Learning should be transformative and impactful
The Diocese of York is keen to grow a culture of safeguarding, not just within our Parishes but across the whole of the Diocese. To assist us, the National Safeguarding Team have prepared a range of learning pathways to help us begin and continue this process. However, in order that there is consistency in the implementation of this work, we are required to adhere to the material and are regularly asked to confirm that we are always mindful of fidelity in our delivery.
There are a number of pathways i.e. Basic, Foundation, Leadership, Domestic Abuse, Safer Recruitment and People Management and Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking. There are several forms of delivery which are; Online access, via Zoom and in person.
e-Learning Courses
This takes place through the Church of England National Safeguarding Training Portal covering the following:
Onsite and Online Courses Available
Safeguarding Leadership Pathway – online via Zoom:
Required for anyone whose responsibilities mean that they contribute to the strategic implementation of safeguarding into their parish culture. This is usually clergy, church wardens and Parish Safeguarding Officers. It does not necessarily include those whose responsibilities include leading activities involving children, young people, and vulnerable adults. However, some PCCs may encourage those with these roles to complete the Leadership pathway, and those in this situation will be welcomed to join. Pre-requisite to attending a leadership course is to successfully complete the online Basic Awareness and Foundation eLearning modules.
This pathway consists of two sessions with a workbook to be completed. Please allow one week if not more between Sessions one and two.
Please Note: If the workbook is not returned 4 working days before the session, then you will be unable to attend.
Session 1
Click to view dates
2025
- Wednesday 22 January 2pm – 3.30pm via Zoom
- Thursday 23 January 2pm – 3.30pm via Zoom
- Wednesday 19 February 10am – 11.30 am via Zoom
- Wednesday 19 February 2pm – 3.30pm via Zoom
- Thursday 20 February 2pm – 3.30pm via Zoom
- Wednesday 26 February 10am – 11.30am via Zoom
- Wednesday 26 February 2pm – 3.30pm via Zoom
- Thursday 27 February 2pm – 3.30pm via Zoom
Session 2
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2025
- Thursday 13 February 2pm – 3.30pm via Zoom
- Monday 3 March 10am – 11.30am via Zoom
- Wednesday 5 March 2pm – 3.30pm via Zoom
- Thursday 6 March 2pm – 3.30pm via Zoom
- Monday 10 March 10am – 11.30am via Zoom
- Monday 10 March 2pm – 3.30pm via Zoom
- Thursday 13 March 2pm – 3.30pm via Zoom
PTO (Required for Clergy with Permission to Officiate (PTO) only)- online via Zoom or in person:
Pre-requisite to attending a leadership course: Complete the online Basic Awareness and Foundation eLearning modules.
2025
- Monday 13 January 9.30am – 12.30 pm via Zoom
- Friday 21 February 9.30am – 12.30 pm face to face
Parish Safeguarding Officer Induction – online via Zoom or in person :
Pre-requisite to attending a leadership course: Complete the online Basic Awareness, Foundation and Domestic Abuse eLearning modules.
2025
- Monday 27 January 9.30am – 12.30pm via Zoom
Safeguarding Learning and Training Booking Form
We may use the following details to contact you if there is a need to cancel an event at short notice – this will be a minimum of 2 hours before the start of the event.
Unlike any other training you may have completed, learning about safeguarding and cases can be distressing and, for anyone who has experienced or been involved in an abuse case, this course might be an unwelcome reminder of past experiences. If this applies to you, it may be helpful to seek support, initially from the Diocesan Safeguarding Trainer and Volunteer Co-ordinator, Jenny Price (jenny.price@yorkdiocese.org), who will be able to discuss any additional needs before the training event or contact one of the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisers, who can offer you confidential help and advice.
You will receive a confirmation email on receipt of your booking form. Our intention is that all our courses are full as we are working to a limited budget. We may have a waiting list for training so please contact or if you are unable to attend email safeguardingtraining@yorkdiocese.org.
The information collected on this form will only be used for the purposes stated above and will not be shared with anyone outside the Safeguarding Team.
Support available to access Safeguarding Learning:
In the last few years, we have become very accustomed to using Zoom. However, the safeguarding team is aware that the use of computers whether for Zoom sessions or accessing the online pathways present a challenge to several people.
We are also conscious that for some the material discussed can be distressing and cause anxiety.
Who should I contact if I have any questions about the sessions (excluding dates and bookings) or anxieties about the learning and training?
Speak to Jenny Price from the safeguarding team. Jenny leads on all matters relating to safeguarding learning. She can be contacted on jenny.price@yorkdiocese.org
Who should I contact if I have any questions about session dates, bookings and venues?
Speak to Kim Phillips, Safeguarding Learning and Training Administrator safeguardingtraining@yorkdiocese.org
What if I do not have access to the internet or use of a computer/laptop?
Work with another colleague [s], using their or your own laptop. Sometime this might be your parish safeguarding officer. When using the Church of England portal, it is important to create your own account, in this way, the pass certificate will be in your name, and recorded as such.
What if there is a large group struggling to access online learning?
Where there is a large group of people who are struggling to access the online pathways, again contact Jenny and discuss the possibility of a in person session in a venue where there is good Wi-Fi available. To make it worth everyone’s time, there would need to be a group of between 20 and 25 people. In this way it is possible to access the material in the same way as if at home on a personal laptop. Jenny and a co-chair will guide and facilitate discussion. Transferring the material from the portal to a traditional power point presentation is not an option. Jenny and a co-chair have found Saturdays work well and have offered a number of these, successfully completing Basic and Foundation for groups of 20+.
Please be aware that it is not always feasible to offer in person opportunities as we have done in the past. The above option is available for parishes where the numbers are greater than can be managed in option 2 above. We encourage collaboration across deaneries.
Can someone in our Parish such as the PSO run a session?
Whilst we are aware that there are those whose skills mean they are willing to offer to facilitate local events as above, the requirement to adhere to fidelity of delivery means that this is not possible. The pathways contain several opportunities to check learning, and there is a final ‘test.’ From experience, whilst some of these questions generate rich discussions within the group sessions, there are limited opportunities to proceed following incorrect answers. Being unable to reach the acceptable pass level could compromise a successful outcome and therefore not be an effective use of time.