Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults: key principles 

This course explores the fundamentals of safeguarding for both children and vulnerable adults, including healthcare professionals’ responsibilities and levels of competence. Through realistic clinical scenarios and practical guidance, it supports health professionals to recognise safeguarding concerns, respond appropriately, and understand the key principles of safe, effective and professional safeguarding practice.

  • 2 hours

    Estimated learning time

  • Case studies

    Practice-based scenarios

  • Certificate

    Awarded on completion

  • Pre & post questions

    Track your learning

Learning objectives


After studying this course you should be able to:

  • Identify the forms of abuse in adults 
  • Identify the forms of abuse in children 
  • Recognise risk factors for each group 
  • Identify vulnerability factors for each group 
  • Explain the importance of reporting concerns and how to do this 
  • Summarise the law and professional regulation relating to safeguarding practice 
The discussion areas within each module provide an opportunity to reflect on the content, share experiences from practice, and learn from other health professionals. Taking part in discussions can help support participatory learning as part of your CPD activity.

Course author

Carmel Blackie, associate professor in primary healthcare, School of Nursing, Kingston University and St George’s University of London.

All Nursing Times courses are written by expert nurses and double-blind peer reviewed.

Ⓒemap. All rights reserved.

Published 2024
Disclaimer
Healthcare knowledge is constantly changing and we have taken reasonable care to ensure that the content included in this is accurate and up to date at the time it was created. Nursing Times courses are provided for general reference and learning purposes only: they cannot of course take account of individual circumstances and should not therefore be relied upon on their own in connection with administering medicines or providing treatment. We strongly advise users to confirm that the information provided, especially with regard to drug usage, complies with all current legislation and standards of practice. By proceeding to access this course you confirm your acceptance of, and agreement to, these terms.