Safeguarding Training

Creating Safer Space

The safeguarding training offered by the Methodist Church includes the Foundation and Advanced Modules.

Foundation Module

This training can serve either as a basic starting point or as a refresher course.

The training's overall aim is to increase safeguarding awareness, so the Church can exercise its duty of care to all: its members, office-holders and anyone who comes through its doors. We create a safer Church by developing your understanding of, and confidence in, our safeguarding processes and your individual place within these processes.

Whatever your role within the Church, it will help you understand safeguarding in the Methodist Church and our collective responsibility for creating safer spaces for all.

Please contact the Circuit Office to find out details about further upcoming courses and click here for the course handbook

Advanced Module

The Foundation module is required before attending the Advanced training. Safeguarding training is mandatory for those in the roles identified in the following link: Advanced Module Required Attendance. This includes all ministers, local preachers & worship leaders, lay workers with children and vulnerable adults, District Policy Committee members and circuit safeguarding co-ordinators.

There are two options for this module: Face to face or on-line. More details of each can be found on our District website. This training is organised by the District Safeguarding Officer. Any questions about this should be addressed in the first instance to Katrin, the District administrator – katrin@sheffieldmethodist.org

Dates of the Advanced Module Online Gathered sessions 2025-2026

This training is shared between four Districts, but you can attend any session:

Monday 15th September 2025 7pm Newcastle/Darlington
Wednesday 1st October 2025 7pm Yorkshire North and East
Monday 6th October 2025 10am Yorkshire North and East
Monday 10th November 2025 10am Yorkshire North and East
Tuesday 11th November 2025 7pm Yorkshire North and East
Friday 14th November 2025 10am Yorkshire North and East
Wednesday 3rd December 2025 10am Sheffield
Wednesday 3rd December 2025 7pm Sheffield
Tuesday 27th January 2026 10am Sheffield
Saturday 31st January 2026 10am Sheffield
Thursday 26th February 2026 10am Sheffield
Thursday 26th February 2026 7pm Sheffield
Wednesday 25th March 2026 10am Sheffield
Saturday 28th March 2026 10am Sheffield
Monday 18th May 2026 10am Yorkshire North and East
Tuesday 19th May 2026 7pm Yorkshire North and East
Monday 15th June 2026 10am Yorkshire North and East
Tuesday 16th June 2026 1pm Newcastle/Darlington
Thursday 19th June 2026 10am Yorkshire North and East
Thursday 16th July 2026 7pm Newcastle/Darlington

Use this link to register for your preferred date and time:

https://2025-26advancedonline.eventbrite.co.uk/

Face to Face sessions 2025-2026

These sessions last about 5 hours. Some preparation beforehand is required. The Foundation Module must be completed before attending the Advanced Module for the first time.

Dates and venues 2025-2026

Monday 22 September – Totley Rise Methodist Church, Sheffield

Register here


Please note that registrations close 20 days before the event date to allow enough time to receive and complete the preparation material before attending the core session.

There needs to be a minimum of 15 people registered for the session to take place.

The Foundation Module must be completed before attending the Advanced Module for the first time.

If you are unsure whether you are required to complete this course please contact your church or circuit safeguarding officer.

You can view our Circuit Safeguarding policy here.

Contacts

Alison Hill

Regional Officer for Safeguarding
Tel: 07483 362735Tel: 020 74675189
Email: hilla@methodistchurch.org.uk