Training
RLSS Safeguarding Training
Further courses are in development and we also offer bespoke online training or on-site training based on our standard courses but tweaked to fit the context of your Religious Life Group.
Members of the RLSS can access Refresher Course Materials in the Members Area of this website.
Leave Course Feedback
We’d love to hear your feedback on our RLSS training courses – your insights help us strengthen what we do well and continually improve the support we offer.
Training Etiquette
To support a safe and positive learning environment, we invite you to read the reminders below for participant in our online training sessions:
- Please have your camera on, where possible: This is essential for safeguarding purposes, allowing the trainer to monitor participant’s wellbeing. It also helps build trust and encourages more open, comfortable group discussions.
- Introduce yourself at the start of the session: Introductions will be facilitated by Harriet and Charley at the start to help create a welcoming space, but also allows the trainer to check names against the attendance list. This is important for safeguarding purposes and ensuring that only registered participants are present.
- Ensure a stable internet connection: We understand issues may arise, but repeated reconnections can be disruptive for everyone. Please try to join from a location with reliable Wi-Fi connection.
- Attend from an appropriate environment: Given the sensitive nature of the course content, it is not suitable to attend while travelling or from outdoor/public spaces. We ask that you set aside dedicated time in an appropriate setting to engage fully.
- Engage in breakout room discussions: These small groups are an important part of the training. Your contributions help create a meaningful experience for all participants.
- Please also ensure you are registered in advance and that training links are not forwarded to others. Our sessions have a limited capacity, and oversubscription has made recent sessions difficult to manage, particularly when we are unable to engage with unnamed participants.
- Eligibility for training: Our training follows safeguarding legislation and guidance specific to England and Wales, and is therefore available only to members, staff and volunteers based in these countries. If you are booking on behalf of others, please ensure the numbers you provide our membership team accurately reflect this.
- £50 Fee: We ask that you please inform us at least 48 hours in advance if you are unable to attend a training session. Failure to do so will result in a £50 fee. Our courses are highly popular and often oversubscribed, so providing early notice allows us to offer your place to someone else who is eager to attend. Thank you for your understanding and courtesy.
Unfortunately, if we are unable to confirm who is attending, such as when cameras remain off and there is no interaction with the trainers or group, we will sadly not be able to issue a certificate of attendance.
We really look forward to supporting your ongoing learning and dedication to safeguarding so please browse our courses and book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Basic Safeguarding
For volunteers and members with little safeguarding responsibility or contact with children or adults at risk.
Covers What Safeguarding Is, How to Spot the Types of Abuse and How to Respond to Disclosures or Concerns.
Course Feedback
“Thoroughly enjoyed the Basic Training session yesterday. Trainer knows her job and has a good understanding of the circumstances of Religious Life. Thank you very much.”
Advanced Safeguarding
A comprehensive course covering many aspects of safeguarding.
For volunteers and members who are likely to come into contact with children and adults at risk very regularly and deal with safeguarding issues frequently but do not hold the added responsibility of Safeguarding Lead.
Course Feedback
“Having done several online Safeguarding courses for my Hospital Chaplaincy ministry I found this one to be much more helpful. Very good teacher, clear information, good small groups with real conversation and then sharing back.”
Training for Safeguarding Leads
For Safeguarding Leads who hold the responsibility for day to day safeguarding within their RLG.
Covering all aspects of safeguarding, including Role and Responsibilities, Working with External Agencies, Making Reports, Safer Working Practice and maintaining Care and Management Plans.
Course Feedback
“Very clear and professional. Allowed time for questions and discussions. Felt safe to ask questions and they were always answered thoroughly and with relevance to different settings.”
Safeguarding for Spiritual Accompaniment
For those formally trained to offer Spiritual Accompaniment.
Covers the CoR requirements of Types and Signs of Abuse, Power Imbalance and Confidentiality and the Duty to Report.
