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CSTF England Subject Guide v1.1

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Core Skills Training Framework: England Subject Guide

Jurisdiction: GB Agency: Skills for Health
Plain-English summary

This document is a workforce training framework published by Skills for Health and Health Education England for NHS Trusts in England. It establishes minimum standards, learning outcomes, required refresher frequencies, and delivery standards for statutory and mandatory training subjects including conflict resolution, equality and diversity, fire safety, infection control, information governance, moving and handling, preventing radicalisation, resuscitation, and safeguarding adults and children. It is directed at NHS healthcare organisations and their staff, not at licensing or regulating any specific clinical facility type.

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Regulation text
Core Skills Training Framework 
(England) 
Statutory/Mandatory Subject Guide 
Version: CSTF (England) v1.1 
June 2021 
For NHS Trusts in England 

CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 2 
Version control summary 
Version No Date Comments 
UK v1.0 March 2013 Original release of the UK Framework. 
UK v1.1 April 2014 Updates to ensure references to legislation and expert guidance remained current 
and to provide greater clarification where needed. Some minor amendments to 
learning outcomes noted in Appendix 1 of version 1.1. 
UK v1.2 September 
2014 
Safeguarding Adults – addition of a new Level 2. 
Safeguarding Children – significant additions and amendments to align with the 
Intercollegiate Document (2014) 
Other minor updates and clarification where needed. 
UK v1.3 March 2016 Preventing Radicalisation added as a new subject 
Other minor updates and clarification where needed 
UK v1.4 October 
2017 
Preventing Radicalisation – updated to reflect minor amendments in the NHS 
England Prevent Training and Competencies Framework (2017). 
Information Governance – updated to reflect the decommissioning of the NHS IG 
Training Tool (NHS Digital) 
CSTF User Guide incorporated into this subject guide. 
Other minor updates and clarification where needed. 
UK v1.4.2 May 2018 Information Governance – addition of GDPR. 
UK v1.5 October 
2018 
Equality, Diversity and Human Rights – updated to include reference to statutory 
guidance to support the autism strategy. 
Safeguarding Adults – updated to align with Adult Safeguarding: Roles and 
Competencies for Health Care Staff (2018) with the addition of a Level 3. 
Information Governance – updated to reflect current guidance for data security. 
UK v1.6 June 2019 Safeguarding Children – significant additions and amendments to align with the 
Intercollegiate Document (2019). 
Resuscitation – minor changes to Level 2 – Newborn Basic Life Support / Learning 
Outcomes (b) and (f) 
England 
v1.0 
February 
2020 
April 2020 
Separate Framework for NHS Trusts in England 
‘Proposed Frequency of Refresher Training or Assessment’ is now ‘Required 
Frequency of Refresher Training or Assessment’. 
‘Suggested Standards for Training Delivery’ are now ‘Standards for Training 
Delivery’ 
Moving and Handling amended with addition of required frequencies for refresher 
training/assessment. 
England 
v1.1 
June 2021 All links and references to legislation and key guidance checked and updated 
where required. 
Any additional references and minor amendments to text are shown in Appendix 3. 
Version Control. 

CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 3 
 
A summary of key amendments in this version is presented in Appendix 2: Version Control. 
 
The Core Skills Training Framework (CSTF) is available for any individual or organisation to access. 
Current information and access to current CSTF documents is always available from the Core Skills Frameworks 
web page at: https://skillsforhealth.org.uk/info-hub/core-skills-training-framework-cstf-and-enabling-staff-movement-
in-nhs-trusts-in-england/ 
 
Acknowledgements 
This framework builds upon the substantial and excellent activity originally undertaken in the devolved countries and 
health regions in England in seeking to design and develop common guidance for enhancing the quality and delivery 
of statutory and mandatory training. This framework also benefits from initial developments which commenced in the 
London region. 
The Representatives who were involved in this activity have shared their expertise willingly to inform and support the 
development of the framework offered here, and Skills for Health gratefully acknowledges this substantial 
contribution (see appendix 4). 
 
