This specialist two part course on 22 & 29 September 2026 has been developed by Youth Scotland in direct response to the needs of their member groups. Through their Child Protection Awareness training, it became clear that many small, volunteer-run organisations were unaware of their responsibilities around reporting and referral or that a dedicated Child Protection Officer (CPO) should take the lead.

This two-part online course equips you with the knowledge, confidence, and practical tools needed to carry out this vital safeguarding role.

Who should attend?

– You have completed Child Protection Awareness Training within the last one – two years

– You are currently in — or have been asked to take on — a Child Protection Officer role

What you need when you attend

– You have access to your organisation’s Child Protection Policy and Procedure, Code of Conduct, and Social Media Policy and Procedure (for use in Session 1)

What you’ll learn

– By the end of this course you will:

– Understand the role and responsibilities of a CPO in a voluntary youth setting

– Be confident in reporting and referral to appropriate agencies

– Know what steps your organisation must take to safeguard young people, including reviewing policies and promoting a positive safeguarding culture

– Recognise what prevents young people from disclosing abuse and how to support them to disclose

– Overcome barriers that prevent staff/volunteers from responding appropriately

– Understand the processes and procedures that follow a referral and your ongoing role within them