Course Feedback
“Just wanted to thank you for the training this morning which was very helpful and sensitively delivered. I always say to colleagues how brilliant and useful the training is offered by the team at RLSS. You help us to feel informed and empowered to make good judgements around safeguarding, and it’s reassuring to know you are only a phone call away. Held my attention throughout.”
Safeguarding Adults
This will include looking at the Care Act and Mental Capacity Act and how these impact the day to day care of adults at risk. Can be tailored to include working with young adults upon request.
Course Feedback
“A very competent, engaging trainer, encouraged full participation and got it. Very full, informed content, different styles of presentation. A comment I picked up from a participant: “I did not feel I had been talked at.” A difficult subject, presented sensitively, participants felt ‘safe’.”
Safeguarding for Trustees
Follows Charity Commission Safeguarding Guidance for Trustees.
Course Feedback
“This was the first session I had followed as the trustee with special regard for safeguarding, and I very much appreciated how the trainer underlined how RLSS can help and support us with templates and they are available when we want to ask any questions. It very much clarified for me the role of the RLSS.”
Safeguarding Young People
A course focused on the specific issues surrounding the safeguarding of children and young people. Specifically focusing on those 16-25. This will include looking at recognising abuse, safe communication, risk assessments for activities and related legislation such as Working Together to Safeguarding Children.
Course Feedback
Safeguarding Children
A course focused on identifying and responding to signs of abuse and neglect in babies and children, up to the age of 16 years. We will boost your confidence in recognising abuse, responding to your concerns and who to report to should a concern arise. This course will also look at key legislation such as Working Together to Safeguard Children, and documents such as the UN Rights of the Child.
Course Feedback
“The ‘real life’ examples were so important to clarify how important the ‘small’ instances can aid building a big picture to help keep children safe and how if safeguarding becomes so natural to us, we can trust our instincts and really be able to help.”
Safeguarding the Elderly Needing Care
Tailored specifically for Religious members, lay staff and volunteers who care for elderly adults. This engaging session will include scenario-based discussions and case studies to equip you with the knowledge and confidence to recognise, respond to, and report safeguarding concerns, ensuring the dignity, safety and wellbeing of elderly individuals in your care.
Course Feedback
Care and Safety Management Assessments
Looking at the initial assessment phase of Care and Safety Management Plans for Victims/Survivors and Persons Accused of Causing Harm through to how to manage the plan in the short term and long term and when to review.
Course Feedback
Arrived at the session feeling very apprehensive but left feeling much better knowing RLSS would lead us through the process etc.”
Safe Recruitment
This session hopes to help those involved in hiring staff and volunteers to understand how to recruit safely and responsibly.
We will cover best practice at every stage of the recruitment process to ensure we create a culture of vigilance and accountability.
With a strong focus on safeguarding, this course supports responsible and transparent hiring that helps protect the adults at risk, children and young people your RLG comes into contact with.
Course Feedback
Social Media and Safeguarding: Keeping Yourself and Others Safe Online
This session will explore the world of social media and the positive impact using the online world can have in spreading awareness of our work and messages to our community. Together, we will delve into how we can keep firm boundaries around ourselves and look at practical steps to keep our followers safeguarded against abuse and exploitation whilst online.
Course Feedback
Caring with Confidence: Communicating and Supporting Those with Dementia
Dementia affects over 944,000 people in the UK, with someone developing symptoms every three minutes.
This course looks at how Dementia affects Communication and Behaviour, provides you with practical strategies to maintain positive interactions and support you when there may be distressing behaviours in order to protect both the caregiver and the individual.
Course Feedback
The Criminal Justice System
This course will take you through what to expect of the criminal justice system in England and Wales, some key terminology you may come across and how to keep the voice of the victim/survivor voice at the heart of responding to any allegations that might arise.
We will look at some of the more relevant areas of Canon Law that you will need during the course of an investigation.
The course will look at the most common offences in UK law, how investigators will achieve best evidence, and ways of managing offenders such as Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements.
