This focused two-and-a-half-hour training course is designed for those with governance responsibilities, including charity trustees, board members, school governors, and elders within faith communities. Relevant across charity, education, and voluntary sector settings, the course supports those in oversight roles to understand and fulfil their safeguarding responsibilities with clarity and confidence.

Grounded in current legislation, regulatory expectations, and safeguarding best practice, the course explores the statutory duties of trustees, including their responsibilities to charity regulators and the requirement to ensure appropriate safeguarding policies, procedures, and systems are in place. Participants will develop a clear understanding of reporting obligations, including when and how concerns should be escalated to regulators, and how these differ from operational safeguarding responses.

A key focus of the course is the distinction between governance and operational safeguarding. Participants will explore what effective oversight looks like in practice, including how to provide appropriate challenge and support to leadership teams, ensure accountability, and maintain clear lines of responsibility. The course also examines risk; supporting trustees to identify, understand, and respond to both direct and indirect harms, and to ensure safeguarding is embedded within wider organisational risk management strategy.

Participants will consider how safeguarding must be contextualised to the specific groups their organisation serves, ensuring that approaches are proportionate, inclusive, and responsive to need. Alongside this, the course explores the role of trustees in shaping healthy organisational cultures—creating environments that are not only safe, but brave, where concerns can be raised and addressed appropriately.

With a focus on practical application, real-world scenarios, and reflective discussion, this course equips trustees and board members to provide informed, confident, and effective safeguarding oversight.

If a course time doesn’t suit, or you’re seeking bespoke training for your organisation, please get in touch to discuss how we can support your specific training needs