Safeguarding for Volunteers

Self-guided, interactive eLearning | £16 (1 year’s access) or £23 (18 months)


Give volunteers the clarity and confidence they need. Built around our safeguarding: Introduction course - with an extra module on the volunteer role in safeguarding - this programme equips volunteers to recognise concerns, maintain boundaries, and report issues quickly and appropriately.

Course information

Volunteers are often the first point of contact for participants and visitors. This course provides clear, practical guidance on what to notice, what to do, and who to tell - without expecting volunteers to investigate or make complex decisions.

Volunteers will explore how to:

  • Apply the safeguarding guidance to children, young people, and adults at risk of harm in everyday contexts.

  • Identify who is protected in law and use appropriate terminology.

  • Recognise the main categories of abuse and common indicators.

  • Respond to allegations, disclosures and concerns calmly and correctly.

  • Maintain professional boundaries

  • Use your organisation’s policy, procedures and code of conduct in day-to-day work.

  • Locate and work with the Designated Safeguarding Lead or Officer (DSL/DSO).

  • Use a Volunteer Safeguarding Checklist to stay prepared.



An Interactive Learning Experience

This engaging self-guided course combines a variety of formats to keep learning active and relevant:

  • Video explainers to ground key concepts

  • Branching scenarios to consider decisions in realistic contexts

  • Hotspot images and case studies to practise recognition and response

  • Flashcards to break down complex topics

  • Puzzles, quizzes and matching exercises to test understanding

  • Reflection prompts to apply ideas to your organisation and role

  • Audio options and full transcripts for every section, ensuring full accessibility

By the end of the course, volunteers will be able to:


  • Notice concerns early and report them promptly.

  • Identify, assess and escalate concerns appropriately, documenting accurately and acting within policy.

  • Work within boundaries that keep everyone safe.

  • Differentiate between child protection and adult safeguarding, including considerations around consent.

  • Support emotionally safe, welcoming spaces.

This course is brought to you by the expert trainers at Artswork Professional Development, who are proud to share their decades of experience of personal and professional development within the creative, cultural and heritage sectors.

Who this course is for:

  • Organisations purchasing for volunteer cohorts (onboarding and refreshers).


  • Individual volunteers seeking clear, role-specific guidance.


Useful across creative, cultural & heritage settings - and readily applicable to adjacent sectors, including the third sector.

Course Features

  • Fully Online

    Complete anywhere, anytime

  • Self-Paced

    Pause and return as needed, with one year’s access (option to extend to 18 months)

  • Accessible format

    All videos have transcripts, plus audio options for text content

  • Practical application

    Exercises and scenarios directly linked to real-world contexts

  • Ongoing reference

    Revisit frameworks and checklists for future projects

Pricing Options

The standard option suits quick completion, while the extended option is ideal to allow extra time for busy schedules and ongoing reference

  • £16.00

    Standard Access (One Year)

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  • £23.00

    Extended Access (18 Months)

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Training Teams with Ease

If you’re purchasing on behalf of others, a group order gives you Seat Manager access. This includes a simple admin dashboard where you can:

  • Share sign-up links with staff (whether or not they already have an account)

  • Enrol or remove individuals directly

  • Track progress and activity, including log-ins and licence use

It’s a cost-effective way to provide consistent training across teams – with remote access and the flexibility for everyone to learn at their own pace.

If you prefer to pay by invoice/PO, get in touch and we’ll set this up for you.

Course curriculum

Other Safeguarding eLearning Courses Available:

FAQs

  • Who should take this course?

    Designed for volunteers across creative, cultural, heritage and community settings - including stewards, guides, mentors and helpers in public-facing roles.

  • What does it cover?

    The same essential safeguarding content as our Introduction course, plus a dedicated volunteer module explaining your role, boundaries and responsibilities.

  • How long does it take to complete?

    Typically 60–90 minutes, including short quizzes, reflections and a volunteer checklist.

  • Is this relevant outside the arts?

    Yes. While created for cultural and heritage settings, it’s equally relevant for charities, community projects and the wider third sector.

  • Do I get a certificate?

    Yes. You’ll receive a downloadable certificate of completion once all lessons are marked complete.

  • Can organisations enrol groups of volunteers?

    Yes. We can arrange group codes, team progress reports and invoice payments. Perfect for volunteer programmes or seasonal onboarding.

  • Do volunteers need prior safeguarding knowledge?

    No. The course starts from the basics and uses clear examples relevant to volunteer roles.

  • Is the course self-paced?

    Yes. You can complete it anytime, pause and return later - your progress is automatically saved. You can also review any module as often as you like during your access period.

  • Does it cover both children and adults at risk?

    Yes. It outlines safeguarding duties for both, and helps you understand the differences in approach.

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