Course Feedback
Suicide and Self-Harm Awareness
This Suicide and Self-Harm training provides essential knowledge and practical strategies to support individuals at risk. It explores the common triggers of self-harm, such as emotional distress, trauma, and feelings of powerlessness, helping participants to recognise the signs early. The course also covers effective ways to manage incidents of self-harm with empathy and safety, including appropriate intervention techniques and referral pathways.
In addition, it examines the underlying factors that may lead to suicidal ideation – such as mental illness, isolation, and overwhelming life circumstances – and equips learners with the skills to respond confidently and compassionately to individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts. This training is designed to build awareness, reduce stigma, and empower participants to offer meaningful, informed support.
Course Feedback
Basic Safeguarding Refresher Training
If it has been 12 months or more since your last Basic Safeguarding training, this refresher session is designed to bring you back up to date with current expectations and best practice.
Join us online for an interactive, scenario‑based learning experience led by our Training Department. Through practical examples and guided discussion, you’ll revisit core safeguarding principles, strengthen your confidence in recognising and responding to concerns, and ensure you remain compliant and prepared in your role.
Care Needs Assessment Training
This course provides a practical introduction to the Care Needs Assessment process, equipping participants with the knowledge and confidence to support individuals seeking care and support. Through guided learning, you will explore what a Care Needs Assessment is, how referrals are made, and who is responsible for completing the assessment.
The session walks through each stage of the assessment, including how information is gathered, how eligibility is determined, and what happens when a person may lack capacity to participate. You will also gain an understanding of personal budgets and how care and support planning is developed to meet identified needs.
Basic Safeguarding
For volunteers and members with little safeguarding responsibility or contact with children or adults at risk.
Covers What Safeguarding Is, How to Spot the Types of Abuse and How to Respond to Disclosures or Concerns.
Advanced Safeguarding
A comprehensive course covering many aspects of safeguarding.
For volunteers and members who are likely to come into contact with children and adults at risk very regularly and deal with safeguarding issues frequently but do not hold the added responsibility of Safeguarding Lead.
Training for Safeguarding Leads
For Safeguarding Leads who hold the responsibility for day to day safeguarding within their RLG.
Covering all aspects of safeguarding, including Role and Responsibilities, Working with External Agencies, Making Reports, Safer Working Practice and maintaining Care and Management Plans.
Safeguarding for Spiritual Accompaniment
For those formally trained to offer Spiritual Accompaniment.
Covers the CoR requirements of Types and Signs of Abuse, Power Imbalance and Confidentiality and the Duty to Report.
Safeguarding Adults
A course focused on the specific issues surrounding the safeguarding of adults, particularly elder members of communities.
This will include looking at the Care Act and Mental Capacity Act and how these impact the day to day care of adults at risk. Can be tailored to include working with young adults upon request.
Safeguarding for Trustees
Follows Charity Commission Safeguarding Guidance for Trustees.
Safeguarding Young People
A course focused on the specific issues surrounding the safeguarding of children and young people. Specifically focusing on those 16-25. This will include looking at recognising abuse, safe communication, risk assessments for activities and related legislation such as Working Together to Safeguarding Children.
Safeguarding Children
A course focused on identifying and responding to signs of abuse and neglect in babies and children, up to the age of 16 years. We will boost your confidence in recognising abuse, responding to your concerns and who to report to should a concern arise. This course will also look at key legislation such as Working Together to Safeguard Children, and documents such as the UN Rights of the Child.
Safeguarding the Elderly Needing Care
Tailored specifically for Religious members, lay staff and volunteers who care for elderly adults. This engaging session will include scenario-based discussions and case studies to equip you with the knowledge and confidence to recognise, respond to, and report safeguarding concerns, ensuring the dignity, safety and wellbeing of elderly individuals in your care.
