Description

In today’s evolving social care environment, safeguarding for social workers remains at the heart of professional responsibility and public trust. The Safeguarding for Social Workers: Legislation & Practice Update course provides an essential, in-depth exploration of the latest policies, procedures, and legal frameworks that govern effective safeguarding practice in the UK. Designed for practising social workers, safeguarding leads, and care professionals, this course ensures participants remain fully compliant, informed, and capable of making evidence-based decisions that protect both vulnerable adults and children.

This Safeguarding for Social Workers Legislation & Practice Update training delves into real-world challenges faced by social workers, such as recognising signs of abuse and neglect, applying legislative frameworks, managing multi-agency collaboration, and understanding the ethical considerations that guide every safeguarding decision. The course reflects the most current guidance, including updates from the Care Act 2014, Children Act 1989/2004, and Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023), ensuring that your knowledge remains current, practical, and in line with statutory expectations.

Delivered through 10 comprehensive modules, the Safeguarding for Social Workers: Legislation & Practice Update course combines theoretical understanding with applied practice. You’ll explore legislative updates, engage with case-based discussions, and strengthen your approach to reflective and evidence-informed practice — essential skills for professional development and continuing registration with Social Work England.

Whether you’re an experienced practitioner, newly qualified social worker, or team manager overseeing safeguarding processes, this course provides the clarity, structure, and confidence to navigate complex safeguarding scenarios with professionalism and care.

Description

The Safeguarding for Social Workers: Legislation & Practice Update course offers an authoritative and practical refresher on current safeguarding legislation, policy updates, and best practices across adult and children’s services. This training has been carefully structured into ten modules to support professional learning, align with CPD requirements, and promote reflective practice across all areas of safeguarding responsibility.

Safeguarding is a cornerstone of ethical and legal social work practice. Yet, with frequent updates to legislation, multi-agency protocols, and local safeguarding arrangements, practitioners face the ongoing challenge of keeping their knowledge up to date. The Safeguarding for Social Workers Legislation & Practice Update course bridges this gap — equipping learners with the latest insights, frameworks, and approaches essential for high-quality, person-centred safeguarding.

Participants will gain a deep understanding of the statutory and regulatory context underpinning safeguarding, exploring how laws such as the Mental Capacity Act 2005, Human Rights Act 1998, and Data Protection Act 2018 influence day-to-day decision-making. The course also highlights recent government and local authority updates, serious case review findings, and emerging issues such as digital safeguarding, modern slavery, and contextual safeguarding for young people.

You will learn how to identify signs of abuse and neglect, respond appropriately, and implement risk assessment strategies in complex cases. Real-life case studies illustrate how safeguarding principles are applied in multidisciplinary environments, empowering you to collaborate effectively with other professionals — from health and education to police and voluntary sectors.

This comprehensive Safeguarding for Social Workers: Legislation & Practice Update course encourages critical reflection, professional discussion, and application of learning through guided activities and practical examples. The final module focuses on Reflective Practice and Continuing Professional Development, supporting you to embed your learning into professional growth and ongoing registration requirements.

Course Curriculum

Module 1: Introduction to Safeguarding
Understand the principles, values, and definitions central to safeguarding. Explore the role of the social worker within the safeguarding continuum, from prevention to intervention. Establish the foundation for understanding vulnerability, risk, and the duty of care.

Module 2: Legislative Framework
Examine the key laws and statutory guidance shaping safeguarding practice, including the Children Act 1989 & 2004, Care Act 2014, Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023), and Keeping Children Safe in Education (2024). Analyse how these frameworks underpin decision-making and accountability.

Module 3: Policy and Procedure Updates
Review current updates from local safeguarding boards, government reports, and serious case reviews. Learn how to apply policy changes to everyday practice, documentation, and organisational compliance.

Module 4: Identifying Abuse and Neglect
Recognise different forms of abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Develop professional curiosity and assessment skills for identifying harm indicators across children’s and adults’ services.

Module 5: Adult Safeguarding
Explore the six safeguarding principles from the Care Act 2014, with a focus on empowerment, proportionality, and partnership. Understand mental capacity, consent, and best-interest decision-making.

Module 6: Risk Assessment and Management
Learn to identify, evaluate, and manage safeguarding risks. Apply structured professional judgement, record decisions clearly, and maintain defensible practice within legal and ethical boundaries.

Module 7: Multi-Agency Working
Examine how collaboration across health, police, education, housing, and voluntary sectors strengthens safeguarding outcomes. Develop effective communication and partnership working skills in multi-agency settings.

Module 8: Legal and Ethical Considerations
Delve into confidentiality, information-sharing, and the balance between individual rights and protection. Discuss complex ethical dilemmas, professional accountability, and defensible decision-making.

Module 9: Safeguarding in Specific Contexts
Understand safeguarding in diverse and emerging contexts, including domestic abuse, child sexual exploitation (CSE), forced marriage, self-neglect, and online harms. Gain insight into how intersectionality and social inequalities influence vulnerability.

Module 10: Reflective Practice and Continuing Professional Development
Learn to apply reflective models (e.g. Gibbs, Schön) to safeguarding practice. Strengthen your professional development portfolio with evidence-based insights and ongoing CPD strategies.

