions with student facing roles
- Members of the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel
- Anyone going on to complete any other Church of England safeguarding course
Completion of the Basic Awareness Course is a pre-requisite
Where there may be difficulties in accessing the safeguarding training portal, particularly due to IT or technical challenges, local support should be given to the individual so that they are able to register for and complete the pathway through their own account on the Portal.
In a small number of circumstances, you may have participants for whom the above outlined options are not viable and in this case we have a diocesan safeguarding trainer who can deliver Basic Awareness and Foundations to groups within your parish. The group size for this would normally be 10-16. If you would like to arrange for a face-to-face session to be delivered at your parish then please contact our safeguarding training officer.
This pathway is designed for those people who play a lead role in shaping the culture of the church body concerned. The Leadership safeguarding pathway provides an opportunity for Church Officers to reflect on their safeguarding responsibilities, their local safeguarding culture and identify potential areas for development going forwards.
The Leadership Safeguarding Learning Pathway consists of two sessions where attendance at both sessions is necessary to complete the course. Session two being held one week after session one, at the same scheduled time. Prior to each 90 minute session participants will have tasks to complete within the Leadership participant workbook. After the final session participants will complete a reflective evaluation exercise.
This pathway is facilitated by Winchester Diocese via an online zoom course. Please dates for the Leadership Pathway below. You will need to have completed the Basic Awareness and Foundations before undertaking the Leadership pathway.
Because the new Safeguarding Leadership Pathway is about leadership and cultural change, then the people who are required to complete training are all those who play a lead role in shaping the safeguarding culture of the Church body concerned.
If your role falls under any of the following specifications you must complete the Leadership pathway:
- Anyone holding the Bishop’s licence, commission, authorisation, or permission
- Cathedral Canons (who are not engaged in the Senior Leadership Pathway)
- Safeguarding Officers in all Church bodies
- Honorary Bishops
- Teaching staff at Theological Education Institutions who are delivering the Leadership Pathway
- Safeguarding Lead in TEIs
*If you are unsure if your role involves ‘playing a lead role in shaping the safeguarding culture’ of your Church. Or if your role is not listed above but you feel you would benefit from attending Safeguarding Leadership training, please contact the Safeguarding Training Officer; natasha.nield@winchester.anglican.org
Zoom training dates for the new national Leadership Pathway (formerly C2/C3) can be found below. Please note there are two dates for each course and both dates must be attended.
Tue 5 Nov & Tue 12 Nov (10:00-11:30) – closing date for booking – 16 Oct
Mon 18 Nov & Mon 25 Nov (14:00-15:30) – closing date for booking – 29 Oct
Sat 7 Dec & Sat 14 Dec (10:00-11:30) – closing date for booking – 12 Nov
To book a place on any of the above training, please email Natasha Nield on
For Bishops and the senior staff team within a diocese for example the Diocesan Secretary. This course is led by the National Safeguarding Team.
Delivered over 3 sessions with a total of 6 hours of input with pre and post course work to be completed, this pathway explores leadership behaviours and organisational culture issues in depth.
Additional Safeguarding Learning Pathways
The Safer Recruitment and People Management learning pathway supports participants to develop an understanding of why safer recruitment is important in the context of developing a culture of safeguarding in the Church. It also explains how to safely recruit staff and volunteers in line with Church of England policy and guidance.
The pathway is available to complete online through the Church of England Safeguarding Training Portal. The approximate completion time is 1½ – 2 hrs, with questions to complete at the end. The pass mark is 75% and retakes are permitted.
Those required to undertake this training are as follows;
- Line managers and anyone involved in the recruitment of Church Officers (employees, elected members, and volunteers).
- Those with responsibility for administering DBS.
- Safeguarding Officers in all Church bodies.
- Ordinands during IME 1
Participants should have completed Basic Awareness and Foundation before completing this Pathway. These online modules can be accessed through the Church Of England Training Portal.
This course has been designed locally for those roles that don’t quite meet the criteria for the new leadership pathway but require more safeguarding awareness than the Foundations pathway currently offers. This course is currently delivered via zoom and is three hours in duration with no requirement for pre or post course activities to be completed as homework. Attendees must have completed the Basic Awareness and Foundations before undertaking. Please see the training matrix for those roles that would benefit from this course.
