When do members need to do the training?
Existing volunteers
If an existing volunteer who has previously completed a safe space training, they only need to do the new course when their highest level of a safe space expires. So if they have a safe space levels 1 and 2, they’ll only need to do safer guiding once your level 2 expires.
They can of course do safer guiding any time after launch. They’ll need to renew it every 3 years.
New volunteers
Any new volunteers have 40 days to complete the training once they’ve been assigned a role.
Unit requirements
There will need to be at least 1 leader per unit (leader, assistant leader, leader in training) with either an in-date a safe space level 3 or safer guiding at each meeting.
People visiting a unit once, for example an expert or community leader, don’t need to complete the training. But they should be aware of the importance of our safeguarding practices and follow the guidance and checklist found on the visitors to your meetings webpage.
To put parents on a rota at the units, you should follow the guidance on involving parents.
If I’ve done my a safe space training, do I need to do the new safer guiding training?
Yes, but only when your highest level of a safe space expires. For example, if you have a safe space levels 1 and 2, you’ll only need to do safer guiding once your level 2 expires.
What happens after I’ve done the safer guiding training?
Once you’ve completed safer guiding, it will show on your GO record and on the learning platform. You’ll need to renew it every 3 years.
I’m having issues completing the training. How can I get help?
If you’re worried about completing the training or have difficulty accessing what you need to, please speak to your commissioner so they can help you. If there are other reasons you can’t complete the training, such as personal circumstances, accessibility needs, or there are no trainings you can attend before your deadline, email compliance@girlguiding.org.uk before your deadline to let them know.
I’ve completed the training but it’s not showing on my GO record. What should I do?
If you’ve completed an e-learning but it’s not recorded on GO, check that you have fully completed all of the parts of the e-learning and the course is showing as complete. It might take up to 24 hours to sync across to GO. If you have any issues, please contact membershipsystems@girlguiding.org.uk.
If you attended a face-to-face training or webinar and it’s not on your GO record, please contact whoever organised the training.
What is the difference between valid to and deadline?
The valid date to date is when a member has already had 40 days to complete their training. After this date the member should not be volunteering unless they are supervised.
The deadline date listed on a member’s record is when the compliance team at Girlguiding will be reviewing the members record and sanctioning them from Girlguiding.
What happens if I don’t complete the training by the deadline?
You must have either valid A Safe Space or Safer guiding training, as without it you cannot volunteer.
If you can’t do the training in time, for example because of personal circumstances, please speak to your county commissioner as soon as possible. They are there to help you and can apply for an extension if you need it.
If an extension has not been granted by the time of your deadline, the compliance team at Girlguiding