Single Agency Training
All agencies should have systems in place to identify the training needs of their employees (as a requirement under the Children Act 2014) to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. Agencies should also have systems in place to identify any reasons for workers not completing training courses.
All organisations have responsibilities regarding mandatory induction training and associated child protection training for all those in contact or working with children and young people and/or adults who are parents or carers (Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023).
All agencies should compile information on the single agency training staff have undertaken so that they can provide clear evidence to the Brighton & Hove Safeguarding Children Partnership the numbers of employees who have/have not completed the single agency training requirements that the agency has identified for its employees. This could be as part of a multi-agency training needs analysis, quality assurance activity (i.e. Section 11 audit), or in response to a Safeguarding Practice Review
As part of our quality assurance process, partner agencies will be requested to provide details of what single agency safeguarding training is being provided within their organisation.
This should include:
- Outline of respective courses
- How the agency evaluates their single agency training
- Numbers and percentage of staff who have completed relevant training
Single Agency Safeguarding Training Minimum Standards
- The organisation has in place a current individual training strategy.
- All training has explicit aims and objectives outlined.
- Training is delivered in an environment which is conducive with learning and ensures all appropriate staff are given opportunity to attend.
- Training is delivered by trainers who are knowledgeable about safeguarding, child protection and promoting welfare
- At each training course, candidate information is recorded by the agency.
- Training records are kept up to date and made available to the BHSCP, when required.
- Training is child focused so that the voice of the child and the child’s welfare remain paramount.
- Training promotes the importance of understanding the child’s daily life experience.
- Training is underpinned by the values contained within Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023.
- Training creates an ethos that values working collaboratively with others, respect diversity (including culture, race, religion, identity and disability) and promotes equality and appropriate challenge.
- Training equips staff for working with, communicating and sharing information with others.
- Training covers: What is child abuse and neglect, the signs and indicators of abuse and neglect, normal child development, maintaining a child focus and what to do in response to concerns.
- All training is evaluated using a standard evaluation form.
- Training is regularly reviewed and evaluated to ensure that it meets the agreed learning outcomes and has a positive impact on practice.
Single Agency Requirements for Designated School Staff
There are specific single agency courses that Designated Safeguarding Leads and Headteachers must undertake on appointment. The course “DSL Training” can be booked through BEEM, and safeguarding staff must then also attend this as a refresher every two years. Headteachers must also attend the session ‘Managing Allegations Against Staff’ training every three years. Schools Training also offer a range of half day training workshops to support school staff, including sessions on ‘Working with Front Door For Families’ and ‘Safeguarding and SEND’. For more information and recommended safeguarding training please contact schools.training@brighton-hove.gov.uk.
There is a statutory requirement for these staff to undertake these BHSCP multi-agency core safeguarding sessions as soon as practical after appointment:
- Developing a Core Understanding
- Assessment Referral & Investigation
- Child Protection Conferences & Core Groups
There is no need to repeat these courses. When you need to update your multi-agency safeguarding training, please book one of the more specialised sessions to enhance your knowledge.
If you have any questions about the training requirements for schools please contact the Education Safeguarding Officer: Alex.Graham@brighton-hove.gov.uk
Community and Voluntary Sector
If you work with children and young people in a local community group or organisation you need to make sure that you have the following things in place for staff, volunteers and trustees:
- A Safeguarding and Child Protection training programme
- DBS (formerly CRB) checks
- Safeguarding Policies and Procedures which will need to include details of the training provided to staff and volunteers including how often this is refreshed.
Safety Net (Impact Initiatives) is a local children’s safeguarding charity who provide information, support and training for local community groups. Their low-cost courses include safeguarding and child protection, developing your policies and designated safeguarding lead as well as other related courses. Check the website for up-to-date details.
It is important that your safeguarding arrangements are up to date and robust, to ensure that the children, young people and families you work with are fully safeguarded. The charity commission requires this from registered charities and grant funders will also want to be assured that your organisation is safe.
Useful Links and Resources
The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) has produced a range of safeguarding resources for community organisations, which you can find here.
The organisations below offer guidance and information which may also be helpful.