Training
Information about safeguarding training for Ministers and other church roles, as well as courses available in Church of Scotland presbyteries.
Full details of the Learning Pathway are set out in the Safeguarding Committee May 2022 report to the General Assembly.
Information on compliance with Safeguarding Training Requirements
Compliance Pathway and Associated Timescales for Essential Safeguarding Training: Ministers, Elders (and other congregational trustees), those doing regulated work (at congregational and Presbytery level).
This compliance pathway will be subject to review by the Safeguarding Committee on an ongoing basis.
Process for Ministers
Ministers’ for the purposes of the Safeguarding Training Learning Pathway, parish ministers, Interim Ministers, Transition Ministers, Associate Ministers, auxiliary ministers, probationers, OLM, readers, locums and Armed Forces chaplains. MDS and deacons who are appointed by the Church of Scotland national office will follow their HR procedures.
1. Presbytery should assess whether:
- Ample opportunities have been provided to attend the appropriate safeguarding training (at least two or three suitable opportunities)
- There are exceptional circumstances for the individual not attending the appropriate safeguarding training e.g. sickness absence.
If either of these situations apply, re-assess when reasonable opportunities are available and/or exceptional circumstances have changed.
2. If neither of those circumstances apply (or other circumstances which could be deemed to be exceptional) then:
- Presbytery Clerk should initiate an informal discussion to encourage attendance, discuss the importance of safeguarding training and provide guidance on opportunities. An open discussion should be had about any concerns which the individual faces in engaging with the relevant safeguarding training.
- This meeting should be recorded (albeit informally) and the Presbytery Clerk should write to the individual to confirm agreements made/any actions and the associated timeframe.
- During this meeting if agreement can be reached for the individual to attend the relevant safeguarding training then a timeframe should be set (approximately 3 months or so dependent on the next available training courses)
3. Review at agreed timeframe (in point 2) to ensure relevant safeguarding training has been successfully completed. If not, continue to next step.
4. If the concern has not been dealt with satisfactorily:
- A letter detailing the fact that non- attendance may result in a referral under the Discipline Act should be sent and a more formal meeting should be arranged by the Presbytery Clerk to discuss next steps.
- There is an option at this meeting to set another timeframe for completion of safeguarding training and any actions or outcomes of the meeting should be recorded.
5. Review at agreed timeframe (in point 4) to ensure relevant safeguarding training has been successfully completed. If not continue to next step.
6. Another letter may be sent from the Presbytery Clerk detailing the need to attend the appropriate safeguarding training and the potential for a referral under Discipline Act.
7. If no resolution reached, Presbytery should treat the ongoing failure as a Discipline matter and refer under the Discipline Act. At this point the Law Department would be consulted.
Process for Trustee/Elder
1. In the first instance, Presbytery should work with the relevant congregation and advise the Safeguarding Co-ordinator and Panel Members to establish whether there are exceptional circumstances for an elder’s non-attendance (e.g. illness, infirmity, recent bereavement, lack of training opportunities etc)
If none of these circumstances apply, Presbytery should advise the Safeguarding Co-ordinator and/or Panel Members to have an informal discussion with the elder to try to come to an agreement before the matter is referred to the Presbytery officially. If no resolution can be found, the matter can be referred to Presbytery to take forward.
2. Presbytery should assess whether:
- Ample opportunities have been provided to attend the appropriate safeguarding training (at least two or three suitable opportunities)
- There are exceptional circumstances for the individual not attending the appropriate safeguarding training e.g. sickness absence
If either of these situations apply, reassess when reasonable opportunities are available and/or exceptional circumstances have changed.
3. If neither of those circumstances apply (or other circumstances which could be deemed to be exceptional) then:
- Presbytery Clerk should initiate an informal discussion to encourage attendance, discuss the importance of safeguarding training and provide guidance on opportunities. An open discussion should be had about any concerns which the individual faces in engaging with the relevant safeguarding training.
- This meeting should be recorded (albeit informally) and the Presbytery Clerk should write to the individual to confirm agreements made/any actions and the associated timeframe.
