5.2 Multi Agency Safeguarding Training

1. Overview

Buckingham Safeguarding Children Partnership (BSCP) provides multi agency training for staff and volunteers on the local safeguarding children policies and procedures. Training is provided at different levels, to reflect the different roles and responsibilities staff may have in relation to safeguarding arrangements. Employers, student bodies and voluntary organisations should also ensure training is provided to all relevant staff members to reflect the role they have in safeguarding children and promoting their welfare. This should include:

• basic mandatory induction training covering safeguarding children responsibilities, the forms which abuse and neglect can take, and how to report any concerns;
• more detailed awareness training, including training on how to recognise abuse and neglect and responsibilities with respect to the procedures in their particular agency;
• specialist training for managers and those who will be involved in safeguarding and child protection work, including core groups and child protection conferences;
• training for elected members and others for example safeguarding children partnership members; and
• post qualifying or advanced training for those who work with more complex safeguarding work or who act as their organisation’s safeguarding lead.

Training should take place at all levels in an organisation and be updated regularly to reflect best practice. To ensure that practice is consistent – no staff group should be excluded.

Training is an ongoing responsibility and should be provided as a rolling programme. Whilst training may be undertaken on a joint basis and BSCP has an overview of standards and content, it is the responsibility of each organisation to train its own staff.

Regular face to face supervision from skilled managers and reflective practice is also essential to enable staff to work confidently and competently with difficult and sensitive situations.