Safeguarding Adults Training Course

Safeguarding adults is a core responsibility for everyone working in health and social care. It is about protecting adults from abuse and neglect, promoting their wellbeing, and ensuring their rights, dignity, and choices are respected.

This free safeguarding adults course provides a comprehensive introduction to safeguarding adults. It explains key legislation, types of abuse, professional responsibilities, and how to respond confidently and correctly to safeguarding concerns, disclosures, and risks.

Why Take This eLearning Course?

Adults who need care and support may be at increased risk of abuse or neglect. Safeguarding is not just a legal duty—it is fundamental to ethical, person-centred care.

This free course will help you to:

• Understand safeguarding clearly: Learn what safeguarding adults means and why it is essential in care practice.
• Recognise abuse and neglect: Identify different types of abuse and the signs and indicators to look out for.
• Act appropriately: Know how to respond to concerns or disclosures safely and lawfully.
• Work within the law: Understand key legislation such as the Care Act 2014 and Mental Capacity Act 2005.
• Promote empowerment and prevention: Apply the six safeguarding principles in everyday practice.
• Contribute to safer services: Support a positive safeguarding culture and reduce the risk of harm.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Explain the purpose of safeguarding adults in health and social care.
• Identify who is considered an adult at risk.
• Understand the legal and policy framework that underpins safeguarding practice.
• Describe the six principles of safeguarding adults.
• Recognise different types of abuse and neglect and their indicators.
• Understand the roles and responsibilities of workers, managers, and organisations.
• Respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns and disclosures.
• Record and report safeguarding concerns accurately and objectively.
• Apply principles of consent, capacity, and best-interest decision-making.
• Understand what happens after a safeguarding concern is raised.

Safeguarding Adults Training Course Outline

Module 1: What Safeguarding Adults Means
This module introduces safeguarding and explains its purpose within health and social care. Learners will explore who is considered an adult at risk and why safeguarding is essential for protecting people from harm, abuse, and neglect. The module outlines the key legal framework, including the Care Act 2014 and the Mental Capacity Act 2005, and explains the six safeguarding principles of empowerment, prevention, proportionality, protection, partnership, and accountability.

Module 2: Types and Indicators of Abuse and Neglect
Learners will examine the main categories of abuse and neglect, such as physical, emotional, sexual, financial, discriminatory abuse, neglect, and self-neglect. This module explains common signs and indicators associated with each type of abuse and provides examples of how abuse may occur in care homes, hospitals, and community settings.

Module 3: Roles, Responsibilities, and Local Safeguarding Procedures
This module explores the safeguarding responsibilities of health and social care workers, managers, and volunteers. Learners will understand the role of the local authority and the Safeguarding Adults Board, alongside the importance of multi-agency working. The module also explains when and how information should be shared appropriately and lawfully to protect adults at risk.

Module 4: Responding to Concerns or Disclosures
Learners will develop confidence in responding appropriately when safeguarding concerns are raised or when an adult discloses abuse. This module covers how to listen, reassure, and respond without causing further harm. Learners will explore what information should be recorded, how to keep records accurate and objective, and how to follow organisational reporting procedures. The module also highlights actions to avoid, such as promising confidentiality or attempting to investigate concerns personally.

Module 5: Consent, Capacity, and Decision-Making
This module focuses on capacity and consent in safeguarding situations. Learners will explore how capacity is defined under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and how to assess whether an adult can make safeguarding-related decisions. The module explains the role of consent, best-interest decisions, and situations where action or information sharing may be required without consent to prevent serious harm.

Module 6: Preventing Abuse and Promoting Safer Practice
Learners will explore ways to reduce the risk of abuse by creating a safe, open, and respectful care culture. This module covers safer recruitment practices such as DBS checks, the importance of professional boundaries, and how to support adults to recognise and report abuse themselves. Learners will also understand the purpose of whistleblowing and how it supports safer care and organisational accountability.

Module 7: What Happens After a Safeguarding Concern Is Raised
In the final module, learners will explore what happens once a safeguarding concern has been reported. This includes the stages of a safeguarding enquiry under Section 42 of the Care Act 2014 and how adults are supported and involved throughout the process. The module explains how follow-up, review, and learning from safeguarding cases are used to improve practice and strengthen future safeguarding arrangements.

Target Audience

This course is suitable for:

• Health and social care workers at all levels.
• Care assistants, support workers, and volunteers.
• Team leaders and managers with safeguarding responsibilities.
• Students and learners preparing for work in health or social care settings.

No prior safeguarding training is required. The course is designed to be accessible for new staff while also serving as a refresher for experienced professionals.

FAQ

What does the course cover?
The course covers safeguarding principles, types of abuse, legal responsibilities, responding to concerns, and prevention.

Is this course relevant to UK practice?
Yes. The content is fully aligned with UK legislation, statutory guidance, and safeguarding frameworks.

Will this help me respond to safeguarding concerns confidently?
Yes. The course provides clear guidance on what to do, what not to do, and how to follow correct procedures.

How long does the course take?
The course is self-paced and typically takes 1 hour to complete.

Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. A certificate is provided on successful completion.

Is this course CPD accredited?
Courses are not currently CPD accredited, but accreditation is planned.

Safeguarding adults is everyone’s responsibility. By developing your knowledge and confidence, you can help protect individuals from harm, promote their rights, and contribute to safer, more compassionate care services.

Join this course today and strengthen your safeguarding practice.