- During this meeting if agreement can be reached for the individual to attend the relevant safeguarding training then a timeframe should be set (approximately 3 months or so dependent on the next available training courses)
4. Review at agreed timeframe to ensure relevant safeguarding training has been successfully completed. If not continue to next step.
5. If the concern has not been dealt with satisfactorily
- A letter detailing the fact that non-attendance may result in a referral under the Discipline Act should be sent and a more formal meeting should be arranged with the Presbytery Clerk to discuss next steps.
- There is an option at this meeting to set another timeframe for completion of safeguarding training and any actions or outcomes of the meeting should be recorded.
6. Review at agreed timeframe to ensure relevant safeguarding training has been successfully completed. If not continue to next step.
7. Another letter may be sent from the Presbytery Clerk detailing the need to attend the appropriate safeguarding training and the potential for a referral under Discipline Act.
8. If no resolution reached, Presbytery should treat it as a Discipline matter and refer under the Discipline Act. At this point the Law Department would be consulted.
Process for those undertaking regulated work (appointed by Presbytery)
1. Presbytery and the individual’s line manager should assess:
- Whether ample opportunities have been provided to attend the appropriate safeguarding training (at least two or three suitable opportunities)
- There are exceptional circumstances for the individual not attending the appropriate safeguarding training e.g. sickness absence
If either of these situations apply, reassess when reasonable opportunities are available and/or exceptional circumstances have changed.
2. If neither of these circumstances apply
- An informal meeting should be arranged with the Presbytery Clerk and individual line manager to encourage attendance, discuss the importance of safeguarding training and provide guidance on opportunities. An open discussion should be had about any concerns which the individual faces in engaging with the relevant safeguarding training
- A note of this meeting should be made and timeframe for completion of training agreed.
3. Review at agreed timeframe (in point 2) to ensure relevant safeguarding training has been successfully completed. If not continue to next step.
4. Arrange a more formal meeting with the Presbytery Clerk and individual’s line manager to discuss non-attendance. Another reasonable timeframe can be agreed and a letter confirming this should be sent to the individual.
5. Review at agreed timeframe (in point 4). If training has not been completed or an appropriate resolution agreed, convene a meeting to agree next steps.
6. Letter should be sent to individual detailing the potential outcome of non-attendance at essential recommended training
7. If no resolution is reached, the advice from the Safeguarding Service is that the individual be removed from regulated work with children and/or protected adults. This is to acknowledge that they may present an ongoing risk to vulnerable groups if not suitably trained. If an individual is a paid employee, advice should be sought from the Law Department before any further action is taken.
8. Outcome should be recorded by the Presbytery and communicated to the individual.
Process for those undertaking regulated work (appointed by Kirk Session at congregational level)
1. Safeguarding Coordinator and/or Safeguarding Panel assess:
- Whether ample opportunities have been provided to attend the appropriate safeguarding training (at least two or three suitable opportunities)
- There are exceptional circumstances for the individual not attending the appropriate safeguarding training e.g. sickness absence
If either of these situations apply, reassess when reasonable opportunities are available and/or exceptional circumstances have changed.
2. If neither of these circumstances apply
- An informal meeting should be arranged with the safeguarding coordinator to encourage attendance, discuss the importance of safeguarding training and provide guidance on opportunities. An open discussion should be had about any concerns which the individual faces in engaging with the relevant safeguarding training
- A note of this meeting should be made and timeframe for completion of training agreed.
3. Review at agreed timeframe (in point 2) to ensure relevant safeguarding training has been successfully completed. If not continue to next step.
4. Arrange a more formal meeting with the Safeguarding Panel and individual to discuss non-attendance. Another reasonable timeframe can be agreed and a letter confirming this should be sent to the individual.
5. Review at agreed timeframe (in point 4). If training has not been completed or an appropriate resolution agreed, convene a meeting of your Safeguarding Panel to agree next steps.
6. Letter should be sent to individual detailing the potential outcome of non-attendance at essential recommended training
7. If no resolution is reached, the advice from the Safeguarding Service is that the individual be removed from regulated work with children and/or protected adults. This is to acknowledge that they may present an ongoing risk to vulnerable groups if not suitably trained. If an individual is a paid employee, advice should be sought from the Law Department before any further action is taken.
