to not do Safeguarding training?

[Sausagenbacon]

I belong to a church, and occasionally serve coffee at the end of the service. I am being asked to take Safeguarding training, which I think is utterly pointless.
I have expressed this and been told that it's policy, and I have to do it.
AIBU to just stop doing coffee?

What happens if one of those old people breaks down in tears and tells you they want to kill themselves? Would you know what to do? You are in frequent contact with vulnerable people. It is certainly not “pointless”.

Will she know how to document it? Not to ask leading questions? Make sure they are not in immediate danger? All of the things safeguarding training covers.

It's your duty to safeguard those around you when you're in a position of authority. Why would you not

In fairness OP is never the only person there running activities. There will always be someone else who can deal with any situations.

It's not about passing. It's about understand what factors of risk to look for and who to go to if you have a concern and believe that abuse can happen to everyone

I'm a parish safeguarding officer. Safeguarding is everyone's business - you might be making tea, but you could be the one that realises something is up with a vulnerable person. As a "tea maker" it's only the basic course, all online - they recommend everyone takes it as it's really important to have the knowledge of what to do.

Don't think it can't happen, it can - alas I've had a domestic violence referral and an elder abuse case in the last couple of years

@Combattingthemoaners for someone doing OPs volunteering document it simply involves writing out exactly what happened as soon as possible and signing and dating it. Its not difficult.
The not asking leading questions is crucial for children, way less so for older people.

@mitogoshi I have had to do that a number of times. It is really really basic.

It's not pointless, everyone needs to do it, if you have a voluntary role. The church must comply with safeguarding. It's everyone's responsibility. I have 2 DBS forms for different dioceses, and 3 for work. I don't understand why you wouldn't get one.

Safeguarding is never “pointless”. I’m sure the training won’t be too onerous for the role you hold.

'Generally elderly' even more reason why you should do it. They may be vulnerable.

You say this is in a church
Are you Christian?
If so... maybe have a think?

So the course will be quick and she can then get on with her volunteering knowing what form to fill in and how to fill it in. I really don’t see the issue.

Just do it OP.
It's easy enough and maybe, just maybe, you'll be able to identify a vulnerable elderly person.
God would be pleased , surely?

I really do think everyone should have safeguarding training no matter what role they do

Would you not want to know what to do if you had a cause for concern for one of your elderly congregation? I don't understand your objection?

And anyone vulnerable, not just children.

Ooh, do you ‘do your own research’ as well?

If you think Safeguarding is pointless then there is something REALLY wrong with you.

Do the words Victoria Climbié mean anything to you!?

Why ask if you're not willing to listen to the answers without biting back? You're very confrontational. I'm glad none of my elderly relatives get served tea by you tbh.

How very Christian of you.

Do you really, aye?

Do you also consider first aid "pointless"?

We're all sinners; didn't you know?

I work in a school but not directly with the children. I have to pass a safeguarding course every year. It makes me feel more confident about what to do in lots of different scenarios. It's not pointless.

...fortunately.