Researching training

As there is no set standard for safeguarding training, you need to ensure that the organisation is credible and reliable. Use the training organisation’s website to decide if they are up to date or not.

Check:

• if the advertised course dates are for this year
• if the website contains a phone number and email address
• how much you can find out about the people behind the company
• if the website has feedback from people who have attended the training
• if the website provides details so that you could get in touch with those people
• if they use current terminology such as Disclosure and Barring Service not criminal records checks
• if they have expertise in safeguarding in charities or whether most of their work is in education or social care.

Use the organisation’s website and any materials they send out about the training to work out whether it is right for you. In a larger organisation you may send one staff member to attend training to bring back comments before sending other staff or volunteers.

If you are looking at working with a freelancer, you might ask them for evidence of their expertise, experience with comparable organisations to yours or references from other people they’ve delivered training for.

Useful questions

• What does the training consist of? Is it up-to-date and does it contain current legislation?
• Is the training suitable for charities?
• Is the training package flexible enough to reflect the needs of your organisation and everyone involved?
• Is the latest learning from serious case reviews and statutory investigations included and does it show the lived experience of those who have experienced harm?
• What is the trainer’s background and recent practice?
• Is the trainer prepared to adapt their training to work with your safeguarding processes and procedures?
• Will they use training methods that suit your staff and volunteers?
• What resources and information will be given to people attending the training?
• How is the training evaluated?
• What are the costs of the training?
• Does the basic fee include travel and/or accommodation?
• Is VAT payable?
• What is the cancellation policy?
• Does the training provider have a confidentiality policy or statement relating to anything which may be discussed in training?