8. Outcome should be recorded by the Kirk Session and communicated to the individual.
Timescales for initiating compliance pathway (Ministers and other church roles)
Timeframe for initiating compliance pathway for Ministers
To ensure that active ministers are brought up to date in terms of safeguarding training, they should look back to the last safeguarding training they attended. If this training was more than 3 years ago, the Learning Pathway should be started from the beginning, with Introductory Safeguarding Training being attended as soon as practicable (but certainly by the end of 2022). A compliance process and timescales for completing training are detailed below.
New in role
- Introductory Safeguarding Training: Completed within 3 months of starting first placement
- Advanced Safeguarding Training: Within the first half of full-time probationary placement
- Leadership Safeguarding Training: Within the first 2 years of your ministry training ending
- Complete Leadership Training no less frequently than every 5 years thereafter
Already in role
If no training completed in last 3 years:
- Introductory Safeguarding Training: Complete by 31 December 2022
- Advanced Safeguarding Training: Complete by 30 June 2023
- Leadership Safeguarding Training: Complete within 6 months of it first being offered
- Complete Leadership Training no less frequently than every 5 years thereafter
If you have attended Introductory Safeguarding Training in the last 3 years:
- Advanced Safeguarding Training: Complete by 31 December 2022
- Leadership Safeguarding Training: Complete within 6 months of it first being offered
- Complete Leadership Training no less frequently than every 5 years thereafter
If you have attended Safeguarding Panel or Safeguarding Coordinator Training in the past 3 years:
- Leadership Safeguarding Training: Complete within 6 months of it first being offered
- Complete Leadership Training no less frequently than every 5 years thereafter
Timeframe for initiating compliance pathway for other Church Roles
New in role
All those undertaking regulated work (paid or voluntary)
- Introductory Safeguarding Training: Before starting or within 3 months of taking on role
Safeguarding Coordinators
- Introductory Safeguarding Training: Before starting in post
- Advanced Safeguarding Training: Before starting in post
Safeguarding Panel Members and Interim Moderators
- Introductory Safeguarding Training: Before starting in post or within 3 months of taking on role
- Advanced Safeguarding Training: Before starting in post or within 6 months of taking on role
Trustees
- Trustee Safeguarding Training: Before starting in office or within 3 months of becoming a trustee
Currently in role and not attended training in the last 5 years
All those undertaking regulated work (paid or voluntary)
- Introductory Safeguarding Training: Complete by 30 June 2023
Safeguarding Coordinators
- Advanced Safeguarding Training: Complete by 30 June 2023
Safeguarding Panel Members and Interim Moderators
- Advanced Safeguarding Training: Complete by 30 June 2023
Trustees
(Trustees who are also safeguarding coordinator and/or panel members need only attend the Introductory and Advanced Safeguarding Training module)
- Trustee Safeguarding Training: Complete by 30 June 2023
Refresher Training
All Church roles should complete the highest level of training previously completed no less frequently than every 5 years thereafter.
Safeguarding Learning Pathway for Ministers
The Ministers’ Safeguarding Learning Pathway is set out below.
'Ministers’ for the purposes of the Safeguarding Training Learning Pathway means parish ministers, Interim Ministers, Transition Ministers, auxiliary ministers, probationers, OLM, readers, locums and Armed Forces chaplains. The Learning Pathway for Deacons and MDS will be identified through their job descriptions; advice should be sought from the Safeguarding Service.
Completion of the full pathway is considered necessary for those holding a leadership position, so they have the breadth of understanding required to fulfil their safeguarding responsibilities.
Introductory Safeguarding Training (approx. 2.5 hours)
- Delivered locally by volunteer safeguarding trainers and the safeguarding training officer where necessary.
- Learning includes understanding what safeguarding means (and child/adult protection), national guidance and policy, types of harm and abuse, the four R’s and your role in reporting.
Advanced Safeguarding Training (approx. 2.5 – 3 hours)
- Replaces Safeguarding Coordinator Training and Safeguarding Panel Training
- Delivered locally by volunteer safeguarding trainers and the safeguarding training officer where necessary.
