Faith and religion play an important role in shaping identity, values, and community life. In health and social care — and across all workplaces — understanding and respecting diverse beliefs is essential for providing inclusive, person-centred care and fostering mutual respect.
This free Faith and Religion Awareness online course explores the diversity of faiths and beliefs in the UK, the legal and ethical frameworks that protect religious freedom, and practical ways to create inclusive environments for everyone — regardless of their beliefs or background.
Why Take This eLearning Course?
The UK is home to people from many different faiths and belief systems. For professionals working in health and social care, education, or any community-facing role, it’s vital to understand how religion and belief influence people’s needs, choices, and wellbeing.
Here’s why this course matters:
- Promote inclusive care and practice: Learn how to respect and accommodate people’s faith-based preferences and traditions.
- Reduce discrimination and prejudice: Understand your responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010 and how to challenge unfair treatment.
- Build confidence in interfaith communication: Gain practical tools for engaging sensitively with people from different backgrounds.
- Support cultural competence: Develop awareness of how faith and belief shape daily life, health decisions, and social interactions.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Define faith and religion, and explain their importance in diverse communities.
- Identify the major religions practised in the UK — including Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Judaism — as well as non-religious beliefs such as humanism.
- Understand the role of interfaith dialogue in promoting respect, inclusion, and community cohesion.
- Recognise and address religion and belief discrimination in the workplace and wider society.
- Understand key UK legislation, including the Equality Act 2010, and the protection it provides for religion and belief as a protected characteristic.
- Explore the relationship between faith and human rights, and how faith communities contribute to equality and social justice.
- Identify inclusive practices that support individuals of all faiths and beliefs — such as providing prayer spaces, dietary accommodations, and flexible work policies.
- Develop strategies for resolving conflicts or misunderstandings related to religion and belief in professional settings.
- Create a personal or organisational action plan to promote inclusion and respect for all.
Target Audience
This course is suitable for:
- Health and social care professionals
- Community workers, educators, and support staff
- HR professionals and managers
- Equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) leads
- Anyone working in public service or people-facing roles
No prior knowledge is required. The course provides a strong foundation for understanding faith, belief, and inclusion in modern British society.
FAQ
How long does the course take?
Most learners complete the course in 1–2 hours, depending on their pace and reflection time.
Do I need to belong to a particular faith?
No. This course is designed for everyone — people of faith, non-religious individuals, and those seeking to understand others’ beliefs.
Is this course relevant to health and social care?
Yes. The course includes examples and scenarios specific to care settings, such as respecting dietary needs, prayer times, and cultural practices.
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. On completion, you’ll receive a digital certificate to evidence your learning and professional development.
Is this course CPD accredited?
Our courses are currently undergoing CPD accreditation. Certificates will include CPD hours once accreditation is finalised.
Understanding faith and religion isn’t just about knowledge — it’s about respect, inclusion, and human dignity. When professionals understand and value the diverse beliefs of others, they help build trust, reduce barriers, and promote equality.
This course empowers you to approach diversity with empathy and confidence, ensuring that every person feels valued and respected — regardless of their faith or worldview.
Enrol on the Faith and Religion Awareness Training Course today
Learn how to promote inclusion, understanding, and respect for all faiths and beliefs in your workplace and community.
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Faith and Religion Awareness Training Course CPD Accredited and Government Funding
We’re working on getting this Faith and Religion Awareness Training Course CPD accredited, and any course that’s approved will be clearly labelled as CPD accredited on the site. Not every health and social care course has to be accredited to help you meet CQC expectations – what matters is that staff are competent, confident and properly trained for their roles under Regulation 18. Our courses are built to support those requirements, and because they’re not government funded there are no eligibility checks or ID needed – you can enrol and start learning straight away.
