Complete Care Training
Unit 10: The Principles of Adult Safeguarding
Safeguarding & ProtectionLevel 2

Unit 10: The Principles of Adult Safeguarding

This unit provides learners with essential knowledge and skills to understand and apply the principles of adult safeguarding in health and social care settings. It explores the definitions of safeguarding, harm, abuse, and the legal framework that protects adults at risk. Learners will develop an understanding of their roles and responsibilities in preventing, identifying, and responding to abuse and neglect. The unit covers how to reduce risks through person-centred care, promote dignity and respect, and support individuals to remain safe without restricting independence. It also examines how to respond to safeguarding concerns, follow whistleblowing procedures, and work in partnership with local and national agencies. Additionally, learners will explore restrictive practices and the importance of using the least restrictive options to protect individuals’ rights and wellbeing. By the end of the unit, learners will be able to contribute to safe, ethical, and legally compliant safeguarding practices.

6 hours 30 minutes
Created by Sophie Barber Updated 11/2026 English
Part of Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate · Course 10 of 15

Available only in Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate

This course isn't sold on its own. You get it, with every other course in the pathway, when you enrol on the pathway.

£1400.00, was £1500.0015 courses
See the pathway

What you'll learn

Explain the term adult safeguarding.
Outline the legal definition of an adult at risk.
Outline what constitutes harm
Identify the main types of abuse.

Course content

31 modules

What adult safeguarding means, why it is central to care work, and the aims and principles behind it.
How the Care Act defines an adult at risk and why language moved away from the term vulnerable adult.
The many forms harm can take in adult social care, from physical injury to emotional, financial and institutional harm.
The main types of abuse set out in the Care Act, including physical, sexual, psychological, financial, neglect and modern slavery.
Physical, behavioural and emotional indicators that may suggest abuse, especially when people cannot or will not tell you.
Factors that safeguarding reviews and research show often feature in abuse and neglect, such as isolation and poor oversight.
How treating people with dignity and respect in everyday care protects them and lowers the risk of abuse.
Written assessment on the principles of adult safeguarding, types and signs of abuse and neglect, and the factors that increase risk.
Your own role and responsibilities in safeguarding adults, whatever your job title or experience.
Risks linked to technology, social media, online banking and smart devices, and how to help people stay safe online.
How to help people live safe, fulfilling lives without being risk averse or taking away their choices.
Where to find information and advice about your safeguarding role, from your manager and policies to the local authority.
Written assessment on safeguarding responsibilities, online and technology risks and balancing safety with choice and independence.
Why some people are at greater risk of harm, abuse or neglect, including dependence, isolation and communication needs.
How the care environment, culture and staff behaviour can promote or undermine people's dignity.
Why individualised, person-centred care helps people feel valued, speak up and stay safe from abuse.
Basic principles for supporting people to recognise risks and keep themselves safe, focusing on prevention.
How person-centred values, active participation and clear complaints procedures reduce the likelihood of abuse.
Written assessment on how person-centred care and positive environments reduce the risk of abuse and neglect.
What to do if you suspect abuse: keeping the person safe, preserving evidence, recording facts and reporting promptly.
How to raise concerns about suspected abuse using freedom to speak up and whistleblowing policies, and the protection you have.
Written assessment on recognising and responding to suspected abuse, reporting procedures and whistleblowing.
The Care Act, Mental Capacity Act and other laws, principles and policies that underpin adult safeguarding.
How local multi-agency safeguarding arrangements work and the role of Safeguarding Adults Boards and partner agencies.
Why sharing the right information with the right agencies is essential to protecting adults, and how to do it lawfully.
What to do if you meet barriers when alerting or referring concerns, including escalation and external routes.
Written assessment on safeguarding legislation, multi-agency working and information sharing to protect adults.
What restrictive practice means, the forms it can take and why it must always be justified and proportionate.
The law, policies and procedures on restrictive practices, and your role in following them correctly.
Why the least restrictive option protects a person's freedom, dignity and rights while keeping them safe.
Written assessment on restrictive practices and the least restrictive principle: law, policy and person-centred support.

Specialist

Sophie Barber

A qualified teacher, examiner and content creator, Sophie has over 10 years experience developing resources for examination boards to ensure that they are using effective learning tools. An ex-medic, Sophie has a huge passion for the healthcare profession and the importance of delivering quality care.

Training you can trust

How this course works. You will work through self-paced modules, check your understanding with knowledge checks, and finish with a short assessment. On passing, your CPD-certified certificate is available to download immediately, ready for your CQC evidence file or employer records.

This certificate does not expire.

Accredited by CPD

All of our courses are accredited by the CPD Certification Service as conforming to universally accepted Continuing Professional Development (CPD) guidelines.

Frequently asked questions

There is no deadline: a one-off purchase gives you lifetime access to the course, including updates, so you can complete it at your own pace across shifts.
Yes. Every course is accredited by the CPD Certification Service, and the certificate states the course, the level and the date you passed.
Yes. It works on phone, tablet and computer, and your progress syncs between them.
Your certificate is generated the moment you pass the final assessment, ready to download or print.