- Learning includes understanding the role of the Safeguarding Coordinator and Safeguarding Panel, raised awareness of resources available for ensuring best practice in safeguarding, understanding responsibilities regarding training, management and support of workers, understanding responsibilities regarding Safeguarding referrals and raised awareness of the Church Safeguarding Policies for example in relation to Managing those who pose a risk and Responding to Domestic Abuse.
Leadership Safeguarding Training (approx. 3 hours with some reflective work)
- Delivered nationally by the Safeguarding Service
- Learning will be reflective and collaborative and will seek to include content such as analysing the leadership behaviours needed to promote a healthy safeguarding culture (including how to involve and empower others) and feel confident and determined to demonstrate them, reflecting on the kind of healthy culture that is protective, preventative, healing, and restorative, reflecting on the impact that abuse and trauma has on individuals’ lives, relationships, and interaction in a community setting and looking at lessons learned.
Order and timescales for the training pathway
Moving forward, the pathway should be completed in this order:
- Introductory Safeguarding Training: Undertaken before or within 6 months of starting training
- Advanced Safeguarding Training:
- Ministers: Within the first half of full-time probationary placement
- Readers: Before being set apart
- Leadership Safeguarding Training: Within the first 2 years of your training for ministry ending. It is recommended that this training is refreshed every 3 years. It is a mandatory requirement every 5 years.
In relation to relevant Safeguarding refresher training, it was agreed at GA 2022 that the highest level of training previously completed is undertaken as a mandatory requirement every 5 years (recommended every 3 years).
Courses recommended for MDS staff and Deacons
- Introductory Safeguarding Training
- Advanced Safeguarding Training (This course may be recommended, depending on the person's Job Description. Please seek advice from the Safeguarding Service/HR.)
- Leadership Safeguarding Training (This course may be recommended, depending on the person's Job Description. Please seek advice from the Safeguarding Service/HR.)
You can find out where you should start your journey under Training Compliance or by seeking information from the Presbytery and/or Safeguarding Service.
Safeguarding Learning Pathway for other Church roles
Introductory Safeguarding Training (approx. 2.5 hours)
- Delivered locally by volunteer safeguarding trainers and the safeguarding training officer where necessary.
- Learning includes understanding what safeguarding means (and child/adult protection), national guidance and policy, types of harm and abuse, the four R’s and your role in reporting.
Advanced Safeguarding Training (approx. 2.5 – 3 hours)
- Replaces Safeguarding Coordinator Training and Safeguarding Panel Training
- Delivered locally by volunteer safeguarding trainers and the safeguarding training officer where necessary.
- Learning includes understanding the role of the Safeguarding Coordinator and Safeguarding Panel, raised awareness of resources available for ensuring best practice in safeguarding, understanding responsibilities regarding training, management and support of workers, understanding responsibilities regarding Safeguarding referrals and raised awareness of the Church Safeguarding Policies for example in relation to Managing those who pose a risk and Responding to Domestic Abuse.
OR
Trustee Safeguarding Training (approx. 2 hours – 2 hours 15 mins)
- Delivered locally by volunteer safeguarding trainers and the safeguarding training officer where necessary
- Learning includes: familiarity with the Church of Scotland Safeguarding policy and practice, Awareness and understanding of duties regarding the implementation of safeguarding act of the General Assembly, including key appointments e.g. Safeguarding Coordinator and a Safeguarding Panel, Understanding the Safe Recruitment process and their responsibilities therein, Understanding their responsibilities regarding training, management and support of workers, Understanding their responsibilities regarding Safeguarding referrals and other relevant safeguarding policy.
Summary of Safeguarding Learning Pathway for other Church roles
All those undertaking regulated work (paid or voluntary)
- Introductory Safeguarding Training
Safeguarding Coordinators and Safeguarding Panel Members
- Introductory Safeguarding Training
- Advanced Safeguarding Training
Interim Moderators (who are doing regulated work)
- Introductory Safeguarding Training
- Advanced Safeguarding Training
Interim moderators (who are not doing regulated work)
- Trustee Safeguarding Training
Trustees
- Trustee Safeguarding Training
Trustees who are also safeguarding coordinator and/or panel members need only attend the Introductory and Advanced Safeguarding Training module.
