Safeguarding training for Arts Council NI-funded organisations
If your organisation receives funding from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, you can now take part in a series of free safeguarding and safer practice training sessions.
Build your safeguarding knowledge and confidence
If your organisation receives funding from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, you can now take part in a series of free safeguarding and safer practice training sessions.
Delivered by Volunteer Now and partner organisations, these short, practical workshops are designed to help arts and cultural organisations create safe environments for staff, volunteers, and participants, including children and adults at risk.
The training will help you strengthen your safeguarding policies, understand legal responsibilities, and put effective procedures in place for your projects and events. Each session focuses on a key area of safeguarding practice, from programme planning and risk assessment to online safety and disclosure procedures.
Upcoming sessions
Creating a safe environment
When: Tuesday 4 November 2025
Where: Online
Learn how to create a safe space for activities involving children and adults, including safe programme planning, risk assessment, confidentiality, and staff codes of behaviour.
Barring workshop
When: Tuesday 11 November 2025
Where: Online
Understand your legal duty to refer individuals to the Disclosure and Barring Service, and how to make high-quality referrals if there are concerns about risk or harm.
Keeping children and adults safe: an introduction
When: Thursday 13 November 2025
Where: Skainos Centre, Belfast
An introduction to safeguarding law and policy, recognising and reporting abuse, and responding to disclosures.
Keeping children and adults safe in a digital world
When: Monday 17 November 2025
Where: Online
Learn how to recognise online risks and apply safe digital practices for your organisation.
AccessNI: What you need to know
When: Thursday 27 November 2025
Where: Online
Designed for those processing AccessNI checks. Get a clear overview of the AccessNI process and eligibility requirements.
Keeping children and adults safe: refresher
When: Thursday 4 December 2025
Where: Online
A short update session covering the key principles of safeguarding, responding to concerns, and maintaining best practice.
How to register
To book a place on any session, contact Roisin Timlin at roisin.timlin@volunteernow.co.uk.
To avail of these free sessions, your organisation must be in receipt of Arts Council NI funding to take part in this training.
First published 28 October 2025