SAFEGUARDING TRAINING IN DOWN AND CONNOR
Safeguarding training within Down and Connor has four main aims, to
1. Create awareness amongst all staff, clergy and volunteers about the key message of safeguarding children and adults in need of protection.
2. Ensure that those who carry out a specific role with the Church for adults and children have the necessary knowledge and skills to fulfil their role to the highest possible standard.
3. Provide up to date/bespoke training for those Church personnel who must demonstrate continual professional development.
4. Ensure that the Church is kept fully aware of developments, trends and research as to what constitutes best practice in safeguarding children and adults. Training is the key method through which this can be achieved.
Since the introduction of the new National Board Standards in 2016 (Safeguarding Children policy and standards for the Catholic Church in Ireland 2016 by the NBSCCCI) the diocese has ensured that mandatory training is available and is provided by 9 staff and volunteers who have been identified and are now verified National Board trainers. Their role is to provide training to all staff, clergy and volunteers in the diocese. The diocese relies on Parish Safeguarding Committees (PSC’s) to identify those volunteers who require to be trained and at what level.
WHAT TRAINING IS ON OFFER IN DOWN AND CONNOR
The safeguarding office provides training, which covers both children and adult safeguarding. CLICK HERE to see an overview of the main levels of training offered to all staff, clergy and volunteers.
In addition to the above, training will continue to be provided for PSC (Parish Safeguarding Committees), which focuses on the role and function of PSC’s and is aimed at members and Chairs. This training is provided by the Safeguarding Support Officer. Clergy are also encouraged to attend this training in order to gain insight into the ever-increasing and significant role of the PSC’s.
HOW CAN I BOOK TO ATTEND TRAINING
To book a place on any of the range of training events provided by the Safeguarding Office, go to the Safeguarding website CALENDAR which outlines the up and coming events.
From the calendar you can book onto the relevant session, by clicking on the link titled “CLICK HERE TO REGISTER” within the date on the calendar.
You can also book online by clicking on the BOOKING COURSES. tab. This link will take you to the online booking system for all available sessions on offer.
Simply click on the tab “CLICK HERE TO REGISTER” under the session which you are interested in attending and then complete the form in full.
Please take as much care as possible when completing the form as the details submitted will be used for any correspondence to you and for producing your certificate.
Once completed and submitted, you will get an auto reply message by way of a confirmation.
The office will then be back in touch with you approx. 24-48 hours before the session, by way of a reminder.
WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TRAINING
- Training courses are offered to cover both Safeguarding Children and Safeguarding Adults.
- In accordance with the NBSCCCI new policy and standard documents, the Safeguarding Office annually produces a Training Needs Analysis to meet the training needs of all staff, clergy and volunteers. The Diocesan Safeguarding Committee who has responsibility for ensuring that safeguarding training is delivered and is fit for purpose, annually approves the training to be provided.
- A safeguarding training strategy is produced every 3 years by the Safeguarding Office and approved by the Safeguarding Committee to ensure that training is provided (in keeping with the broad aims of the diocesan strategic safeguarding plan and is ‘fit for purpose’.
- All those who attend training courses will receive a certificate of attendance This is a formal record of completion. The Safeguarding Office will also hold a record of your attendance
- Safeguarding training for adults and children is usually refreshed every 3 years.