0.1 The purpose of this course

This course exists to form you as a clergy person (or ministry leader) who safeguards with seriousness, clarity, discipline, and compassion. Safeguarding is not “admin”. It is part of shepherding.

By the end of this course, you should be able to:

• recognise safeguarding concerns early (including subtle or indirect signs)
• respond calmly and correctly to disclosures (without contaminating evidence)
• act with “protection-first” urgency while maintaining fairness and due process
• record and report properly (and lawfully) rather than “handling it internally”
• practise safer ministry with clear boundaries in person and online
• build a safeguarding culture that refuses secrecy, retaliation, and reputation-protection

This is formation. It is also a readiness check for ministry.

The video below provides a broad introduction and explanation of Safeguarding in the Church.