What is mandatory safeguarding training?

Ensuring compliance and protection for vulnerable individuals

Safeguarding training is crucial in healthcare, social care, and education. It ensures that professionals are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to protect the vulnerable from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. As the CEO of The Mandatory Training Group, I understand the significance of comprehensive safeguarding training and its impact on compliance and quality of care. In this blog, Dr Richard Dune will delve into the essentials of mandatory safeguarding training, highlighting its importance, key definitions, best practices, and recommendations for effective implementation.

Key facts and statistics

Safeguarding training is not merely a procedural requirement but a legal and moral obligation. Here are some compelling statistics that underscore its importance:

In England, over 600,000 safeguarding concerns were reported in adult social care alone in 2020-2021 (NHS Digital).
According to the NSPCC, one in five children in the UK has experienced severe maltreatment.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) reported that 27% of inspections in 2021-2022 identified issues related to safeguarding practices.

These figures highlight the critical need for robust safeguarding training to protect vulnerable individuals and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

Key definitions

Safeguarding - Refers to the measures taken to protect the health, well-being, and human rights of individuals, especially children and vulnerable adults, to ensure they live free from harm, abuse, and neglect.
Vulnerable adults - According to the Care Act 2014, a vulnerable adult is someone aged 18 or over who may need community care services due to disability, age, or illness and who may be unable to take care of themselves or protect themselves against significant harm or exploitation.
Child protection - This is a subset of safeguarding that focuses on protecting children from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. It involves identifying and responding to instances where children are suffering or likely to suffer significant harm.

Best practices for implementation

Implementing safeguarding training effectively requires adherence to best practices and alignment with current legislation and regulations.

Legislative framework

The Children Acts 1989 and 2004 - Provide the legal framework for child protection in England, placing a duty on local authorities to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.
The Care Act 2014 - Outlines the statutory framework for adult safeguarding, placing duties on local authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable adults.
The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 - Established the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) and introduced the Vetting and Barring Scheme to prevent unsuitable people from working with children and vulnerable adults.

Training requirements

Comprehensive content

Safeguarding training should cover a wide range of topics, including recognising signs of abuse, reporting procedures, legal obligations, and creating a safe environment.

Regular updates

Legislation and best practices in safeguarding evolve. Therefore, regular updates and refresher courses are essential to ensure that staff remain knowledgeable and compliant with current standards.

Tailored training

Training should be tailored to the specific roles and responsibilities of the staff. For example, frontline healthcare workers may require more in-depth training on recognising and responding to signs of abuse than administrative staff.

Recommendations

Integrating safeguarding into organisational culture

Creating a culture where safeguarding is prioritised involves more than just training. It requires a commitment from leadership, clear policies and procedures, and a supportive environment where staff feel empowered to raise concerns.

Utilising technology

Leveraging technology can enhance the effectiveness of safeguarding training. The ComplyPlus™ software, for example, offers a robust platform for delivering accredited training, maintaining compliance documentation, and ensuring that policies and procedures are up-to-date and easily accessible.

Ongoing support and supervision

Providing ongoing support and supervision to staff ensures that they feel confident and competent in their safeguarding responsibilities. This can include regular meetings, access to safeguarding leads, and opportunities for reflective practice.

Conclusion

Mandatory safeguarding training is essential in protecting the most vulnerable members of our society. By understanding the key aspects of safeguarding, adhering to legislative requirements, and implementing best practices, organisations can create a safe and supportive environment for all. At The Mandatory Training Group, we are committed to helping organisations achieve excellence in safeguarding through our comprehensive training solutions and compliance management software, ComplyPlus™.

To ensure your organisation is compliant with safeguarding legislation and equipped to protect the vulnerable, explore our range of training courses and discover the benefits of ComplyPlus™. Click here to learn more about our innovative solutions and take the first step towards robust safeguarding practices.

About the author

Dr Richard Dune

With over 20 years of experience, Richard blends a rich background in NHS, the private sector, academia, and research settings. His forte lies in clinical R&D, advancing healthcare tech, workforce development and governance. His leadership ensures regulatory compliance and innovation align seamlessly.