Safeguarding training

Training is a vital part of developing a culture of awareness around safeguarding and should be provided for all workers including leaders and those with a responsibility for implementing safeguarding practice.

Training will equip and empower your staff and volunteers to know, understand, and have confidence in how to respond well to safeguarding issues and to understand appropriate boundaries which can reduce the risk of abuse occurring.

All staff and volunteers should be clear about:

• What abuse is.
• How to spot abuse.
• How to respond to concerns about and from vulnerable community members. 
• How to report concerns.
• How to work safely.

Organisations should ensure that:

• Relevant role specific training is available for all paid staff and volunteers.
• They provide clear information about which level of training is required for different roles.
• The frequency of training is sufficient to keep workers competent and up-to-date on relevant legislation and practice (at least every THREE years for most roles, every two years for a Safeguarding Lead / Designated Safeguarding Person). 
• New workers are given induction training and supervision during the first six months.
• The expectation for all leaders to undertake safeguarding training is clear within the recruitment/management processes being used. 

Things to consider

General safeguarding awareness training should be considered for any worker irrespective of their roles or responsibilities as it gives information on the definitions of abuse, identifying abuse and how to pass this on to the appropriate people. (Depending on the organisation and/or training provider, this may be referred to as basic, introductory, gateway, foundation or level 1 training – see safeguarding levels

Those working with children, young people, or adults at risk, and organisational leaders or managers should undertake more in-depth training for their roles. (Depending on the organisation and/or training provider, this may be referred to as intermediate, advanced, frontline or level 2 training). 

In addition to role-based training, individuals might also need to complete theme-specific or task-focused training, depending on the nature of their work. This could include areas such as managing allegations and perpetrators, safeguarding children with additional needs, or collaborating with statutory agencies. Unlike the ‘core’ training for an individual's role, there’s no requirement to refresh this topical training every 2-3 years. 

All workers need to demonstrate a willingness to attend and participate in training, if not this may be a cause for concern. 

The Safeguarding Lead and Designated Safeguarding Trustee should also undertake specific training to their role. (Depending on the organisation and/or training provider, this may be referred to as specialist, strategic, operational or level 3 training).

National Training Frameworks:

Organisations working in Wales will need to ensure that their training provision fits with the National Safeguarding Training, Learning and Development Standards.