Overview of the role
The Safeguarding Support Officer Apprenticeship Standard Level 3, is designed to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to support statutory safeguarding responsibilities and ensure individuals live free from harm, abuse and neglect.
This innovative programme offers a new career pathway for those looking to start their careers as Safeguarding Support Officers, or for those currently working in safeguarding who wish to obtain a formal qualification.
Safeguarding involves protecting individuals’ health, wellbeing, and human rights. By adhering to safeguarding best practices, you work to prevent harm, abuse and neglect. While often associated with the protection of children and vulnerable adults, abuse and neglect can affect anyone, making safeguarding a crucial aspect of policies and procedures for any organisation.
Safeguarding Support Officers can work in various public, private, and voluntary sector organisations, supporting statutory safeguarding responsibilities and demonstrating their commitment to protecting individuals’ health, wellbeing, and human rights.
What You’ll Learn:
This comprehensive programme covers various key aspects.
- You’ll learn how to identify and respond to safeguarding concerns, developing the skills to recognise signs of abuse, neglect, or exploitation and take immediate, appropriate action.
- Understanding safeguarding legislation and policies is crucial; you’ll gain knowledge about the legal requirements and organisational policies that guide safeguarding practices, ensuring compliance and best practices.
- Additionally, you’ll become a point of contact for colleagues needing guidance on handling safeguarding issues, offering your expertise to navigate certain situations or concerns.
- The course will also teach you how to tailor responses to individual needs, providing personalised support based on the unique circumstances and needs of individuals at risk.
- You’ll develop the judgement and skills to know when and how to escalate concerns to higher authorities or specialised services for further investigation and intervention.
- Maintaining accurate records is another critical aspect; ensuring all safeguarding activities and concerns are documented accurately creates a clear, comprehensive record.
- Lastly, you’ll learn to engage with stakeholders, building and maintaining relationships with key parties such as social services, healthcare providers and law enforcement, to collaborate effectively on safeguarding matters.
Career options
The apprenticeship covers various roles such as safeguarding advisor, safeguarding assistant and safeguarding coordinator, with the potential to progress to a designated safeguarding officer (DSO) role.
Duration
18 months (this does not include EPA period)
Delivery
The delivery will be done mainly at the workplace, with the off-the-job training accounting for at least 6 hours a week. The assessor will regularly visit you at work to observe you performing relevant tasks and to carry out professional discussions.
You will complete Level 3 Safeguarding Support Officer Apprenticeship prior to taking the end-point assessment.
You will receive a login to an on-line portfolio account which can be accessed from any Wifi point or through 3/4G either at work, at home or in our centre. You will be provided with a detailed course programme. At the centre you will have the opportunity to network with other learners, share practice and access different resources to support your learning including laptops, desktops, tablets and textbooks.
End Point Assessment
The end-point assessment (EPA) for the Safeguarding Support Officer Apprenticeship contains 2 methods of assessment which will be graded as Fail, Pass, Merit or Distinction:
- Presentation with questions
- Competence interview supported by portfolio
Candidates for this course should be working in a related sector.
All applications will be reviewed on an individual basis. If you have experience or previous knowledge that will support your application please remember to include it. Apprentices without level 2 English and maths, aged 16-18, will need to achieve this level prior to taking the End-Point Assessment.
Under new rules, apprentices aged 19 and over will no longer be required to achieve a Level 2 functional skills qualification in English and Maths to complete their apprenticeship. Although, the decision will be at the employers discretion, and apprentices are encouraged to discuss these requirements with their employer or training provider.
Maximum funding: £7,000
Please follow the link for more information on Apprenticeship Funding for Employers
Please feel free to call regarding any queries about funding on 01752 202264 or email admissions@achievementtraining.com
The enrolment forms below, need to be completed by both you as the employer and the apprentice. This will then allow us to gather the essential information needed to set up the apprenticeship.
Apprenticeship Enrolment Form (Employer) – Part 1
Apprenticeship Enrolment Form (Apprentice) – Part 2
What Happens After Enrolment?
Once both forms have been completed, the following will take place:
- A tutor will be in touch to create a training plan for the new role.
- An appointment will be arranged during the first few weeks of employment.
- During this appointment, the tutor will review the course content with you and explain the delivery model and answer any questions.
