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29 October 2024
The Peterborough Diocesan Safeguarding Team is committed to trying to ensure that everyone is free from the risk of harm and abuse within the Church. This stems from the Gospel imperative that Jesus loves everyone, particularly those who are the least, the last and the lost in society, and wishes everyone to be safe and cared for, particularly those who are vulnerable. Everyone who participates in the life of the Church has a role to play in promoting a Safer Church for all. There is lots of useful information on the National Church of England Safeguarding website Safeguarding: A safer church | The Church of England
Safeguarding is a collaborative undertaking and our team is committed to working with the Parishes to ensure good safeguarding practices that keep everyone, especially children and vulnerable adults safe. There is much good work already being done and we want to build on this.
Safeguarding training is a key part of this. Required training levels must be completed every three years and it is the individual’s responsibility to track their course expiration dates. The required levels of training are defined by The Church of England Safeguarding Learning & Development Framework which you can see here Safeguarding Learning & Development Framework
The Basic awareness, Foundation, Raising Abuse of Domestic Abuse and People Management pathways are delivered via e-learning and are completed via the National Church of England Safeguarding Training Portal. If you haven't used this before you can register for an account and then complete your training online at a time to suit you.
The Safeguarding Leadership training course is delivered with a trainer, either online using Microsoft Teams or in person at Bouverie Court, Northampton. It is delivered over two 1.5 hours sessions. You are required to complete preparation work prior to both sessions and at the conclusion of the course, you are asked to submit an evaluation and action plan; once this is satisfactorily completed your certificate will be issued.
The course is designed to be a safe space where everyone feels comfortable to speak freely, sharing ideas and experiences. Discussions about safeguarding can be difficult and as such a high level of respect is expected from all participants towards fellow attendees and the trainer: Disruptive behaviour will not be tolerated and could result in removal from the course.
For any queries in relation to training please contact training@peterborough-diocese.org.uk
We are encouraging parishes to use the Parish Dashboard and are exploring ways in which we can support parishes to utilise this fully. The Parish Dashboard can be incredibly helpful for PSOs to monitor safeguarding activities in their parishes. More information about the dashboard can be found here: Safeguarding Dashboards
For local queries in relation to the dashboard please contact Sharon.Welbourne@peterborough-diocese.org.uk
I will be attending the Diocese Ministers Conference on Tuesday 19th and Wednesday 20th November and will be available as part of the Parish Support Hub: Please do come and say hello!
If you have any questions please do contact safeguarding@peterborough-diocese.org.uk
Take care,
Victoria
Victoria Kellett (DSO)