Safeguarding training

The Diocese of Westminster has a commitment to promoting the culture of safeguarding in all that we do and everyone undertaking a role on behalf of the Diocese must complete safeguarding training.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility

Online Safeguarding Training

Online safeguarding training is provided by Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA) via their website https://training.catholicsafeguarding.org.uk/  

In the Diocese of Westminster everyone (over 18 years of age) completes the same level of training:

1. Clergy, Trustees, Employees and DBS Volunteers: Level 3 for Clergy, Staff and DBS volunteers in the Diocese of Westminster

2. Westminster Volunteers without DBS: Level 3 Safeguarding for Volunteers in the Catholic Church

The learning platform is self-registering so it is important to note that:

• The name you register should be the same as your DBS/employment/volunteering records with the Diocese or Parish
• The role you choose in the dropdown menu will take you to the correct Level 3 training for that chosen role
• The training platform has Level 1 and Level 2 training. Westminster Diocese requires all to do the appropriate Level 3 ONLY.

Further guidance on registering and using the online training is available according to role:

Please note the training will refer to reporting concerns to the Safeguarding Co-ordinator; In the Diocese of Westminster you should report concerns to:

1. Your PSR in Parish
2. The Safeguarding duty inbox safeguarding@rcdow.org.uk 

If you have completed the CSSA training via another Diocese, please email safeguardingadmin@rcdow.org.uk with your name (as registered on the system), Diocese Name and role held there.

Guidance for Children/Young People who volunteer in parishes

Volunteers under the age of 18 are NOT REQUIRED to complete safeguarding training. 

Children and young people volunteers should be made aware of who they can speak to in Parish (e.g. Group Leader or PSR) if they had a concern about themselves or others. This might be at induction but should be repeated when they remain in the role for many years (e.g. altar serving).

The following child-centred safeguarding information leaflets are provided to support parish safeguarding awareness for children at the parish’s discretion and parental permission as appropriate.

Parish Training Register Resources

Every Westminster parish has a committed to supporting the safeguarding training for all and these templates are provided to assist with maintaining records:

Parish Contact Poster

For  further assistance with safeguarding training please contact safeguardingadmin@rcdow.org.uk

Clergy Safeguarding Training

Clergy Safeguarding Training sessions:  by email invitation only. For further information regarding these half day courses, please email safeguardingadmin@rcdow.org.uk 

The dates for the in-person training are:

• Thursday 16th July 2026
• Tuesday 3rd November 2026

Parish Safeguarding Representative Training

See the Parish Safeguarding Representative page for more details, click here