Introduction to Safeguarding Adults (Level 1)

Formerly known as Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults (SOVA)

Duration 1-2 hours

CPD Approved
Introduction to Safeguarding Adults (Level 1)
For me
For teams
  • 100% online training

  • Start when you like

  • Learn on any device (desktop, mobile or tablet)

  • Instant assessment and result

  • 1 learner per course

  • Train teams of all sizes

  • Bulk discounts starting at 10% off 10 courses

  • Pay by invoice with 30 day payment terms available (5+ courses)

£31 +VAT

include vat

Includes a 10% discount for 10+ courses

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. Missed signs or inaction can lead to serious harm, so it’s essential that you can spot when an adult is at risk and know what to do next. This training will build your knowledge of how to act appropriately, outlining your role in protecting an adult at risk's right to live a life free from abuse and neglect.

This course will guide you through the six key principles of safeguarding and the ten categories of abuse as defined by the Care Act 2014. Through scenarios, you'll learn how to recognise the signs of abuse and neglect, and how to respond to disclosures.

100% online training

Access anywhere

Same day digital certificate

Printed certificate posted next working day

Full audio voiceover

Assessment retakes at no extra cost

Learn at your own pace with no completion deadlines

Developed in collaboration with industry experts

Accredited by CPD

Bulk discount for orders of 10+ courses

Downloadable module recaps of key learning points

Bigger orders = bigger discounts

Save on our courses when you buy more training upfront. Lock in a better price now and access the training whenever you need to. You can mix and match any of our courses too and get the discount off your whole order.

10+ courses = 10% off
50+ courses = 20% off
100+ courses = 30% off
500+ courses = 40% off

What you'll learn

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • Identify your safeguarding responsibilities when working with adults at risk.
  • Recognise different types of abuse, harm and neglect, and identify the potential warning signs associated with each.
  • Explain how to respond appropriately to a safeguarding concern or disclosure and know what to do next.
  • Apply safeguarding principles to complex situations.

Training you can trust

Course in action

Why take this course?

Abuse and neglect can have a serious impact on an adult at risk's wellbeing, especially when signs are missed or concerns aren't acted upon. It's everyone's responsibility to protect an adult's right to live a life free from abuse and neglect.

This Introduction to Safeguarding Adults course explains your duties in protecting adults at risk. It teaches you to recognise the ten categories of abuse and neglect, as well as the signs to look out for. By completing this training, you'll learn how to respond to disclosures and concerns appropriately, ensuring your actions are always focused on what’s best for the adult at risk and in line with your organisation's procedures.

  • Course Content
  • Assessment
  • Suitable for

Module 1: The Foundations of Safeguarding

This module introduces the core concepts of safeguarding, defining what makes an adult at risk and outlining your responsibilities. It covers the six key principles that guide your work and the importance of the Making Safeguarding Personal (MSP) approach to ensure your actions are always person-led.

Module 2: Understanding Abuse and Neglect

This module details the ten categories of abuse and neglect, from physical and financial abuse to self-neglect and modern slavery. Through scenarios, you'll learn to spot the signs and indicators for each, helping you to recognise when an adult may be at risk of abuse and neglect.

Module 3: Responding to Concerns and Disclosures

This module focuses on how to act when you have a safeguarding concern or receive a disclosure. It provides practical guidance on how to respond appropriately, record your concerns factually and follow your organisation’s procedures to report them. The module also covers the challenges of speaking up and explains the process of escalating concerns and whistleblowing.

The online assessment is taken on completion of the training material. You will be asked 10 multiple choice questions with a pass mark of 80%. The answers are marked automatically so you will instantly know whether you have passed. If you don't pass don't worry! You can take the test as many times as you need with no extra charge.

The training is suitable for anyone whose job involves working with adults at risk, but is not responsible for their direct care. This includes, but isn’t limited to those who work in residential or domestic settings, adult learning, religious organisations or community groups.


No pre-requisite knowledge is required. We provide an Advanced Safeguarding Adults (Level 2) course if you are looking for higher-level training.

Written by experts

Kitty Reilly, Principal Safeguarding Consultant

In partnership with

Kitty Reilly

Principal Safeguarding Consultant

Kitty Reilly is the Principal Consultant at Practical Safeguarding Solutions and holds an MSc in Advanced Safeguarding Practice and a BSc (Hons) in Diagnostic Radiography. 

Her professional roles include serving as a Designated Professional Safeguarding Adults and Mental Capacity Act Lead and as a Named Professional for Safeguarding Adults. Alongside her consultancy work, she practices as a Senior Diagnostic Radiographer and is the Chair of the Board of Trustees for the National Tremor Foundation.

Kitty has extensive experience in the practical application of safeguarding adult practices, including policy development, training, Safeguarding Adult Reviews (SARs), and Domestic Abuse Related Death Reviews (DARDR). Her expertise also covers Prevent, MAPPA, MCA governance, and CQC compliance

Frequently asked questions

Which Safeguarding course is right for me?

Introduction to Safeguarding Adults (Level 1 Safeguarding) Training is recommended if you work in a setting where adults at risk attend but do not work directly with them as part of your role, such as a receptionist, cleaner or facilities manager.


Advanced Safeguarding Adults (Level 2 Safeguarding) Training is recommended if you work directly with adults at risk in your role.


Level 3 Safeguarding Adults Training is recommended if you are the Designated Safeguarding Lead for your setting, in a management position, or otherwise need a higher level of knowledge for your role.


How do I access the training?

All of our training is done within your web browser - there are no apps to download or software to install.

After picking the courses you need and completing your purchase, you will receive a confirmation email. To access our courses yourself or to distribute them to others you just need to click the ‘Get Started’ button within the email and select which option you want. You will then be able to add the course(s) into an existing account, or create a new account.


Can I buy training for my team?

Of course just add the amount of courses you need and follow the purchase process. Please do be aware that it is one course per learner so they will all need their own course.

When buying courses for a team you'll also get access to our Management Suite free of charge. This is a tool that will allow you to allocate, track and review the training of your team.

Did you know? - We offer free training sessions on how to get the most from your Management Suite. To benefit from this, please contact: managersupport@highspeedtraining.co.uk to get your session booked in.


If I order multiple courses will I receive any discount?

Yes, our bulk discounts are automatically applied to orders containing any combination of courses. We offer the following discounts on bulk purchases:


If you purchase 10+ courses you receive a 10% discount

If you purchase 50+ courses you receive a 20% discount

If you purchase 100+ courses you receive a 30% discount

If you purchase 500+ courses you receive a 40% discount


What payment options are available?

You can pay for our training using either a Debit or Credit card.

For companies ordering 5 or more courses, you’ll also be given the option to pay by invoice.  If you would like to pay by invoice for fewer than 5 courses then please contact our Sales Team by calling 0333 006 7000 or emailing us at sales@highspeedtraining.co.uk. 


Can I access the training material after I have completed my course?

Yes. You can use your username and password to log in and revisit the training material as many times as you like, even after completing the course.


Is there a time limit on completing the course?

No, we want our courses to work around you so there’s no time limit in which you must complete the training after making a purchase. You can also split your training over as many different sessions as you wish, as course progress is saved as you make your way through the training. You’re free to learn entirely at your own pace.


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