Safeguarding in the Community

What is this course about?         

The best voluntary organisations and community spaces make people feel welcome, so they may be the place someone speaks up and asks for help. This interactive, supportive session will focus on the practicalities of safeguarding - including how to respond to concerns and disclosures, whether from visitors or volunteers. We'll cover 'how it works' when safeguarding happens, from point of need, to procedure – and bust some safeguarding myths along the way. Importantly we will provide a safe space to discuss 'how it feels' when safeguarding happens, and some tips for making sure those involved are supported - both the person(s) you're safeguarding and the person(s) who stepped in to help.

Who is the course for?

This course is suited to staff and volunteers within organisations that may come into contact with children, young people and/or adults with vulnerabilities, but where this isn’t your/your organisations ‘core work’. If you aren’t sure if this is you, please do just get in touch and we can clarify this with you.

What will you learn?

By the end of this session you will:

• Have a clear understanding of what safeguarding is
• Have greater awareness of the signs of harm, abuse and exploitation
• Know to respond to a disclosure
• Know what ‘safeguarding working well’ looks like 
• Who to go to for further help and guidance

Why is this relevant or important now?               

Safeguarding is a shared responsibility and we all have a role to play. Much good safeguarding happens out in the community – where people live, work and spend their free time. However, safeguarding can also be a confusing and daunting topic, and more people in Bristol than ever may need safeguarding at some point in their lives, as we come out of one crisis and into another. It is now more important than ever that those of us ‘on the ground’ delivering services and support, out in the community, feel confident, and supported, in safeguarding the people we meet.

What else do you need to know?

We will be discussing abuse and harm to some level of depth in this training. These topics may at times feel challenging, especially for those who may have lived experience. We want this training session to be a safe space, and for people to be comfortable. Therefore we will be setting some ground rules at the start, and have some space for follow up with the trainer at the end. If anyone would like more information on the session content before comitting to attend please email:

Due to the nature of the topics discussed on this training it is important that participants attend out of ear shot of children. A headset is also recommended if possible.

This course is scheduled to run online, to take part, you will need a laptop with a camera, microphone, and Wi-Fi. You won't need any other software. 

You will be emailed an invitation with a link to join the online training before the course.