Training Dates
Intermediate Safeguarding Training Package and additional Basic Training Sessions
On the back of the Foundation (Basic) Safeguarding Training packages that were made available to all persons from the URC in the past 12 months there has now been compiled an intermediate safeguarding training package.
This package follows on from the content of the foundation training based within Good Practice 5 and covers more in depth areas of safeguarding for use within the local church. The course content is divided into various areas – all taken from GP5. The duration is around 2.5 hours long and there will be adequate breaks to get drinks etc – as well as giving you time away from listening to Matt if needed!!
This training again is initially going to be provided through an online format. However, as we move into 2022 an assessment will be made in relation to training also being provided in a face to face environment. Watch this space for updates in relation to this!!
Everyone who attended the previous training is invited to attend and obtain this training. Please note however – to be able to attend this training you will have needed to have been on a basic course in the past 3 years. Therefore, the intermediate training is only available for those whose training is up to date.
To cater for this, we will also be providing some more sessions of basic training for those who need this input – either because you haven’t had it before or indeed if you need a refresher input due to the 3-year guidance.
To assist with the question of who needs to attend the different levels of safeguarding training could we please direct you to Paper T5 from the most recent General Assembly. This paper provides guidance in relation to the safeguarding training framework for the URC. The link is here https://urc.org.uk/images/General-Assemblies/Assembly2021/Paper_T5_-_SAG_-_Safeguarding_Training_Framework_FINAL.pdf if you want to read it but for those who just need to know if they need to attend the training we have added the details for you as follows:
Roles requiring mandatory training | Foundation (Basic) | Intermediate | Advanced |
Church safeguarding coordinators | X | X | |
Deputy church safeguarding coordinators | X | X | |
Members of Synod Safeguarding Committees | X | ||
Active Ministers and CRCWs (including retired ministers who meet the requirements of active ministry) | X | X | |
Youth and Children Workers including volunteer leaders | X | X | X |
Youth and Children’s Workers (volunteer helpers) ** | X | X | |
Adult Workers including volunteer leaders | X | X | |
Adult Workers (volunteer helpers) ** | X | X | |
Pastoral Workers / Visitors | X | X | |
Worship Leaders and Assembly Accredited Lay Preachers | X | X | |
URC Trustees and Synod Trustees | X | ||
Elders as local church trustees | X |
** those helping at a holiday club, assisting occasionally with Sunday school, running a craft activity at Messy Church, running the tuck shop at a youth group, helpers at a craft club / lunch / trip, etc, where it is clear these people are in ‘helper’ roles are always working in the presence of, and under the supervision of, a ‘leader’.
Hopefully the above makes it easy for each church to understand who from its congregation must have attended safeguarding training. If it’s unclear or you need further guidance on this matter please contact Matt Knowles, the Synod safeguarding advisor who will be pleased to assist. Please remember, church safeguarding training must be refreshed every three years. For those members of local churches who haven’t attended the training in the past 3 years please endeavour to do so. Again, any queries please speak with Matt.
The following dates are now available for both foundation and intermediate training via Zoom.
If you wish to book a place, please contact Paula Kitson: safeguardingsupport@urcyorkshirenorthern.org.uk
Courses are limited to 20 in number and are filling up fast so if you wish to attend, please book as soon as possible.
Intermediate Tuesday, 18 July 10 am – 12.30 pm