Safeguarding training

Mersey Synod runs online and face to face safeguarding training sessions throughout the year. Check the Synod Events Calendar for a month by month at a glance view of all planned safeguarding training.

All sessions are booked through Ticketsource or by contacting Pat Cansfield in the Synod Office providing your full name, your church, your role and your preferred course (level, date and time).

Please note when booking via Ticketsource you must only book in your own name, if you are booking for more than one person please book in the person’s name.

If you would like a bespoke training session at your church please contact Pat Cansfield in the Synod Office

  • Foundation level

    The Foundation course is designed to expand your knowledge and understanding of why safeguarding and good practice are so important to all of us in the URC. This is an e-learning course provided by Church House and is available here.

  • Intermediate level

    Intermediate level training will take you to the next level in your safeguarding training. The next available sessions are:

    Online sessions:
    Monday 20 April 2026, 1.00 - 3.30 pm

    Click here to book your place on Ticketsource

  • Combined Foundation and Intermediate level

    This session will combine both Foundation and Intermediate modules for those needing training to an Intermediate level. This course can be completed as one training instead of‍ completing the e-learning Foundation course and the Intermediate course. The next available sessions are:

    Face to Face sessions:
    Friday 17 April 2026, 11.00 am - 1.30 pm at Churchtown Village URC, Southport
    Monday 11 May 2026, 6.30 - 9.00 pm at St John’s URC, Warrington

    Online sessions:
    Tuesday 5 May 2026, 6.00 - 8.30 pm
    Wednesday 3 June 2026, 1.00 - 3.30 pm

    Click here to book your place on Ticketsource

  • Advanced level

    Advanced level training will take you to the next level in your safeguarding training. The next available sessions are below (all sessions include a midway break):

    Online sessions:
    Monday 13 April 2026, 6.00 - 9.15 pm
    Wednesday 13 May 2026, 6.00 - 9.15 pm
    Monday 15 June 2026, 6.00 - 9.15 pm

    Click here to book your place on Ticketsource

  • Safeguarding Exchange/Forum

    This is a forum for safeguarding reps to exchange ideas, get support from each other and get any questions answered by the Synod Safeguarding Officer. All meetings are held online:

    Wednesday 3 June 2026, 6.30 - 7.30 pm

    Click here to book your place on Ticketsource

  • Introduction to Safeguarding

    This is an e-learning course run by Church House and is designed for those who are asked to do Foundation level training but who have already come with a background in safeguarding and have completed training within a professional organisation in the previous three years. This course does not look at the signs and symptoms of abuse - if you need information on this you will need to complete Foundation level training.

    Click here to access this e-learning training

  • Additional training

    For more information about the courses and resources available on the URC Learning Hub please click here. Some of the topics covered include: ‘Exploring Eldership’, ‘Conversation Starters’ and ‘Planning Your Learning’. You can book by emailing Emma.Pearce@urc.org.uk stating your name, church, role and course preference.