About Skills for Health 
Skills for Health, a not-for-profit organisation, is committed to the development of an improved and sustainable 
healthcare workforce across the UK. Established in 2002 as the Sector Skills Council fo r the UK health sector, Skills 
for Health helps to inform policy and standards focusing on health, education and improving the wider wellbeing of 
public health. If you would like further information about how Skills for Health might support you with the 
implementation of this framework or other workforce development issues please visit: www.skillsforhealth.org.uk 

Copyright © 2021 Skills for Health and Health Education England. All Rights Reserved 

CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 4 
Core Skills Training Framework Statements of Support 

The Independent Healthcare Advisory Services (IHAS) welcomes the introduction 
of the Core Skills Framework. This will provide all healthcare organisations with the 
benefit of ensuring consistent approaches to statutory mandatory training providing 
agreed and consistent periods for refresher training and reducing costs due to 
unnecessary duplication of learning. 
Sally Taber, Director of Independent Healthcare Advisory Services 
 
The National Association of Healthcare Fire Officers welcomed the request by 
Skills for Health to be involved in the development of the Core Skills Training 
Framework. Any document that strives to improve, develop and set out objectives and 
training outcomes has to be endorsed. The framework will assist healthcare 
organisations to achieve statutory compliance with regards to fire safety training. 

The Infection Prevention Society welcomes the Core Skills Training Framework 
developed by Skills for Health. The Infection Prevention Society acknowledges that 
this framework does not attempt to cover all aspects of infection prevention and 
control. However following the framework can assist organisations in reviewing and 
developing their training arrangements. 

The Health and Safety Executive welcomes the Core Skills Training Framework 
developed by Skills for Health. The framework does not attempt to cover all health and 
safety risks and may go further than the minimum you need to do to comply with the 
law. However, following the framework will help organisations review and develop 
their training arrangements and make health and safety improvements in their 
business. 

The National Back Exchange has welcomed the opportunity to work with Skills for 
Health in developing the Core Skills Training Framework. We recognise that this 
framework builds upon other developments which have had benefit in establishing 
common guidance and which have been well received by healthcare organisations. 
While the National Back Exchange recognises that this framework does not attempt to 
cover all aspects of moving and handling the use of the framework can assist 
organisations in reviewing, planning and developing their training in moving and 
handling arrangements and in identifying those learning outcomes which are 
transferable between settings. 

Resuscitation Council (UK): We are pleased to indicate that the information 
provided in the Resuscitation subject included in this framework has been supported 
by the Resuscitation Council (UK). 

CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 5 
 
Contents 
Introduction ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .............. 6 
Governance of the CSTF ................................ ................................ ................................ .......................... 7 
Core Skills Subjects and Organising Structure ................................ ................................ ......................... 8 
Conflict Resolution ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................... 12 
Equality, Diversity and Human Rights ................................ ................................ .............................. 15 
Fire Safety ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 18 
Health, Safety and Welfare ................................ ................................ ................................ .............. 22 
Infection Prevention and Control ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 25 
Information Governance and Data Security ................................ ................................ ..................... 29 
Moving and Handling ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................... 32 
Preventing Radicalisation ................................ ................................ ................................ ................ 36 
Resuscitation ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 40 
Safeguarding Adults (Version 2) ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 46 
Safeguarding Children (Version 3) ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 52 
Appendix 1: User Guide ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................... 59 
Appendix 2: Version Control ................................ ................................ ................................ ................... 68 
Appendix 4: Summary of Subject Matter Expert Bodies consulted ................................ ......................... 71 
Appendix 5: Other standards and frameworks ................................ ................................ ........................ 72 
Appendix 6: Glossary ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................. 73 

CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 6 
Introduction 
Purpose of Document 
This document sets out a framework for use by healthcare organisations to help guide and standardise the focus 
and the delivery of key statutory and mandatory training skills. The intention in providing this framework is that 
healthcare organisations will be able to review their current arrangements for defining and delivering training in 
relation to the identified subject areas, and through the adoption of the framework align their approaches. Where 
such alignment is undertaken it should then have benefits for healthcare organisations in ensuring consistent 
approaches, promote quality and delivery of training which, through the use of learning outcomes, should be more 
educationally focused and valued. 
It is expected that the adoption of this framework will help promote organisational and system wide efficiencies by 
encouraging the health sector to recognise training which meets recognised standards and in doing so help 
contribute towards preventing unnecessary duplication. 
Target Audience 
This framework should be of particular value to: 
• Chief Executives and Executive Leads for Human Resources, Organisational Development and 
Workforce Education: in setting out the minimum training standards that effective healthcare organisations 
should ensure are in place in relation to the training subjects identified to support them in being able to meet 
common compliance requirements. 
• Learning and Development Leads: in helping them to feel confident in planning, targeting and scheduling the 
delivery of training activity in relation to the training subjects identified, support resource utilisation and guide 
evaluation approaches to monitor the impact of any training undertaken. 
• Subject Matter Experts: in helping them to plan and design the delivery of training, ensuring that training is 
focused upon learning outcomes which are relevant and measurable. This frame work should also be helpful to 
Subject Matter Experts in helping staff understand the purpose of and appreciating the relevance of the training 
undertaken. 
• Healthcare Managers: in helping to reinforce the purpose and value of this type of training and the required 
knowledge and skills performance that their staff should be expected to demonstrate on completion of any 
training received in relation to the subject areas included. Where an organisation adopts the framework 
Healthcare Managers can also use it as an aid in determining priorities during any Personal Development 
Discussions. 
• Education Providers: in helping those supporting the development of the future workforce in being able to 
integrate the framework as part of their curriculum delivery. This will help ensure that learners undertaking or 
completing healthcare education programmes are being supported to develop the knowledge and skills required 
to support their safety when on placement and/or their future employability skills. 

CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 7 
Governance of the CSTF 
Since 2013, the Core Skills Training Framework (CSTF) has become widely recognised as a national minimum 
standard for statutory/mandatory training in the health sector. 
Health Education England and Skills for Health are now working in partnership to fur ther develop the CSTF, to 
ensure the scope of the CSTF remains relevant to the future workforce and the commitments in the NHS Long Term 
Plan to enable staff to move more easily from one NHS Employer to another. The aim is to further clarify and 
consolidate current CSTF guidelines with the expectation that all NHS Trusts in England will ultimately be aligned to 
the CSTF, and to enable the more effective ‘portability’ of training records and efficiencies in staff movement. 
Health Education England is the project commissioner. Skills for Health remains responsible for maintaining the 
CSTF and developing future CSTF content, tools and processes. 
Future management and development of the CSTF will be guided by a steering group which will comprise 
representatives of key stakeholder organisations including Health Education England, Skills for Health, NHS 
England and NHS Improvement, ESR Central Team, E-Learning for Healthcare, Unions and NHS Providers. The 
purpose of the steering group is to provide strategic direction for the future development and maintenance of the 
CSTF. This will include consideration of any changes to CSTF scope and processes and the implications for the 
regional and system-wide approaches to enabling staff movement. 

CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 8 
Core Skills Subjects and Organising 
Structure 
This Core Skills Training Framework (CSTF) Statutory/Mandatory Subject Guide, sets out for each identified skill 
area, an organising structure which offers: 
• a context statement 
• current policy and legal references with hyperlinks 
• relevant target audience 
• key learning outcomes 
• required frequency of refresher training or assessment 
• standards for training delivery 
• identification of any available National Occupational Standards 
Utilising this organising structure will be helpful in encouraging a quality driven and consistent approach. The 
organising structure will also aid keeping the framework updated, with the ability to make changes only to the 
relevant sections as they occur. 
For the health sector, the Core Skills Training Skills Framework will be helpful in establishing health sector wide 
minimum standards for the indicated subjects. In addition, the further guidance included will help enable the 
mechanisms and quality assurance processes to be put in place which will then support consistency, efficiency and 
also enable recognition of training. 
It is also important to note that for social care staff, there are Codes of Practice and standards for induction which 
must be met and which have been agreed at country level (Appendix 5). The implication of this is that for those 
social care staff working in integrated health and social care teams, they will be expected to meet these standards. 
The link with the guidance offered in this framework is that it provides the suggested learning outcomes that should 
be used to help guide and design training interventions, the completion of which might then contribute towards the 
achievement of the indicated code and standards where applicable. 
Table 1 overleaf summarises the subjects included in the framework, including the target audience, required 
frequency of refresher training and training methods. 

CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 9 
Table 1: Summary of Subjects 
The table below summarises the target audience and required frequency of refresher training for each subject. 
CSTF alignment requires the learning outcomes for each CSTF subject to be met. In general, the CSTF does not 
prescribe training methods - however, some subjects will require a practical training component. The table therefore 
indicates the extent to which E-Learning is appropriate as an option for training delivery and where practical 
instruction is a requirement. 
Subject Audience Required frequency of 
refresher training or 
assessment 
Comments on training 
delivery 
Conflict Resolution Frontline NHS staff and 
professionals whose work 
brings them into direct 
contact with members of the 
public. 
3 years Elearning can support 
delivery of knowledge 
aspects of learning 
outcomes. 
Practical instruction also 
required. 
Equality, Diversity 
and Human Rights 
All staff, including unpaid and 
voluntary staff. 
3 years Elearning can cover 
alignment to CSTF learning 
outcomes. 
Fire Safety All staff, including unpaid and 
voluntary staff. 
Induction: Site specific 
training followed by regular 
updated fire safety training. 
Staff who may need to help 
evacuate others, should 
receive training more 
frequently than those who 
may only be required to 
evacuate themselves. 
Assessment of competence 
every 2 years 
Elearning can support 
delivery of knowledge 
aspects of learning 
outcomes. 
Practical instruction also 
required e.g. evacuation 
techniques and use of 
firefighting equipment. 
Supplemented by specific 
job/site training as 
necessary to ensure safe 
working practices. 
Health, Safety and 
Welfare 
All staff, including unpaid and 
voluntary staff. 
3 years Elearning can cover 
alignment to CSTF learning 
outcomes. 
Further job specific training 
may be needed based 
upon local risk 
assessment. 
Infection Prevention 
and Control 
Level 1: All staff including 
contractors, unpaid and 
voluntary staff. 
Level 2: All healthcare staff 
groups involved in direct 
patient care or services. 
3 years 
 
1 year 
Elearning can cover 
alignment to CSTF learning 
outcomes. 

CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 10 
Subject Audience Required frequency of 
refresher training or 
assessment 
Comments on training 
delivery 
Information 
Governance and 
Data Security 
All staff involved in routine 
access to information. 
1 year E-Learning can cover 
alignment to CSTF learning 
outcomes. 
Moving and Handling Level 1: All staff, including 
unpaid and voluntary staff. 
 
Level 2: All staff, including 
unpaid and voluntary staff 
whose role involves patient 
handling activities. 
3 years (for load handling 
staff) 
 
2 years 
 
Elearning can support 
delivery of knowledge 
aspects of learning 
outcomes. 
Practical instruction also 
required for staff involved 
in load handling and patient 
handling activities. 
 
Preventing 
Radicalisation 
Basic Prevent Awareness: 
All clinical and non-clinical 
staff that have contact with 
adults, children and young 
people and/ or 
parents/carers. 

Prevent Awareness: All 
staff who could potentially 
contribute to assessing, 
planning, intervening and 
evaluating the needs of an 
adult or child where there are 
safeguarding concerns. 
3 years 

3 years 
 
Basic Prevent 
Awareness: Elearning can 
cover alignment to CSTF 
learning outcomes. Can 
also be incorporated into 
an organisation’s 
Safeguarding training. 

Prevent Awareness 
should be delivered by 
attendance at a Workshop 
to Raise Awareness of 
Prevent (WRAP) or by 
completing an approved e-
learning package. 
 
Resuscitation Level 1: Non-clinical staff, 
dependent upon local risk 
assessment or work context. 
Level 2: Staff with direct 
clinical care responsibilities 
including all qualified 
healthcare professionals. 
Level 3: Registered 
healthcare professionals with 
a responsibility to participate 
as part of the resuscitation 
team. 
1 year 

1 year 

1 year 
A variety of methods can 
be used for annual updates 
(including E-Learning). 
 
At levels 2 and 3, practical 
instruction i.e. ‘hands-on’ 
simulation training and 
assessment is 
recommended for clinical 
staff. 

CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 11 
Subject Audience Required frequency of 
refresher training or 
assessment 
Comments on training 
delivery 
Safeguarding Adults 
(Version 2) 
Level 1: All staff working in 
health care settings. 
 
Level 2: All practitioners who 
have regular contact with 
patients, their families or 
carers, or the public. 
 
Level 3: Registered health 
care staff who engage in 
assessing, planning, 
intervening and evaluating 
the needs of adults where 
there are safeguarding 
concerns (as appropriate to 
role). 
3 years 

3 years 

3 years 
 
Level 1: Elearning can 
cover alignment to CSTF 
learning outcomes. 
Level 2: Elearning can 
cover alignment to CSTF 
learning outcomes. 
 
