BSCB training courses

"It is the responsibility of the LSCB to ensure that single agency and inter-agency training on safeguarding and promoting welfare is provided in order to meet local needs. This covers both the training provided by single agencies to their own staff, and multi-agency training where staff from more than one agency train together." (s.3.18, Working Together to Safeguard Children, 2010)

Bristol Safeguarding Children Board is committed to providing a comprehensive and effective training programme to all agencies within Bristol. The distinctive character of inter-agency child protection training is a result of a complex web of individual, professional and organisational differences and the challenging nature of child protection. Training people together can make a significant contribution to building mutually respectful and trusting relationships, which form the foundation of any partnership working; therefore the process and experience of the courses are as important as the content.

Inter-agency Training Programme 2012-2013

The BSCB Inter-Agency Training Programme aims to increase participants’ knowledge and skills in the field of child protection and safeguarding in order to provide high quality services and improve outcomes for children, young people and their families and carers. It is our objective to deliver quality training in a safe and reflective environment, and to offer opportunities to all participants to support their own professional development.

As with previous year’s we encourage participants to train with colleagues they are most likely to be in contact with in a working context, by applying for courses in areas they are most likely to work in; north, south or east central. These arrangements only apply to the main inter-agency courses; any venue for the specialist child protection courses can be applied for. We recommend that you spread training out, leaving a gap of at least 6 months between courses so that you have time to absorb the experience and reflect on your learning.

• Those applying for the specialist courses must have previously completed at least the initial Inter-agency course (refer to the training pathway).

The training programme for 2012 'April - September' is available as a PDF document. The programme for September - March can be expected in July 2012. In previous years a printed training programme has been provided this will not be the case for 2012-2013.

Inter-Agency Training Programme 2011-2012

There remain some places on courses in the current programme please follow the usual application process to apply

BSCB training application process

In order to be considered for one of the BSCB training courses applicants should follow these steps:

• Ensure that you are eligible for  the course you are applying for. (Training Pathways, page 2, BSCB Inter-Agency Training Programme, 2011-2012)
• Complete an application form (see related documents, above right).
• You must get the signature of your line manager and then they need to send it to the Training Coordinator in your agency who will allocate places. 
• If you are a GP or if you belong to a small, private or voluntary group without such a person you may send your application direct to BSCB Training Section after your manager has signed it and given invoice details.
• Statutory agencies will each have an allocated number of places (If those places are not taken they will be offered to other agencies three weeks before the course date).
• Voluntary and private organisations will be allocated any remaining places.

What happens next?

Confirmation letters will then be sent to all course participants four weeks prior to the date of the training course. If you are unsuccessful for your preferred date, you will be offered an alternative date by your Training Coordinator.

Failure to attend

If you fail to inform the trainer or training admin of your absence one month before the course your agency will be charged £60 full day and £30 for half day.

Course start and finish times

The courses begin promptly at 9.30am so you should arrive at 9.15am to register. Latecomers are not admitted after 9.45am, as the start of the courses are so vital to what follows. We expect  participants to stay for the whole course as a commitment to the inter-agency learning as it impacts on other participants if someone leaves; therefore please ensure you have been released from work for the whole day before booking a place. If you have any queries about the BSCB training programme please contact either: 

Further training and development opportunities

Training opportunities are available to all staff who work with children and young people, via single agency training and other sources. If you are part of the Children’s Social Care (CYPS) Workforce further information on training and development opportunities is available on the 'Training and development – children’s social care workforce' pages of 'The Source'.