Safeguarding support officer
Level 3 · AdvancedCare services 1.5 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
A Safeguarding Support Officer helps organisations to protect children and vulnerable adults by supporting safeguarding processes, maintaining records, and assisting practitioners and managers with case coordination. Apprentices gain a solid understanding of safeguarding legislation, local multi-agency frameworks, and how to respond to concerns appropriately. This level 3 qualification supports progression to safeguarding lead, social care, or children's services roles.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Safeguarding legislation - Children Act 1989/2004, Care Act 2014
Local safeguarding partnership arrangements and referral pathways
Recognising indicators of abuse, neglect, and exploitation
Record-keeping standards for safeguarding case information
Confidentiality, information sharing, and the Data Protection Act
Multi-agency working with social care, police, and health services
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Receive and log safeguarding concerns from colleagues and the public
Support case management by maintaining accurate and up-to-date records
Liaise with external agencies such as children's social care and police
Prepare reports and documentation for safeguarding meetings and reviews
Signpost individuals to specialist support services
Assist safeguarding leads with audits, training coordination, and data returns
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 3 (Advanced) - roughly A-level level. Employers usually look for some GCSEs (often English & maths around grade 4/C) or a Level 2 apprenticeship first. English & maths can sometimes be finished during training.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 4/5 (Higher) apprenticeship, or straight into the role.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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