Awareness of Safeguarding | RQF level 1

The RQF Level 1 Awareness of Safeguarding course is designed to provide individuals with a basic understanding of safeguarding principles and practices. It aims to raise awareness about the importance of safeguarding and promote the well-being and protection of vulnerable individuals, such as children, young people, and adults at risk.

The course covers the following topics:

1. Introduction to Safeguarding:
2. Definition and importance of safeguarding.
3. Key legislation, policies, and guidance related to safeguarding.
4. Roles and responsibilities of individuals and organizations in safeguarding.
5. Types of Abuse and Neglect:
6. Overview of different types of abuse, including physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse.
7. Recognizing signs and indicators of abuse and neglect.
8. Understanding the impact of abuse on individuals' well-being.
9. Vulnerable Groups:
10. Identifying vulnerable groups, such as children, young people, older adults, and individuals with disabilities or mental health issues.
11. Understanding the specific safeguarding concerns and considerations for each group.
12. Reporting and Responding to Safeguarding Concerns:
13. Procedures for reporting safeguarding concerns or disclosures.
14. Understanding the importance of maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive information appropriately.
15. Responding to safeguarding concerns in a timely and appropriate manner.
16. Promoting Safeguarding and Preventing Abuse:
17. Strategies for promoting a safe and inclusive environment.
18. Recognizing potential risk factors and implementing preventative measures.
19. Understanding the importance of creating a culture of safeguarding within organizations.
20. Multi-Agency Collaboration:
21. Collaboration between different agencies and organizations involved in safeguarding, such as social services, law enforcement, and healthcare.
22. Sharing information and working together to ensure effective safeguarding practices.
23. Case Studies and Scenarios:
24. Reviewing case studies and scenarios to apply safeguarding principles and practices.
25. Analysing potential safeguarding dilemmas and decision-making processes.
26. Personal Responsibilities:
27. Recognizing personal boundaries and limitations when working with vulnerable individuals.
28. Understanding the importance of self-care and managing emotional well-being when dealing with safeguarding issues.

 It is important to ensure that the course meets local safeguarding guidelines and requirements.

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Qualification deliveryThe qualification has 4 assignedguided learning hours (GLH) and 5 hours total qualification time (TQT). GLH indicates the number of classroom contact hours that the learner will undertake. TQT includes GLH but also takes into account any unsupervised learning and is an estimate of how long the average learner will take to complete the qualification. The minimum classroom contact time of 4 hours should be delivered over a minimum of half a day. The course can be spread over a maximum of 2 weeks, ensuring that each session is a minimum of two hours.The class ratio for this qualification is a maximum of 16 learners to 1 Trainer/Assessor

Module 1 Introductions

‍Module 2 Safeguarding legislation and guidance

‍Module 3 Roles and responsibilities

‍Module 4 Abuse and neglect

‍Module 5 Identifying concerns and disclosure

‍Module 6 Making judgements

‍Module 7 Reporting concerns

‍Module 8 Course closure and assessment

Certification

‍The qualification does not have an expiry date but refresher training and keeping up to date with changes to policies, procedures and new legislation through ongoing CPD is vital.

The RQF Level 1 Awareness of Safeguarding course is suitable for a wide range of individuals who may come into contact with vulnerable individuals or have a general interest in understanding safeguarding principles. Here are some key groups of people who should attend the course:

1. Employees and Staff: The course is relevant for employees and staff members across various sectors and industries, including but not limited to education, healthcare, social services, hospitality, sports and recreation, and community organizations. It helps them develop a basic understanding of safeguarding principles and their responsibilities in ensuring the well-being and protection of vulnerable individuals they may encounter in their work.
2. Volunteers: Individuals who volunteer their time and services in organizations that work with vulnerable individuals should attend the course. It equips them with essential knowledge and awareness of safeguarding issues, helping them provide appropriate support and maintain the safety and dignity of those they interact with.
3. Parents and Caregivers: The course can benefit parents, guardians, and caregivers by providing them with a foundation in safeguarding principles. It helps them recognize potential risks and signs of abuse or neglect, enabling them to create safer environments for the children or vulnerable individuals under their care.
4. Community and Youth Workers: Individuals involved in community work, youth organizations, or youth clubs should attend the course to enhance their understanding of safeguarding. It enables them to promote the well-being and safety of young people and recognize signs of potential abuse or exploitation.
5. Volunteers or Trustees of Charitable Organizations: Individuals serving as volunteers or trustees in charitable organizations that work with vulnerable populations can benefit from the course. It helps them fulfill their responsibilities in safeguarding the individuals the organization serves and ensures they are aware of their legal and ethical obligations.
6. General Public: The course is open to the general public as it provides valuable knowledge and awareness of safeguarding principles. It can benefit individuals who have an interest in understanding the rights and protection of vulnerable individuals in society.

It's important to note that the RQF Level 1 Awareness of Safeguarding course provides foundational knowledge and awareness. For individuals who require more in-depth training or who have specific safeguarding roles or responsibilities, higher-level courses may be more suitable.

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The RQF Level 1 Awareness of Safeguarding course serves as an introductory course that provides individuals with a basic understanding of safeguarding principles. While it is a standalone qualification, individuals who complete the course may choose to progress further in their safeguarding training and education. Here are some potential progression options:

1. RQF Level 2 Award in Safeguarding: This qualification builds upon the knowledge gained in the Level 1 course and provides a more comprehensive understanding of safeguarding principles, policies, and procedures. It covers topics such as risk assessment, responding to safeguarding concerns, and effective communication in safeguarding contexts.
2. Specialized Safeguarding Courses: Individuals who wish to focus on specific areas of safeguarding can pursue specialized courses related to their field of interest. These courses may include Child Protection, Adult Safeguarding, Domestic Abuse Awareness, Online Safety, or Safeguarding in Healthcare. Specialized courses delve deeper into the specific risks, regulations, and best practices associated with safeguarding vulnerable individuals in those particular contexts.
3. Safeguarding Training for Specific Professions: Many professions have specific safeguarding training requirements tailored to their sector. For example, teachers may need to complete safeguarding training specific to the education setting, healthcare professionals may have training focused on safeguarding vulnerable patients, and social workers may have specialized safeguarding training in line with their role. Progression may involve undertaking profession-specific safeguarding courses or qualifications.
4. Safeguarding Leadership and Management Training: Individuals in supervisory or managerial positions may consider pursuing training that focuses on the leadership and management aspects of safeguarding. This can include courses on developing and implementing safeguarding policies and procedures, managing safeguarding incidents, conducting internal investigations, and providing guidance and support to staff.
5. Continued Professional Development (CPD): Engaging in ongoing CPD activities is essential for staying updated with the latest developments in safeguarding practices and policies. Individuals can attend conferences, workshops, or seminars related to safeguarding, child protection, or specific areas of interest within the field. This allows for continued learning and networking with other professionals.
6. Higher Education: Individuals who wish to pursue a more in-depth study of safeguarding can consider higher education programs in social work, psychology, criminology, or related fields. These programs provide comprehensive knowledge and training in safeguarding practices, policies, and research. They may lead to professional certifications or degrees that enhance career opportunities in safeguarding roles.

It's important for individuals to research and explore progression options that align with their specific career goals, interests, and local requirements. Different countries or regions may have varying certification or training requirements for safeguarding roles, so it's advisable to check with relevant regulatory bodies or professional associations for specific guidance.

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