From the Diocese of Europe 

More than twenty people crowded into Christ Church Centre in Vienna for a full day Safeguarding training course. Delegates travelled from as far away as Prague and Budapest to join local members of Vienna’s Anglican Church and some members of other churches in the Austrian capital.

The training courses are based on the Safeguarding policy launched at Diocesan Synod in 2012. Plans are in hand for computer-based interactive training modules which it’s hoped may be launched around the diocese during 2014 although it is recognised that there will still be a need for formal regional training.

The day began with a short DVD which compared shoppers arriving at a supermarket – where no criminal record checks are needed for staff or visitors – with the church where our doors are open for everyone yet where firm policies and procedures are needed to ensure we are safe church venues.

Participants were challenged to discuss typical scenarios which could affect any of our churches and to consider where abuse might be suspected and how it could be dealt with.

Because many people think of safeguarding as relating to children the course was challenged to consider who in church life might be a “vulnerable adult”. The day ended with a new aspect of the training focussing on the internet and social media where people are susceptible to face abuse.

Course participants said at the end that they had learned a lot, and were fully aware of the need to operate the safeguarding policy properly and with more understanding of what to do when problems are suspected.

A similar course is currently in preparation for church in Northern France and will be based in Paris in January. Look out for more details and the chance to sign up for the one-day event.