Level 3: Elearning can 
support delivery of 
knowledge aspects of 
learning outcomes. 
 
Safeguarding 
Children 
(Version 3) 
Level 1: All staff working in 
health care settings. 
 
Level 2: All non-clinical and 
clinical staff who have any 
contact (however small) with 
children, young people 
and/or parents/carers or any 
adult who may pose a risk to 
children. 
 
Level 3: Clinical staff 
(working with children, young 
people and/or their parents/ 
carers and/or any adult who 
could pose a risk to children), 
who could potentially 
contribute to assessing, 
planning, intervening and/ or 
evaluating the needs of a 
child or young person and/or 
parenting capacity 
(regardless of whether there 
have been previously 
identified child 
protection/safeguarding 
concerns or not). 
3 years 

3 years 

3 years 
E-learning is appropriate to 
impart knowledge at levels 
1 and 2. At Level 2, 
training, education and 
learning opportunities 
should also include multi-
disciplinary and scenario-
based discussion. 

At level 3, E-learning can 
be used as preparation for 
reflective team-based 
learning. 
At level 3, learning should 
be multi-disciplinary and 
inter-agency, including 
opportunities for personal 
reflection, scenario-based 
discussion, drawing on 
case studies etc. 
 
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CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 12 
Conflict Resolution 
Context Statement 
It is important that staff feel safe in their working environments. Violent behaviour not only affects them personally 
but indirectly it has a negative impact upon the standard of service and the delivery of patient care. In terms of 
tackling violence against staff, Conflict Resolution Training (CRT) is a key preventative tool. It forms part of a range 
of measures introduced to make the NHS a safer place to work. Clearly, it is not sufficient t o react to incidents after 
they occur; ways of reducing the risk of incidents occurring and preventing them from happening in the first place 
must be found. 
The detail in this subject reflects the Conflict Resolution Training guidance as provided by NHS Protect (2013), now 
superseded by the NHS Counter Fraud Authority. 
Current Legal or Relevant Expert Guidance 
• NHS Protect (2013), Conflict Resolution Training: implementing the learning aims and outcomes 
• Care Quality Commission: The fundamental standards / safety 
• NHS violence reduction strategy 
• The Restraint Reduction Network Training Standards 2019 
Target Audience 
Frontline NHS staff and professionals whose work brings them into direct contact with members of the public - under 
legislation it is employer’s responsibility to ensure that these individuals and roles are risk -assessed in relation to 
violence and aggression. 
Key Learning Outcomes 
The learning aims and associated outcomes are based on de-escalation techniques. The aims address the way one 
communicates, patterns of behaviour, recognition of warning signs, impact factors and preventative strategies. At 
the end of the training learners should be able to: 
a) describe the common causes of conflict and identify the different stages of conflict 
b) learn from their own experience of conflict situations to develop strategies to reduce the opportunity for conflict in 
the future 
c) describe two forms of communication 
d) indicate the level of emphasis that can be placed on verbal and non-verbal communication during a conflict 
situation 
e) understand the impact that cultural differences may have in relation to communication 
f) identify the causes of communication break down and the importance of creating conditions for communication 
to succeed 
g) utilise three communication models that would assist in dealing with different levels of conflict 
h) recognise the behavioural pattern of individuals during conflict 
i) recognise the warning and danger signals displayed by individuals during a conflict si tuation including the signs 
that may indicate the possibility of physical attack 

CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 13 
j) identify the procedural and environmental factors affecting conflict situations and recognise their importance in 
decision making 
k) understand the importance of keeping a safe distance in conflict situations 
l) summarise the methods and actions appropriate for particular conflict situations bearing in mind that no two 
situations are same 
m) explain the use of ‘reasonable force’ as described in law and its limitations and requirements 
n) identify the range of support, both short and long-term, available to those affected by a violent incident 
o) understand the need to provide support to those directly affected by a violent incident and the wider 
organisational benefits of this. 
NB: It is crucial that employing organisations deliver the appropriate level of CRT to meet the needs of staff at their 
organisation. For example, the clinical and environmental factors affecting conflict for ambulance services or mental 
health services will be different to those experienced within the in-patient setting. 
Even within each type of health organisation there may be different factors coming into play such as location, 
demographics and geography. Therefore, in addition to delivering the core learning outcomes organisations will 
need to make a risk assessment of the CRT needs of their staff. In some cases this may result in training with 
additional learning outcomes to meet and mitigate the identified risks. 
CRT provides staff with important de-escalation, communication and calming skills to help them prevent and 
manage violent situations. However, there are some incidents which may involve challenging behaviour that is 
clinically related, one common characteristic being where the individual involved in the inci dent may have some 
degree of cognitive impairment and their communication may be temporarily or permanently impaired. 
NHS organisations and providers of NHS services may therefore choose to include clinically related challenging 
behaviour awareness as part of a combined course with CRT or incorporate it as part of other training initiatives, 
such as those addressing staff training needs around dementia (e.g. Restraint Reduction Standards, 2019). 
 
