Safeguarding Training
Understanding Safeguarding Training in the Methodist Church
The Methodist Church has 2 levels of safeguarding training: Foundation and Advanced.
Which level of training you need is dependant upon your role in the life of the church, with roles that have a greater level of leadership and public representation required to train to Advanced level.
Click below to access a list of roles and associated training requirements.
If the role you’re looking for is not listed, please contact your circuit safeguarding officer or the Regional Officer for safeguarding for guidance.
Everyone who requires safeguarding training must attend Foundation Module once.
For roles that then require completion of the Advanced Module, this must be completed within 6 months of starting in the applicable role.
Training must be renewed every four years; this only applies to the highest level of safeguarding training required. So if your role required you to complete the Advanced module, renewal would require retaking the Advanced module only.
There is now some useful additional guidance (with thanks to our colleagues in Northampton), to help circuits and church to determine whether a person is eligible for a DBS check and the appropriate level of safeguarding training which can be found here: DBS and Training Guidance - last updated 1st Sept 2026
if in Doubt, please contact your Church or Circuit Safeguarding Officer in the first instance.
Recognising Training from other Denominations
The Methodist Church recognises the Church of England and United Reformed Church (URC) safeguarding training as equivalent to the Foundation and Advanced Modules. Therefore, those who have undertaken the Church of England or URC courses at the appropriate level will have satisfied attendance requirements listed above for the Methodist Church.
Please contact the Regional Officer for Safeguarding to discsss this.
Foundation Training
Those who are required to complete the foundation safeguarding module include all those in leadership roles in the church, and all those who have direct contact with young people and vulnerable adults. Click here for a detailed list.
If you require Foundation Module training (first time of refresher) please contact your Church or Circuit Safeguarding Officer to find out about local training taking place soon.
Some online facilitated course are also made available here Connexional Safeguarding Training Events - 1 Upcoming Activities and Tickets | Eventbrite
Refreshing your Foundation Training via self-led learning
If you have previously completed the Foundation Course, you also have an option to undertake foundation training using the self-led learning platform via Creating Safer Spaces – Foundation Module | MCBX.
It is not recommended that people use the self-led learning platform for undertaking Foundation Training for the first time, due to its content and the additional benefits of learning with others. If you feel unable to undertake foundation training we encourage you to have a conversation with the circuit safeguarding officer before choosing to enroll in the self-led course.
Training as a Foundation Module Trainer
Hosted online via Teams. If you are considering training as a foundation module trainer, please discuss with your Circuit Safeguarding Officer first.
Advanced Training
Those who are required to complete the advanced safeguarding module include a wide range of people in leadership roles in the local church. Click here for a detailed list.
If the role you’re looking for is not listed, please contact your circuit safeguarding officer or the Regional Officers for Safeguarding for guidance.
Upcoming Training Courses
These training sessions are the ‘Gathered Online’ sessions that have a requirement to have completed some independent study via the Connexional Training platform (MCBX) beforehand.
How to book
Please note: we have recently simplified the booking process, and no longer use Eventbrite for booking into training (though are using it for Spotlight on Safeguarding). To book into any of the below courses, the booking link is available from your church and Circuit Safeguarding Officers.
Tues 12th Jan 2027 10am - 12noon
(Booking closes 11th Dec 2026)
Weds 10th Feb 2027 6pm - 8pm
(Booking closes 9th Jan 2027)
Thurs 1st April 2027 12.30 - 2.30pm
(Booking closes 28th Feb 2027)
Tues 11th May 2027 6pm - 8pm
(Booking closes 10th April 2027)
Weds 16th June 2027 10am - 12noon
(Booking closes 15th May 2027)
Thurs 15th July 2027 7pm - 9pm
(Booking closes 14th June 2027)
Remaining 2026 training sessions (Still using Eventbrite)
Training as an Advanced Module Trainer
The Advanced Train-the-Trainer Training are beginning a new roll out to extensively increase the number of people able to train others in advance training across the connexion.
As we are in the initial roll out stage, to take part in this AM Train‑the‑Trainer session, we’re asking that participants:
Have already completed Train‑the‑Trainer Foundation Module training; and
Have delivered Foundation Module training; and
Have already been through the Safer Recruitment process regarding the above.
The session will look at both in‑person and online delivery of the Advanced Module. If you are considering training as an advanced module trainer, please discuss with your Circuit Safeguarding Officer first.
Sign up via email to Regional Safeguarding Officer
Further Training and Development
Training for members of Monitoring Support Groups
Online Training Workshop with Sarah Howell. Contact your circuit safeguarding officer or Sarah Howell for access details.
Future Dates to be shared shortly
Safer Recruitment Breifings
Hosted online via Teams. Contact your circuit safeguarding officer or Sarah Howell for access details.
Future Dates to be shared shortly
Training Resources from the Connexional Safeguarding Team
Click below for important resources around the theology of safeguarding. This resource underpins the safeguarding policy and practice of the Methodist Church and is especially important for those in ministry.
Click below to view previously held webinars on a range of topics related to safeguarding.