Module 1 – Safeguarding Principles & Responsibilities
• Understanding safeguarding and its importance
• Difference between safeguarding and child protection
• Promoting dignity, rights, welfare and person-centred support
• Understanding abuse, neglect, exploitation and harm
• Individual and organisational safeguarding responsibilities
• Roles of safeguarding leads and designated personnel
• Creating a safe and supportive organisational culture
Module 2 – Types of Abuse & Recognising Risk Indicators
• Physical abuse
• Emotional and psychological abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Financial and material abuse
• Neglect and acts of omission
• Discriminatory and institutional abuse
• Exploitation, grooming and coercive behaviour
• Recognising physical, behavioural and environmental indicators
• Understanding patterns of concern and changes in behaviour
• Identifying situations that may require immediate action
Module 3 – Safeguarding Legislation, Policies & Procedures
• Overview of relevant Irish safeguarding legislation and guidance
• Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children
• Children First Act 2015 and relevant organisational responsibilities
• Adult safeguarding principles and applicable policies
• Understanding safeguarding policies, codes of conduct and reporting pathways
• Roles and responsibilities of Tusla, An Garda Síochána and relevant safeguarding services
• Understanding when concerns must be escalated
• Importance of following organisational procedures
Module 4 – Responding to Disclosures & Safeguarding Concerns
• Responding calmly and professionally when someone discloses abuse
• Listening without judgement and taking concerns seriously
• Using appropriate, open-ended questions without leading the individual
• Avoiding promises of secrecy or making assumptions
• Recognising immediate risks and urgent safeguarding needs
• Recording information accurately, objectively and promptly
• Understanding internal reporting and external referral processes
• Maintaining confidentiality while sharing information appropriately
• Protecting the individual from further harm
Module 5 – Risk Assessment & Safeguarding Planning
• Identifying safeguarding risks and potential harm
• Assessing immediate and ongoing safety concerns
• Understanding risk factors and protective factors
• Considering the individual's wishes, rights and support needs
• Identifying appropriate protective measures
• Understanding escalation and referral pathways
• Monitoring concerns and reviewing safeguarding arrangements
• Recognising the limits of one's role and responsibilities
• Working with relevant professionals and safeguarding personnel
Module 6 – Professional Boundaries & Safe Working Practices
• Maintaining appropriate professional relationships
• Recognising boundary violations and inappropriate conduct
• Safe communication and interaction practices
• Online safety and digital safeguarding awareness
• Appropriate use of messaging, photographs and social media
• Avoiding conflicts of interest and inappropriate personal relationships
• Supporting dignity, privacy, autonomy and informed choice
• Promoting safe environments and accountable professional practice
Module 7 – Practical Safeguarding Case Studies
• Identifying potential indicators of abuse or neglect
• Responding to a disclosure from a child or adult at risk
• Managing a concern involving a colleague or staff member
• Recognising when a situation requires immediate escalation
• Reviewing a sample safeguarding record
• Applying reporting procedures to realistic scenarios
• Discussing appropriate actions and common mistakes
• Identifying lessons for workplace safeguarding practice
Module 8 – Review, Responsibilities & Knowledge Assessment
• Reviewing key safeguarding principles
• Confirming individual reporting responsibilities
• Understanding organisational safeguarding procedures
• Recognising when to seek advice or escalate concerns
• Applying learning to workplace situations
• Final knowledge check and group discussion
