What is the difference between safeguarding and child protection?

Safeguarding refers to the actions taken to promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and protect them from harm. Child protection is a part of safeguarding and focuses specifically on protecting children who are suffering or likely to suffer significant harm. In short, safeguarding is proactive, while child protection is reactive.

Do I need to report a safeguarding concern if I'm not 100% sure?

Yes, you should always report any concern, even if you are not certain. It is not your responsibility to investigate or prove the abuse; that is the role of trained professionals. Share your concerns with the designated safeguarding lead (DSL) in your organisation, who will decide on the next steps. Failing to report could leave someone at risk.

What are the six principles of safeguarding?

The six principles are: Empowerment (supporting people to make their own decisions), Prevention (taking action before harm occurs), Proportionality (responding in a way that is appropriate to the risk), Protection (supporting those in need), Partnership (working with other agencies), and Accountability (being responsible for your actions). These principles underpin all safeguarding work.

Can I be sued for breaking confidentiality if I report a safeguarding concern?

No, as long as you follow your organisation's safeguarding policy and report to the appropriate person (e.g., DSL), you are protected. The law recognises that sharing information to prevent harm is in the public interest. However, you should only share information on a need-to-know basis and document your actions.

What types of abuse are covered in the FAA Level 1 Award?

The award covers physical abuse (e.g., hitting, shaking), emotional abuse (e.g., verbal threats, isolation), sexual abuse (e.g., inappropriate touching, exploitation), neglect (e.g., failing to provide basic needs), and financial abuse (e.g., theft, misuse of funds). You should know the signs and indicators for each type.

Awareness of Safeguarding

Q: How long is the FAA Level 1 Award in Awareness of Safeguarding valid for?

This qualification does not have an expiry date, but it is recommended that you refresh your knowledge every 1-3 years, as legislation and best practice can change. Many employers require updated training to ensure staff are current with safeguarding procedures.

FIRST AID AWARDS LTD

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This element introduces learners to the fundamental principles of safeguarding, including the legislative framework that underpins protective practices in health and social care settings. It explores the various forms of abuse and neglect, the signs that may indicate harm, and the roles of professionals in responding to concerns. The practical application centres on equipping individuals with the knowledge to recognise safeguarding issues and take appropriate initial actions to protect vulnerable people.

Learning Outcomes

Assessment Guidance

Key Skills

Key Terms

Assessment Criteria

Assessment criteria

FAA Level 1 Award in Awareness of Safeguarding

Topic Overview

The FAA Level 1 Award in Awareness of Safeguarding is a foundational qualification designed for anyone working or volunteering with children, young people, or vulnerable adults. It provides essential knowledge about safeguarding principles, legal frameworks, and how to recognise and respond to abuse or neglect. This award is particularly relevant in Health & Social Care settings, where professionals must ensure the safety and well-being of those in their care.

The course covers key legislation such as the Children Act 1989 and 2004, the Care Act 2014, and the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006. Students learn about different types of abuse (physical, emotional, sexual, neglect, and financial), signs and indicators, and the correct procedures for reporting concerns. Understanding these concepts is crucial for creating a safe environment and fulfilling legal and ethical duties.

This qualification fits into the wider Health & Social Care curriculum by building a foundation for more advanced safeguarding training. It emphasises the importance of person-centred care, confidentiality, and multi-agency working. By completing this award, students demonstrate their commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals and their readiness to work in roles such as care assistants, support workers, or volunteers.

Key Concepts

Core ideas you must understand for this topic

→Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility: all individuals, regardless of their role, must be aware of how to protect children and vulnerable adults from harm.
→The six principles of safeguarding: Empowerment, Prevention, Proportionality, Protection, Partnership, and Accountability.
→Types of abuse and neglect: physical, emotional, sexual, financial, neglect, and domestic abuse, each with specific signs and indicators.
→Legal frameworks: Children Act 1989/2004, Care Act 2014, and the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006, which outline duties and procedures.
→Reporting procedures: know how to raise a concern internally, to the designated safeguarding lead, or to external agencies like the local authority or police.

Learning Objectives

What you need to know and understand

• Be aware of safeguarding legislation and guidance• Be aware of key safeguarding roles• Be aware of different types of abuse and neglect• Be aware of signs and indicators of abuse and neglect• Know what action to take if a safeguarding concern arises

Assessment Criteria

Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

Award credit for correctly identifying at least two key pieces of safeguarding legislation or guidance (e.g., Care Act 2014, Working Together to Safeguard Children).
Award credit for accurately describing the role of the Designated Safeguarding Lead or equivalent in own organisation context.
Award credit for clearly stating the steps to take when a safeguarding concern arises, including reporting to the appropriate person or authority.

Assessment Guidance

Guidance for achieving higher grades

💡When answering scenario-based questions, always align your response with local organisational policies and statutory guidance.
💡Use the correct terminology for types of abuse and roles – assessors look for precise language such as ‘disclosure’ not ‘telling’.
💡Remember that your first action upon suspecting abuse is to report it, not to investigate – avoid suggesting you would gather evidence yourself.
💡Learn the definitions of each type of abuse and be able to give specific examples of signs and indicators. Examiners look for precise language, e.g., 'unexplained bruises in unusual patterns' for physical abuse.
💡Understand the difference between safeguarding and child protection. Safeguarding is proactive (preventing harm), while child protection is reactive (responding to harm).
💡Be clear on the reporting process: know who the designated safeguarding lead is in your setting and the steps to follow when raising a concern. This is a common exam question.

Common Mistakes

Common errors to avoid in your coursework

Confusing the signs of different types of abuse, for example mistaking self-neglect for financial abuse.
Believing that safeguarding only relates to children, overlooking vulnerable adults at risk.
Assuming that only paid care staff have a duty to report – volunteers and ancillary staff also share this responsibility.
Misconception: Safeguarding only applies to children. Correction: Safeguarding also covers vulnerable adults, including those with disabilities, mental health issues, or elderly individuals receiving care.
Misconception: If you're not sure, it's better to say nothing. Correction: If you have a concern, you must report it to the designated safeguarding lead; it's not your job to investigate, but to share information appropriately.
Misconception: Confidentiality means you cannot share safeguarding concerns. Correction: Confidentiality is not absolute; if someone is at risk of harm, you have a duty to share information with relevant professionals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions students ask about this topic

Before You Start

Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

•Basic understanding of Health & Social Care values, such as dignity, respect, and person-centred care.
•Familiarity with the concept of duty of care and how it applies to working with vulnerable individuals.

Key Terminology

Essential terms to know

• Be aware of safeguarding legislation and guidance• Be aware of key safeguarding roles• Be aware of different types of abuse and neglect• Be aware of signs and indicators of abuse and neglect• Know what action to take if a safeguarding concern arises

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Awareness of Safeguarding

Assessment criteria

Topic Overview

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Assessment Criteria

Assessment Guidance

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Before You Start

Key Terminology

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