Faith security training
The Faith Security Training (FST) programme provides free security awareness training to faith communities across England and Wales.
Applies to England and Wales
The Faith Security Training (FST) programme provides free security awareness training to faith communities across England and Wales.
The training supports places of worship and associated faith community centres to strengthen their security knowledge, improve preparedness, and reduce the risk and impact of hate crime and other serious incidents.
The programme is funded by the Home Office and delivered by specialist and faith community instructors through CDS Support.
About the training
FST helps faith communities develop a strong understanding of security risks and practical steps they can take to keep congregations safe. It aims to bring all faith communities to a minimum standard of security awareness and preparedness.
The training covers:
- recognising and understanding potential threats
- proactive security measures to protect people and property
- reactive steps to take during an incident, including evacuation
- scenario-based learning to practice decision-making
- governance and administrative arrangements to support effective security planning
Training content is available in a multi-faith format, suitable for all faith communities, as well as faith-specific modules for Christian, Hindu, Jewish and Muslim and Sikh communities.
The faith specific modules explore the particular security considerations relevant to individual traditions and settings.
How the training is delivered
FST will be available in two formats:
Face to face training
- delivered in person at community venues, faith centres, and places of worship
- also available as live, instructor-led virtual sessions
Digital e-learning
- will be hosted on online
- can be completed at any time and paused or resumed as needed
Both formats provide the same core content and learning outcomes.
Who can take part
The face to face training is open to anyone in England and Wales who has responsibility for the safety or security of a place of worship or associated community centre, including:
- faith leaders
- trustees
- facilities managers
- volunteers
- members of the congregation involved in security or interested in improving their understanding
Face to face sessions are only available in England and Wales.
How to access the training
Face to face and virtual sessions
You can register your interest in attending a session on the Faith Security Training website.
You can also contact CDS Support directly at contact@cdssupport.uk.
Digital e-learning
The online training will be made available shortly.
Stay updated
To receive updates about FST, email the PSVC team: psvc@homeoffice.gov.uk.