The Bishop in Europe: The Right Reverend Dr. Robert Innes 23rd March 2015 To: those who hold the Bishop’s licence, Church Wardens, Safeguarding Officers Dear Colleagues, Diocesan Safeguarding Committee: Child Protection Safeguarding Training You will all be aware of the continuing public focus on the Church of England and its procedures for Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. The Diocese in Europe has a Diocesan Safeguarding Committee (DSC) of which I am a member. The DSC has an independent Chair. Its membership consists of clergy, lay people from across the Diocese, and others who are independent of Diocesan structures who have experience of safeguarding matters. The DSC has recently conducted a review of safeguarding requirements for the Diocese and one of the main issues that requires urgent attention is safeguarding training. I am aware that Safeguarding training is taking place informally at various levels throughout the Diocese. However, to ensure consistency of understanding and practice, the DSC has commissioned an on-line Child Protection training programme, which relates to the care of Children 0 – 18 years. We are also commissioning an on-line Vulnerable Adults training programme. We all recognise the continuing importance of making the churches of our Diocese safe places for children and adults, underpinned by a culture of informed awareness of safeguarding policies. The use of the two on-line training programmes, with the possibility of further programmes in the future, will provide a good foundation for consistency in policy and implementation. Given the importance I personally place upon this for the Diocese, this training is mandatory for all those who hold my licence, all church wardens, all chaplaincy safeguarding officers, and all those working with 0 – 18 year olds who have a Safeguarding DBS or Country Clearance. Volunteers who do not have a Safeguarding DBS or Country clearance but would like to undertake the training are welcome to participate. 1 To ensure the smooth roll out of the training I would like each Chaplaincy to nominate a ‘Safeguarding Training Champion’ who will be the point of contact with Lesley Weaver, our Diocesan Safeguarding Co-ordinator. The Safeguarding Officer would normally be the best person to take on this role. I am attaching a short specification for the role. Please can the nominated person contact Lesley by Friday 17 April 2015. Lesley will be pleased to provide further information. With my grateful thanks for our partnership in the Gospel With all good wishes, +Robert Gibraltar in Europe 2 Chaplaincy Champions for Safeguarding Training Requirements 1. Must have their own email address. 2. To collate names and email addresses of individuals who are mandated for training. 3. Provide above detail to Safeguarding Co-ordinator using generic training email address. [email protected] 4. To be a point of contact for anyone with computer difficulties and where necessary offer appropriate assistance. 5. Safeguarding Co-ordinator will supply Chaplaincy Champion with quarterly returns on training uptake. Thank you for agreeing to take on this important role in your Chaplaincy. Any questions, please contact Lesley Weaver, Safeguarding Co-ordinator. [email protected] +44(0)20 7898 1163 3