Zoom training dates for Local Leadership courses have been arranged for the following dates (all 10:00-13:00):
- Friday 11th October
- Tuesday 15th October
- Monday 28th October
- Thursday 21st November
The Parish Safeguarding Officer Induction pathway equips learners with an understanding of the role of the Parish Safeguarding Officer and inducts them into key working practices and relationships.
The Parish Safeguarding Officer Induction consists of one x 3 hour session delivered by the Diocese Safeguarding trainer either via zoom or face to face. Participants should have completed Basic Awareness and Foundation before completing this Pathway. To register your interest in this training, please contact the Diocesan Safeguarding team; safeguardingtraining@winchester.anglican.org.
- Sat 23rd November, 10:00-13:00 at Old Alresford Place, SO24 9DH
- Wed 4th December, 10:00-13:00 at Old Alresford Place, SO24 9DH
For newly appointed Parish Safeguarding Officers and DBS Administrators, we also offer a local induction session which can be accessed by contacting the Diocesan Safeguarding team; safeguardingtraining@winchester.anglican.org.
Raising Awareness of Domestic Abuse (Formerly S3)
This pathway is suitable for all those who may come across issues of domestic abuse as part of their day-to-day role. This includes clergy, Church Safeguarding Officers, and pastoral workers. Participants should have completed Basic Awareness and Foundations before completing this Pathway.
The pathway explores what domestic abuse is and who is affected. Issues of power and control are discussed. The pathway is framed around the legal requirement to report matters of suspected coercion and control. Reporting procedures are examined so that participants have a clear understanding of their role.
Those required to undertake this training are as follows;
- Anyone holding the Bishop’s licence, commission, authorisation or permission.
- Bishops Visitors / Pastoral Visitors.
- Parish Safeguarding Officers / Safeguarding Leads in all Church Bodies.
- Ordinands during IME1.
- PCC Members / Lay Chapter Members.
- Staff at TEIs with student facing roles.
- Members of the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel.
There are two options available for the Raising Awareness of Domestic Abuse pathway, although for Clergy and Parish Safeguarding Officers, the second option is preferred:
First Option
Online training accessed through the Church of England Training Portal. The course takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes to complete and can be completed at a time to suit your own convenience. The sessions can be paused at any time. There is an easy test at the end.
Second Option
For those who require/seek a more in-depth course with information relevant to the Diocese of Winchester, our Safeguarding Trainer delivers a 3 hour session, either via zoom or face to face. To book a place, please email safeguardingtraining@winchester.anglican.org
Zoom training dates for Raising Awareness of Domestic Abuse have been arranged for the following dates (all 10:00-13:00):
- Tuesday 22 October 2024
- Friday 13 December 2024
Young Leaders (aged 16-17 years) Safeguarding Learning and Induction
We know that many Young Leaders will be involved in supporting activities with children and vulnerable adults across the Diocese. It is vital that they are not only equipped to undertake their roles safely, following good safeguarding practice, but that they are also able to identify potential signs of abuse or neglect and know how to respond to safeguarding concerns with the support of their team. To assist them in this, Young Leaders (aged 16 & 17) will now be expected to complete the Basic Awareness pathway (on-line module) through the Safeguarding Training Portal. This should be completed by the Young Leader when there is an adult available at home who they can talk to if they have been impacted by any of the training content.
A guidance document: Safeguarding Induction – Young Leaders has also been created for adult leaders, who will be supervising young leaders (aged 16 & 17) when they are undertaking their roles. The guidance and scenarios should be discussed as part of the young leader’s induction and provides an opportunity to explore some of the safeguarding situations which the Young Leader may come across, how they should respond and what support they have from other team members.
In conjunction with The Clewer Initiative – the Church of England’s Modern Slavery awareness raising initiative – the Church of England has created two online courses around the issue of Modern Slavery. You will need to have registered for an account with the national safeguarding portal and then the courses can be found under ‘Additional Resources’.
Find the portal here.
External Agency Safeguarding Training
HSAB are offering lunchtime training courses, free of charge, to their safeguarding partners, including the Diocese of Winchester.
Details of courses available, timings and how to book a place, can be found on the Browse and Book Courses page of the HSAB website.
If you have booked an event and are no longer able to attend – please send an apology ahead in writing to hsab@hants.gov.uk