In relation to relevant Safeguarding refresher training it was agreed at GA 2022 that the highest level of training previously completed is undertaken as a mandatory requirement every 5 years (recommended every 3 years).
If you are unsure about what training is required for a certain role please contact the Safeguarding Service.
Available Safeguarding Training courses
All Congregational Safeguarding Training (Introductory, Coordinator and Trustee) is organised at presbytery level and not directly through the Safeguarding Service. The Safeguarding Service is not always informed of training that is taking place so please get in touch with your presbytery contact If you require Safeguarding training and to find out more.
To book a place on any of the courses listed below, please contact the relevant Presbytery Contact, whose details are shown underneath the course listings for each presbytery.
The Safeguarding Service is not always informed of training that is taking place so please get in touch with your presbytery contact if you require Safeguarding training and to find out more.
If you have any further questions please email the Safeguarding Training Officer.
Important information: When you are booking onto a course please include your full name, church and presbytery, role in the church and if you are undertaking regulated work with children and/or protected adults. This information is needed to secure your course booking. Thank you for your cooperation.
Online training courses only (Courses available: 2)
These courses are also listed under their respective presbyteries but are open to anyone provided there is space.
Important information: When you are booking onto a course please include your full name, church and presbytery, role in the church, safeguarding coordinator name and email address, and if you are undertaking regulated work with children and/or protected adults. This information is needed to secure your course booking. Thank you for your cooperation.
Advanced safeguarding training
Date: Saturday 7 December, 2024
Time:
1:00 pm
- 4:00 pm
Duration: 3 hours
Details:
Online
To book a place on this course please contact Natasha Hepburn at NHepburn@churchofscotland.org.uk
Advanced Safeguarding Training
Date: Tuesday 21 January, 2025
Time:
6:30 pm
Details:
Online
Please click the link below to secure your place:
Clèir Eilean Ì: Highlands & Hebrides (Courses available: 2)
Important information: When you are booking onto a course please include your full name, church and presbytery, role in the church, safeguarding coordinator name and email address, and if you are undertaking regulated work with children and/or protected adults. This information is needed to secure your course booking. Thank you for your cooperation.
Introductory Safeguarding Training
Date: Saturday 15 February, 2025
Time:
11:00 am
Details:
In person at United Church of Bute, High Street, Rothesay, PA20 9JH
Bookings to be made with Janet Buchanan on 07979 140355
Trustee Safeguarding Training
Date: Saturday 15 February, 2025
Time:
2:00 pm
Details:
In person at United Church of Bute, High Street, Rothesay, PA20 9JH
Bookings to be made with Janet Buchanan on 07979 140355
Clyde
Edinburgh and West Lothian
England
Fife
Forth Valley and Clydesdale
Glasgow (Courses available: 2)
Important information: When you are booking onto a course please include your full name, church and presbytery, role in the church, safeguarding coordinator name and email address, and if you are undertaking regulated work with children and/or protected adults. This information is needed to secure your course booking. Thank you for your cooperation.
Trustee Safeguarding Training
Date: Monday 2 December, 2024
Time:
7:00 pm
Details:
In person at Carmyle Kenmuir Cornerstone Church
To book a place, please email: safeguarding@presbyteryofglasgow.org.uk
Introductory Safeguarding Training
Date: Tuesday 3 December, 2024
Time:
7:00 pm
Details:
In person at Govan and Linthouse Church
TO book a place, please email: safeguarding@presbyteryofglasgow.org.uk
To register for any of the courses listed above please note bookings are made through the presbytery office. You can contact them by email or telephone 0141 332 6606
They will require the name, congregation, email address and phone number of each person for whom you want to book a place. Contact details are required in case of last minute changes, which would only be in extreme situations.
Your presbytery contact is: Adam Dillon
International Presbytery
Jerusalem
Lewis
Lothian and Borders (Courses available: 7)
Important information: When you are booking onto a course please include your full name, church and presbytery, role in the church, safeguarding coordinator name and email address, and if you are undertaking regulated work with children and/or protected adults. This information is needed to secure your course booking. Thank you for your cooperation.
