New RLSS Safeguarding Training for Elderly Members of Religious Life

The Religious Life Safeguarding Service (RLSS) is delighted to announce a collection of new safeguarding training modules for the care and protection of elderly members of Religious Life Groups (RLGs). These courses have been generously sponsored by the Porticus Foundation and developed in close collaboration with the Conference of Religious (CoR).

This project has been created to strengthen the support available to religious in England and Wales, ensuring that those in later life are safeguarded with dignity, compassion, and best practice.

Since the first course was launched in March, uptake has been encouraging:

• Over 200 participants have attended Communicating and Supporting those with Dementia.

• The Safe Recruitment course launched in July and has already had 37 attendees.

• In September, the much-anticipated Safeguarding the Elderly Needing Care session was fully booked with 20 participants.

• In October, the series will expand further with the launch of Understanding Care Needs Assessments.

Over the coming months, RLSS will continue to roll out these tailored training opportunities, focusing on practical skills, awareness, and the unique needs of elderly members in religious life. These sessions aim to equip participants with the knowledge and confidence to recognise risks, respond appropriately, and create environments where safety and wellbeing remain at the heart of community life.

Upcoming Courses

Safeguarding the Elderly Needing Care
Tailored for religious members, lay staff, and volunteers who care for elderly adults. Includes scenario-based discussions and case studies to build confidence in recognising, responding to, and reporting safeguarding concerns.
Dates (via Zoom):

• Monday 20 October, 10:00–12:00

• Tuesday 4 November, 10:00–12:00

• Thursday 11 December, 14:30–16:30

Understanding Care Needs Assessments
An introductory overview of Care Needs Assessments carried out by Social Care Practitioners. Covers legal principles, eligibility, care planning, referrals, and decision-making where mental capacity is a concern. Useful for anyone supporting or living with an adult whose needs may require assessment.
Dates:

• Thursday 23 October, 14:00–15:30

• Thursday 11 December, 10:00–11:30

Caring with Confidence: Communicating and Supporting those with Dementia
Explores how dementia affects communication and behaviour, offering practical strategies for positive interaction and managing distressing behaviours.
Dates:

• Wednesday 29 October, 10:00–11:30

• Tuesday 11 November, 13:30–15:00

• Monday 15 December, 10:00–12:00

Safe Recruitment
Designed to support those responsible for hiring staff and volunteers. Covers best practice at every stage of the process to ensure safe, responsible, and transparent recruitment, creating a culture of vigilance and accountability.
Dates:

• Thursday 2 October, 15:00–17:00

• Tuesday 25 November, 14:00–16:00

• Monday 1 December, 10:00–12:00

For further details, to book a place, or to discuss RLSS delivering a session specifically for your RLG, please email training@religioussafeguarding.org