Care and Safety Management Assessments
Looking at the initial assessment phase of Care and Safety Management Plans for Victims/Survivors and Persons Accused of Causing Harm through to how to manage the plan in the short term and long term and when to review.
Safe Recruitment
This session hopes to help those involved in hiring staff and volunteers to understand how to recruit safely and responsibly.
We will cover best practice at every stage of the recruitment process to ensure we create a culture of vigilance and accountability.
With a strong focus on safeguarding, this course supports responsible and transparent hiring that helps protect the adults at risk, children and young people your RLG comes into contact with.
Social Media and Safeguarding: Keeping Yourself and Others Safe Online
This session will explore the world of social media and the positive impact using the online world can have in spreading awareness of our work and messages to our community. Together, we will delve into how we can keep firm boundaries around ourselves and look at practical steps to keep our followers safeguarded against abuse and exploitation whilst online.
The Criminal Justice System
This course will take you through what to expect of the criminal justice system in England and Wales, some key terminology you may come across and how to keep the voice of the victim/survivor voice at the heart of responding to any allegations that might arise.
We will look at some of the more relevant areas of Canon Law that you will need during the course of an investigation.
The course will look at the most common offences in UK law, how investigators will achieve best evidence, and ways of managing offenders such as Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements.
Suicide and Self-Harm Awareness
This Suicide and Self-Harm training provides essential knowledge and practical strategies to support individuals at risk. It explores the common triggers of self-harm, such as emotional distress, trauma, and feelings of powerlessness, helping participants to recognise the signs early. The course also covers effective ways to manage incidents of self-harm with empathy and safety, including appropriate intervention techniques and referral pathways.
In addition, it examines the underlying factors that may lead to suicidal ideation – such as mental illness, isolation, and overwhelming life circumstances – and equips learners with the skills to respond confidently and compassionately to individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts. This training is designed to build awareness, reduce stigma, and empower participants to offer meaningful, informed support.
Basic Safeguarding Refresher Training
If it has been 12 months or more since your last Basic Safeguarding training, this refresher session is designed to bring you back up to date with current expectations and best practice.
Join us online for an interactive, scenario‑based learning experience led by our Training Department. Through practical examples and guided discussion, you’ll revisit core safeguarding principles, strengthen your confidence in recognising and responding to concerns, and ensure you remain compliant and prepared in your role.
Care Needs Assessment Training
This course provides a practical introduction to the Care Needs Assessment process, equipping participants with the knowledge and confidence to support individuals seeking care and support. Through guided learning, you will explore what a Care Needs Assessment is, how referrals are made, and who is responsible for completing the assessment.
The session walks through each stage of the assessment, including how information is gathered, how eligibility is determined, and what happens when a person may lack capacity to participate. You will also gain an understanding of personal budgets and how care and support planning is developed to meet identified needs.
Caring with Confidence: Communicating and Supporting Those with Dementia
Dementia affects over 944,000 people in the UK, with someone developing symptoms every three minutes.
This course looks at how Dementia affects Communication and Behaviour, provides you with practical strategies to maintain positive interactions and support you when there may be distressing behaviours in order to protect both the caregiver and the individual.
Reporting Abuse or Safeguarding Concerns
If you have experienced abuse or have any safeguarding concerns, we encourage you to reach out through our Make Contact With Us link below. All reports are taken seriously and handled with sensitivity, confidentiality, and care.
Testimonials
Kind Words
I thought it was well put together, obviously very carefully thought through and reflected upon, backed by reference to relevant legislation and very much fit for purpose for RLG.
- RLG Leader
Thank you so much for facilitating today with such sensitivity, clarity while also making it interesting and informative as well as directing us to the responsibility we have in caring for those who are hurting or vulnerable.
I really found both the day itself and the materials most helpful.
- RLG Safeguarding Lead
Thank you for yesterday’s training session. I thought it was both informative and well handled – you are a breath of fresh air in the world of safeguarding training, and RLSS has certainly made a most promising start in training for Religious under your guidance.