How to support your Church Safeguarding Officer - session 5

There is a renewed emphasis being placed on Church Council members to understand that they have the responsibility for safeguarding in their churches. Church Councils are asked, annually, to identify someone to oversee the day to day administration of safeguarding by appointing a Church Safeguarding Officer, however council members need to be sure the safeguarding officer is adequately supported in order to fulfil their duties.

In a similar vein the District has a responsibility to make sure Church Council Members know how they can support their Safeguarding Officer. Therefore, I’m pleased to announce 7 bespoke information sessions for Church Council members and new in post Church Safeguarding Officers. The sessions, all on Zoom, will last for 1 hour and look at individual aspects of the Church Safeguarding Policy. Hints and tips will be given on how to support the Safeguarding Officer with that particular aspect. There will also opportunity for people to share successful approaches and to brainstorm problems.

I suggest that a different Council Member attends each session; not only does that share the work load but it also means council members will have a greater understanding of safeguarding.

Whilst the sessions are aimed at Church Council members they may also be useful for new in post or struggling Church Safeguarding Officers. We will be unpicking best practise expectations which would provide an excellent foundation on which to build.

Attending the support sessions won’t leave council members with a list of job they have to do but rather help them to understand a) just what their safeguarding officer is expected to do in the role and b) how they can be supported effectively.

In session 5 we shall be considering: Safeguarding Training

'Identify and inform those who are required to attend safeguarding training and maintain records of attendance. Work with the circuit safeguarding officer and DSO to arrange training'.

- CSO does not need to deliver the training.

- CSO to send attendance record to DSO annually.

- CSO to know how many people will require both levels of training in the Connexional year and to work with others to plan how this is to be achieved.