Who Is This Course For

The Safeguarding for Social Workers: Legislation & Practice Update course has been carefully designed for:

• Qualified Social Workers working in adults’ or children’s services who require a legislative and policy update.

• Newly Qualified Social Workers (NQSWs) seeking a strong foundation in safeguarding law, ethics, and practical skills.

• Team Leaders and Safeguarding Leads who need to update organisational safeguarding policies and ensure compliance with the latest statutory guidance.

• Health and Social Care Professionals collaborating in multi-agency safeguarding contexts.

• Students or Aspiring Social Workers preparing to enter the field and seeking an in-depth understanding of UK safeguarding frameworks.

By completing this Safeguarding for Social Workers Legislation & Practice Update, participants will not only enhance their professional competence but also demonstrate their commitment to ethical, lawful, and person-centred practice — a key requirement under Social Work England’s professional standards.

This training is CPD-accredited, making it ideal for professionals looking to meet annual learning requirements, maintain registration, or upskill in preparation for inspection, audit, or leadership roles.

Key Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Safeguarding for Social Workers: Legislation & Practice Update, you will be able to:

• Interpret and apply the latest safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance.

• Recognise and respond to various forms of abuse and neglect across different service settings.

• Integrate multi-agency working principles into everyday practice.

• Manage safeguarding risks effectively using structured, defensible decision-making models.

• Understand the ethical dimensions of safeguarding, including consent, confidentiality, and information-sharing.

• Apply reflective practice frameworks to support continuous professional learning and improvement.

• Demonstrate updated knowledge aligned with current inspection and regulatory requirements.

Why Choose This Course

The Safeguarding for Social Workers Legislation & Practice Update is not just another refresher — it’s a transformative professional learning experience designed to enhance your capability, confidence, and compliance in the safeguarding field.

Key features include:

• CPD-Accredited Certificate upon completion.

• Expert Tutors with experience in statutory and multi-agency safeguarding practice.

• Comprehensive, Up-to-Date Curriculum aligned with current UK legislation.

• Flexible Learning Format suitable for busy professionals.

• Practical Scenarios & Reflective Activities to embed learning.

• Instant Enrolment & Lifetime Access to resources.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the purpose of the Safeguarding for Social Workers: Legislation & Practice Update course?
This course aims to refresh and expand your understanding of safeguarding law, ethics, and practice in line with the latest statutory updates. It’s designed to ensure that social workers remain compliant, confident, and capable of applying safeguarding principles effectively in complex professional settings.

2. Is this course suitable for both adult and children’s services practitioners?
Yes. The Safeguarding for Social Workers Legislation & Practice Update course covers both adult and child safeguarding frameworks, exploring how the principles of protection, prevention, and empowerment apply across all age groups.

3. Will I receive a certificate?
Absolutely. On successful completion, you will receive a CPD-accredited certificate, which can be used to evidence your professional development and registration requirements.

4. How long does the course take to complete?
The course is flexible and self-paced. On average, learners complete the Safeguarding for Social Workers: Legislation & Practice Update in approximately 10–12 hours, depending on individual learning styles.

5. Are there any prerequisites for joining?
There are no formal prerequisites. However, the course is most suitable for individuals with some knowledge or experience of social work, safeguarding, or related care professions.

6. Does this course include recent legislative updates?
Yes. The course integrates the most recent amendments and guidance from UK safeguarding legislation, including Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023) and Care Act statutory guidance (updated 2024).

7. Can this course count toward Social Work England CPD requirements?
Yes. Completion of the Safeguarding for Social Workers Legislation & Practice Update counts as structured CPD and can be logged as part of your annual registration renewal evidence.

8. How will this course benefit my career?
By enhancing your legal literacy, ethical awareness, and professional confidence, you’ll be better equipped to make defensible decisions, manage risk, and demonstrate best practice — vital skills for career advancement and leadership in social work.

9. What type of learning materials are included?
You’ll receive access to comprehensive digital modules, downloadable resources, reflective activities, and case-based learning materials that reinforce key safeguarding principles.

10. Can I access the course on mobile or tablet?
Yes, the Safeguarding for Social Workers: Legislation & Practice Update is fully optimised for desktop, tablet, and mobile devices, giving you the flexibility to learn anytime, anywhere.

Final Thoughts

Safeguarding lies at the core of ethical social work. The Safeguarding for Social Workers: Legislation & Practice Update course ensures you remain informed, empowered, and equipped to protect those most at risk in society. Whether you’re navigating complex legal frameworks, contributing to case conferences, or leading safeguarding initiatives within your organisation, this training will strengthen your capacity to act with integrity, precision, and compassion.

This course is not only a professional update — it’s an investment in your ongoing growth and accountability as a safeguarding practitioner. Join thousands of professionals who have enhanced their expertise through our accredited learning pathway and maintain your commitment to excellence in safeguarding practice.

Enrol today in the Safeguarding for Social Workers: Legislation & Practice Update course — your pathway to professional confidence, compliance, and care.

Curriculum

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