Package of free FCDO-approved safeguarding leadership courses launches

Eight hands of different ethnicities surround a 3D graphic image of the world in an overlapping circle. The globe is pictured with Africa, Asia and Europe in view.

In collaboration with WELS academics, the OU has launched the first module in a package of free Safeguarding Leadership Training courses, aimed at those working in the international development sector.

Jan Webb from the WELS School of Health, Wellbeing and Social Care (HWSC) supported the course creation, alongside Professor Giles Mohan from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS).

Commenting on the course launch, Jan said:

“We are delighted to be working with the FCDO to provide this much-needed training. The course will contribute to improving outcomes for children and vulnerable adults within the aid sector and will support the career pathways for aid workers looking at becoming a safeguarding specialist.”

Developed as part of the UK’s Strategy on Safeguarding Against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, and Sexual Harassment (SEAH) within the Aid Sector, the three courses will help those working in development and humanitarian organisations to better understand the causes of harm, abuse, and exploitation and how to effectively prevent and respond to incidents.

Funded and approved by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the first module in the package, Introduction to Safeguarding in the International Aid Sector, is available to start studying now on FutureLearn.

Modules 2, Implementing Safeguarding in the Aid Sector, will be available from November 2021, with Module 3, Safeguarding Leadership in Action, set to launch in June 2022.

Find out more about the course and module content on OU News.

To register for ‘Introduction to Safeguarding in the International Aid Sector’ visit the course page on Futurelearn.