Freelance Safeguarding Trainer in North East

Are you passionate about creating a safer church for all? Do you understand the significance of protecting children, young people and vulnerable adults and preventing abuse from happening? Do you have the skills to inspire and equip others to understand the importance of safeguarding in a church context?

The Dioceses of Durham and Carlisle are looking for experienced, dynamic and engaging trainers to join our small and friendly freelance training team to deliver the Leadership core safeguarding learning pathway (as per the Church of England’s Safeguarding Learning & Development Framework 2024) to those who play a lead role in shaping the culture of the church. This includes members of clergy, parish safeguarding officers, churchwardens, leaders of children and young people groups, and licensed lay ministers.

The Diocese of Carlisle and The Diocese of Durham work closely together to deliver high standard and effective training that has a positive impact. We would therefore ideally like applicants to be prepared to deliver to both dioceses. The majority of this will be online via Zoom, so you can work from home. You will require your own IT equipment. There will also be opportunity for delivery of face-to-face training depending upon your location.

What you’ll do:

• Create a safe, inclusive and engaging learning environment.
• Deliver interactive safeguarding training with a co-facilitator.
• Assist participants to connect the Church’s mission and theological foundations with what good leadership looks like in a safeguarding context.
• Promote the importance of reflecting on the impact that abuse and trauma have on individual’s lives, relationships and community settings and pro socially model the importance of keeping everyone safe in our church communities.
• Develop your skills and grow confidence in the use of Zoom as a virtual learning platform.
• Attend termly face-to-face trainers’ meetings if available to do so. (This is not compulsory but is encouraged for team development opportunities).

What we’re looking for:

• Proven safeguarding expertise (education, social care, youth work, or related field).
• Training or teaching experience (formal qualification desirable / relevant experience).
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills.
• Ability to work flexibly with a ‘can-do’ attitude.
• Freelance self-employed trainers.

We offer:

• Competitive freelance rates for delivery and mileage for any related travel.
• Facilitation training of the Leadership pathway materials.
• Opportunities to observe experienced trainers and a settling in package to equip you to feel confident in delivery.
• Flexible working opportunities (day and evenings available).
• Being part of an experienced and supportive team.

How to apply:

Send your CV, a short cover letter, and details of your safeguarding training experience by email, using the subject line “Freelance Safeguarding Trainer Application,” to both Diocesan Safeguarding Officers: Closing date for registration of interest is Friday, 23rd January 2026. We will arrange to meet with those who are successful with the application on a date to be arranged.

As with all recruitment in the Church of England, appointments are in line with the Safer Recruitment & People Management Policy (2021) and you may be required to undertake a DBS check. If you have any questions or queries, please do not hesitate to contact either Beth Miller (email as above or call 07968 034075) or Jo Van Lachterop (email as above or call 07458 016884). Both the Diocese of Carlisle and the Diocese of Durham are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.