A Guide to Safeguarding Training

Safeguarding Online

Safeguarding Online is an internet-based training program developed by Praesidium and provided by the Church Pension Group. Safeguarding Online can be accessed at any time, from anywhere. Each module offers easy to understand, step-by-step instruction and ends with a brief quiz.  If you have any questions about Safeguarding Online, please contact Beth Gentry Gould, Executive Assistant to the Canon to the Ordinary, at [email protected] or 941-556-0315 x983.

Training in Safeguarding is required every five years for:

• All clergy, paid or volunteer
• Wardens, Treasurers, and Clerks
• Vestry/Bishop’s Committees
• Staff
• Volunteers over the age of 18
• Those holding elected or appointed positions throughout the Diocese, including all Diocesan Committees, Councils and Agencies

Required Training Modules

Church Staff and Volunteers:

1. Diocese of Southwest Florida Policies
2. Keep your Church Safe
3. Promoting a Safe Environment: Employee Sexual Harassment Training
4. Duty to Report: Mandated Reporter

Church Leadership which includes all Clergy and Vestry/Bishop’s Committee Members:

1. Diocese of Southwest Florida Policies
2. Keep your Church Safe
3. Promoting a Safe Environment: Employee Sexual Harassment Training
4. Promoting a Safe Environment: Supervisor Sexual Harassment Training
5. Duty to Report: Mandated Reporter

How to Sign Up and Complete Your Online Training

1. E-mail the Diocesan Safeguarding Online Administrator, Beth Gentry Gould, at [email protected].
2. The Praesidium Academy online training web-platform will send an “invitation e-mail” which will be sent to you from [email protected].
3. Fill in the required information (including your desired password).
4. Click Accept Invite.
5. You will be redirected to the login screen – please log in with your e-mail address and the password you just created.
6. You can now proceed to find and complete the required modules.

How to Recover a Lost Password

1. Click https://www.praesidiumacademy.com/learn
2. Click on forgot password?
3. Enter in the e-mail address associated with your Academy account.
4. Click the blue Reset Password button.
5. Check your e-mail.
6. Click the link inside your e-mail to set a new password for your Academy account.

Diocesan Safeguarding Policies

• Policy for the Protection of Children and Youth from Abuse [English] [Spanish]
• Policy for the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation of Adults [English] [Spanish]

Last Updated: 9-19-23