A safe space

One person at every unit meeting must have an in-date a safe space level 3 and all other volunteers must hold the level of a safe space relevant to their role. Find out more about a safe space on the national website.
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​What is a safe space?

A safe space is Girlguiding's own safeguarding and safety training course.

The training helps you to create an environment where girls can be safe and have fun. The training will help you:
  • Understand your role in safeguarding and what to do
  • Recognise potential safeguarding issues
  • Understand our safety and safeguarding policies
  • Discuss with other volunteer what to do
  • Answer your questions

There are four levels of training. All volunteers need to undertake a safe space training relevant to their role. For example, if your role requires up to level 3 then you will need to complete levels 1, 2 and 3.

What level of a safe space do I need?

​Check which level of a safe space you need for you role. If you have more than one role then you will need to hold the highest level relevant to the roles.
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For example, if you are a leader needing levels 1 & 2 only but are also a district commissioner requiring levels 1-4, then you will need to hold the highest relevant level, which is level 4, plus all the lower levels.

The levels

A safe space level 1 - an introduction

For all volunteers including occasional helpers, GO coordinators, home contacts, peer educators and young leaders.

People visiting units more than once should be asked to complete the level 1 a safe space training. As we cannot log or enforce this training until someone is a registered volunteer on GO there is no need to ask for proof of completion. 
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People visiting a unit once do not need to be asked to complete the level 1 a safe space training but if returning, please do ensure they are aware of the importance of understanding and implementing our safeguarding practice.

A safe space level 2 - creating a safe space

For leaders, assistant leaders, unit helpers, leaders in training, young leaders, peer educators, those attending residential events and those that need level 3 and 4.

A safe space level 3 - recognising, telling and taking action

For anyone leading a team of adults, at least one leader per unit (leader, assistant leader, leader in training) however it is strongly recommended that all leaders complete level 3; mentors, advisers, coordinators (except GO coordinators), licence holders on residentials, trainers, tutors and those doing level 4.

A safe space level 4 - managing concerns, allegations and disclosures

For all commissioners, designates, deputies and those sharing a role, trainers delivering a safe space level 4, safeguarding leads and a safe space advisers. There may be volunteers in other roles that may find this useful, for example, contingent management/ support teams leading a national contingent to international events.

Accessing the training

Levels 1 and 2 can each be completed as an eLearning, linked above.

Levels 3 and 4 are both available as a virtual training and are being run by Girlguiding on a national level and also on a regional level.

All of these courses can be found and booked via the learning platform.

Need help?

If you need any support in understanding which levels of the training you require, please talk to your local commissioner in the first instance.

If you are unable to access a virtual training then please contact the learning & development team and we would be happy to organise an alternative. 

Badges

Did you know the county has it's very own a safe space cloth badges?

​They're just for fun and are available from our online shop for those that would like to purchase one.