Trustee Safeguarding Training
Date: Tuesday 3 December, 2024
Time:
6:45 pm
Details:
In person at Gorebridge Parish Church from 6.45 - 9.00pm
Contact Joan Cape capefamily@talktalk.net
Introductory Safeguarding Training
Date: Saturday 7 December, 2024
Time:
9:30 am
Details:
Online - Lothian & Borders Presbytery - 9.30am-11.30am
To book a place, please email capefamily@talktalk.net
Trustee Safeguarding Training
Date: Saturday 11 January, 2025
Time:
9:30 am
Details:
Online - Lothian & Borders Presbytery - 9.30am-11.30am
To book a place, please email capefamily@talktalk.net
Introductory Safeguarding Training
Date: Saturday 8 February, 2025
Time:
9:45 am
Details:
In person at Northesk church, 16 Bridge st, Musselburgh EH21 6A
Contact Joan Cape capefamily@talktalk.net
Introductory Safeguarding Training
Date: Tuesday 4 March, 2025
Time:
6:45 pm
Details:
Online - Lothian & Borders Presbytery - 6.45pm-9.00pm
To book a place, please email capefamily@talktalk.net
Trustee Safeguarding Training
Date: Tuesday 1 April, 2025
Time:
6:45 pm
Details:
Online - Lothian & Borders Presbytery
Contact Joan Cape capefamily@talktalk.net
Advanced Safeguarding Training
Date: Saturday 5 April, 2025
Time:
9:30 am
Details:
Online - Lothian & Borders - 9.30am-12.30pm
To book a place, please email capefamily@talktalk.net
Your presbytery contact is: Joan Cape
North East and Northern Isles (Courses available: 2)
Important information: When you are booking onto a course please include your full name, church and presbytery, role in the church, safeguarding coordinator name and email address, and if you are undertaking regulated work with children and/or protected adults. This information is needed to secure your course booking. Thank you for your cooperation.
Advanced safeguarding training
Date: Saturday 7 December, 2024
Time:
1:00 pm
- 4:00 pm
Duration: 3 hours
Details:
Online
To book a place on this course please contact Natasha Hepburn at NHepburn@churchofscotland.org.uk
Advanced Safeguarding Training
Date: Tuesday 21 January, 2025
Time:
6:30 pm
Details:
Online
Please click the link below to secure your place:
Your presbytery contact is: Natasha Hepburn, 07539871589
Perth
South West (Courses available: 5)
Important information: When you are booking onto a course please include your full name, church and presbytery, role in the church, safeguarding coordinator name and email address, and if you are undertaking regulated work with children and/or protected adults. This information is needed to secure your course booking. Thank you for your cooperation.
Trustee Safeguarding Training
Date: Monday 6 January, 2025
Time:
7:00 pm
Details:
In person at: New Laigh Church Halls, John Finnie Street, Kilmarnock, KA1 1BL
PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF DATE (from 3/12/24)
Bookings should be made to guardingsafe65@gmail.com
Introductory Safeguarding Training
Date: Tuesday 7 January, 2025
Time:
7:00 pm
Details:
In person at: New Laigh Church Halls, John Finnie Street, Kilmarnock, KA1 1BL
Bookings should be made to guardingsafe65@gmail.com
Trustee Safeguarding Training
Date: Monday 13 January, 2025
Time:
7:00 pm
Details:
In person at Livingstone Church, New St, Stevenston KA20 3HH
Bookings should be made to guardingsafe65@gmail.com
Trustee safeguarding training
Date: Tuesday 21 January, 2025
Time:
7:00 pm
Details:
In-person at Ayr St Columba Church - Midton Rd, Ayr KA7 2SL
To book a place on this course please contact guardingsafe65@gmail.com
Trustee Safeguarding Training
Date: Wednesday 22 January, 2025
Time:
7:00 pm
Details:
In person at Beith Parish Church, Kirk Road, Beith KA15 1EA
Bookings should be made to guardingsafe65@gmail.com
Your prebsytery contact is: Bill Duncan
Safeguarding administrator: Fulton Murdoch