Mandatory training for social care

Mandatory training is training that an employer requires workers to complete so they have the knowledge and awareness needed to carry out their role safely and effectively. The exact training required can vary according to the worker’s role, responsibilities, workplace and the people they support.

This course covers seven key training areas: Health and Safety Awareness, Fire Safety Awareness, Moving and Handling of Objects and People, Infection Prevention and Control, Safeguarding Adults, Safeguarding Children, and Learning Disability and Autism Awareness.

No. This package is specifically designed around mandatory training. Statutory training requirements are treated separately, as these arise from specific legislation and regulatory requirements and may vary according to the organisation, service and employee’s role.

Mandatory training is training an employer determines staff must complete as part of their role and organisational requirements. Statutory training is training required because of specific legislation or regulatory requirements. There can be overlap between the two, but the terms do not mean exactly the same thing.

Yes. It is suitable for a wide range of adult social care roles, including care assistants, support workers, home care workers, senior carers, personal assistants, team leaders, supervisors and managers.

Yes. The training can also support workers in children’s social care, including children’s residential care workers, support workers, family support workers, key workers, supervisors and managers. Employers should ensure that the training selected is appropriate to the individual’s specific role and setting.

Not necessarily. Training requirements should reflect the employee’s responsibilities, the service provided, workplace risks and the needs of the adults, children or young people they support.

Not necessarily. Organisations may require additional training depending on their activities and the people they support. Examples could include medication, food safety, first aid, specialist clinical training or other role-specific subjects.

It can form part of an organisation’s induction programme by introducing workers to key areas of safe social care practice. Employers should supplement online learning with any workplace-specific induction, practical training, competency assessment and supervision required for the role.

No. Online training provides knowledge and awareness but does not, by itself, demonstrate practical competence. Where a role involves practical skills, employers should ensure workers receive appropriate practical instruction, assessment and workplace competency checks.

The employer or responsible organisation should determine training requirements based on the worker’s role, responsibilities, risk assessments, service type, regulatory requirements and the needs of the people receiving care or support.

Yes. Learners who successfully complete the training can receive a certificate as evidence of course completion, which can be retained as part of their training record.