Funded Courses:
Safeguarding Support Officer Level 3

> Funding: £7,000

> Duration: 18 Months

Course Overview

The Safeguarding Support Officer Level 3 course is designed for individuals who support safeguarding activity within care environments, including residential care, domiciliary services, supported living and community-based provision. The programme develops the specialist knowledge, practical skills and professional behaviours required to recognise safeguarding concerns, respond appropriately and contribute effectively to safeguarding systems that protect vulnerable adults and children.

Learners build a comprehensive understanding of safeguarding legislation, statutory guidance and organisational policy, including the Care Act, safeguarding principles and the responsibilities of care providers. The course explores how abuse and neglect can present in care settings, including physical, emotional, financial, discriminatory and organisational abuse. Learners develop confidence in identifying early warning signs, recording concerns accurately and escalating issues through appropriate reporting channels.

A strong emphasis is placed on multi-agency working, professional boundaries and effective communication with colleagues, external professionals and families. Learners understand how to contribute to safeguarding meetings, support investigations and maintain confidentiality while ensuring the safety and wellbeing of individuals in their care. Risk assessment, whistleblowing procedures and creating a culture of openness and accountability are also central themes.

Eligibility Criteria

  • UK/EU Citizen for 3+ years
  • Work 16+ hours per week on average
  • Employed on a PAYE Scheme
  • Not on any other government-funded course
Ai Savvy Funded Courses - Skills Funding Group
Ai Savvy Funded Courses - Skills Funding Group

Employer Benefits: After Course Completion

Employers benefit from trained safeguarding professionals who strengthen safeguarding systems, improve compliance and support safe, effective responses to safeguarding concerns.

Employers benefit from staff who:

  • A structured and funded route to develop safeguarding capability
  • Training aligned to current legislation and statutory guidance
  • Delivery based on safeguarding best practice
  • Relevant, practical learning with real organisational impact
  • Flexible delivery to minimise workplace disruption
  • Embedded safeguarding knowledge

The apprenticeship provides:

  • Structured, funded development for experienced care staff
  • Preparation for leadership and supervisory responsibilities
  • Training aligned to real workplace practice and regulatory expectations
  • Relevant, immediately applicable learning
  • Developing internal talent and leadership capacity

Employers typically see:

  • Improved safeguarding awareness
  • Increased staff confidence in safeguarding practice
  • Greater consistency in safeguarding
  • Improved inspection and audit readiness
  • Clearer safeguarding processes and procedures
  • Reduced organisational risk

The programme supports:

  • Effective safeguarding practice across organisations
  • Regulatory and statutory compliance
  • Robust risk management processes
  • Development of competent safeguarding support professionals
Ai Savvy Funded Courses - Skills Funding Group

Who is This Course For

This course is for individuals who support safeguarding activity and require the skills, confidence and knowledge to manage safeguarding concerns effectively within their organisation.

This course supports safeguarding practice in line with statutory guidance and organisational safeguarding policies, promoting safe, ethical and effective responses to safeguarding concerns.

This course is ideal for:

  • Staff with safeguarding responsibilities in education, care, health, housing, or community services
  • Individuals who receive or respond to safeguarding concerns
  • Staff who support safeguarding referrals and processes
  • Learners involved in safeguarding coordination or support activities
  • Individuals confident in communicating with colleagues and external agencies
  • Staff committed to promoting safe and supportive environments
  • Those new to safeguarding responsibilities

Typical Job Roles Include:

  • Safeguarding Support Officer
  • Safeguarding Administrator
  • Pastoral Support Officer
  • Welfare Officer
  • Student Support Officer
  • Care or Support Worker with safeguarding responsibility

This course is suitable for employers operating in:

  • Education and training provider
  • Adult social care services
  • Children’s services
  • Health and community services
  • Housing providers
  • Voluntary and third-sector organisations

Preparation and Support

Throughout the programme, learners are supported to:

  • Build evidence of competence
  • Prepare for assessment requirements
  • Understand what to expect at EPA

This ensures apprentices approach the End Point Assessment with confidence and clarity.

Candidate Enrolment Form

Funding at a Glance

Many of our apprentices go on to secure permanent roles, promotions and long-term career progression within their organisations.

Funding Stream

  1. Apprenticeships (see the detail on funding
  2. Adult Education Budget (AEB)
  3. Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA)
  4. Advanced Learner Loans
  5. Additional Learning Needs (ALN)
  6. Learning & Development Support Scheme (LDSS)

Who It is For

  1. New or existing employees (in England)
  2. Adults 19+ meeting eligibility criteria
  3. Learners in devolved regions (within the UK)
  4. Individuals 19+ studying Level 3–6
  5. Learners requiring additional support (contact us for more information)
  6. Health and Adult Social Care Workforce

Who Pays

  1. Government via DAS (levy or co-investment)
  2. Government (National or devolved AEB)
  3. Regional government allocation
  4. Government-backed loan (repayable)
  5. Government support funding
  6. NHS funding contribution (national or devolved AEB)

Best Used For

  1. Structured role-based development aligned to occupational standards
  2. Entry-level qualifications, sector skills, career progression
  3. Skills aligned to local labour market priorities
  4. Professional qualifications where grant funding not available
  5. Removing barriers to participation and achievement
  6. Regulated roles and sector-specific qualifications

Employer Contribution

  1. Levy funds or typically 5% co-investment (if non-levy). This if  fully funded for under 22 year olds
  2. Often fully funded (subject to eligibility)
  3. Often fully or partially funded
  4. No employer cost (loan repaid by learner when eligible)
  5. No additional employer cost
  6. Reduces employer training costs (contact us for more detailed information)

Cost-Effective Recruitment

A Cost-Effective Way to Recruit and Develop Talent

Apprenticeships are one of the most financially supported recruitment routes available to UK employers.

£1,000 Government Incentive

Receive a £1,000 incentive when you recruit an apprentice aged 16–18, or 19–24 with an EHCP or care leaver status.

NI Contribution Exemption

Employers are exempt from paying National Insurance Contributions for apprentices under 25, provided they earn under the Upper Secondary Threshold.

95–100% Funded Training

Training costs are typically 95–100% government funded for non-levy paying employers — making apprenticeships significantly more cost-effective than traditional recruitment.

Proven Retention & Growth

Apprenticeships improve retention, engagement and progression. You build capability tailored to your business from day one.

How We Work

Ready to Recruit an Apprentice?

Submit your vacancy details and our team takes care of the rest. We make the process simple, compliant and commercially focused.

01

Review

We review your role for apprenticeship alignment and suitability.

02

Refine

Support you in refining the job description if needed to attract the right candidates.

03

Advertise

We advertise and promote your vacancy across our candidate network.

04

Screen

We screen and shortlist candidates based on your requirements.

05

Onboard

We guide you through the onboarding and funding process end-to-end.

What Makes Our Programmes Different?

We don’t take you out of your role — we develop you within it.

Our programmes are designed for people already in work, helping you build the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to perform at a higher level. Everything you learn is applied directly to your day-to-day responsibilities, so the impact is immediate, practical and measurable.

From enrolment through to completion, we support both you and your employer to ensure the training delivers real value.

Need more information or to discuss a way forward?

If you are not sure on what course may suit you, funding or how it all works, then get in touch and we can help and support and help you on your journey.