A brief guide to delivering safeguarding training in your practice

Safeguarding training is key to protecting vulnerable children and adults receiving treatment at your practice; who needs to receive this training?

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on BMA

Under GP contract arrangements it is up to contractors to ensure that their staff are adequately trained in safeguarding to a level that keeps them and the public safe.

Safeguarding vulnerable children

Staff members that have contact with children, young people and their parents/carers, or adults who may pose a risk to children, are recommended to have level two safeguarding competency. GPs and practice nurses, including nurse practitioners, are recommended to have a level three competency. This training should be completed on a face-to-face basis. 

Safeguarding vulnerable adults

When working with vulnerable adults, all staff should have some safeguarding training. Reception staff are recommended to hold level one competency, practice nurses and healthcare assistants level two, and GPs level three.

The CQC advises that staff should receive face-to-face training, but there is also a e-learning module that can be completed. GPs and practice staff should be able to:

• demonstrate their understanding of the definition of an adult at risk and the types of abuse they may be subject to;
• be aware of the internal arrangements for recording a safeguarding adult concern; this will be set out in a safeguarding adult’s policy;
• be aware of the external process for reporting the concern and make sure that this is in line with local multi-agency policy and procedures.