Required Frequency of Refresher Training or Assessment 
Refresher training for all relevant staff groups should take place every 3 years. 
Organisational Implications: Each healthcare organisation will need to ensure that the required training schedule 
is incorporated into their local policy. 
Assessment of Competence 
• Where a staff member or learner can demonstrate through robust pre-assessment, including where relevant 
practical assessment, the required level of current knowledge, understanding and practice, then this can be 
used as evidence that knowledge and skills have been maintained and the staff member may not need to repeat 
refresher training. 
• Where a staff member or learner does not meet the required level of current knowledge, understanding and 
practice through pre-assessment they should complete the refresher training and any associated assessments 
required. 

CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 14 
Standards for Training Delivery 
It is appropriate that the delivery method for CRT takes into account the needs of learners to ensure that maximum 
benefit and value is obtained. While not exhaustive, these may include access to resources such as classrooms, 
literature, audio visual facilities and appropriately qualified trainers. Previous NHS Protect guidance suggests that 
CRT benefits best from delivery in a classroom setting, although the overriding aim must be that learners achieve all 
of the learning outcomes and any additional ones appropriate for their role and setting established by the risk 
assessment. 
The duration of CRT courses will vary considerably and their length will depend upon the number of additional 
learning outcomes identified through a risk assessment of CRT needs. However, all NHS CRT courses will need to 
be long enough to provide sufficient time to ensure that the core learning outcomes and those identified in the risk 
assessment are fully met. CRT can be delivered as a standalone course, although there are benefits to it being 
integrated as part of a more holistic approach to communication, customer care and engagement with service users 
as these are transferable skills. 
E-learning may be appropriate to support the delivery of knowledge aspects of CRT but should not be the sole 
means of training and is not a substitute for practical instruction. 
Relevant National Occupational Standards 
• Ento WRV6: Promote a safe and positive culture in the workplace 
• FMH5: Minimise the risks to an individual and staff during clinical interventions and violent and aggressive 
episodes 
 
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CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 15 
Equality, Diversity and Human Rights 
Context Statement 
Equality is about creating a fairer society where everyone has the opportunity to fulfil their potential. Diversity is 
about recognising and valuing difference in its broadest sense. Human rights are the legal rights and freedoms that 
individuals can expect to enjoy, can exercise and are based on core principles such as dignity, fairness, equality, 
respect and autonomy. Equality, Diversity and Human Rights are entirely relevant to day -to-day life and provide the 
framework which protects the freedom for individuals to control his/her own life, prevent discrimination and set 
expectations for enabling fair and equal services to and from public authorities. 
The health sector has a responsibility to ensure delivery of services and workforce management which fully 
demonstrate and reflect the principles of equality, diversity and human rights. It is through the active and effective 
understanding of Equality, Diversity and Human Rights that the health sector will be able to recruit and retain a 
workforce that is more reflective of and sensitive to the population it seeks to serve. 
Current Legal or Relevant Expert Guidance 
Legislation 
• Equality Act 2010 
• Human Rights Act 1998 
Key Guidance 
• Department of Health Human Rights in Healthcare 
• Department of Health (2015), Statutory guidance for Local Authorities and NHS organisations to support 
implementation of the Adult Autism Strategy 
• HM Government (2014), Think Autism: Fulfilling and Rewarding Lives, the strategy for adults with autism in 
England: an update. 
• NHS Constitution 
• NHS England, Accessible Information Standard 
• NHS England, Equality Delivery System 
• NHS England, NHS Workforce Race Equality Standard 
• NHS England, Workforce Disability Equality Standard 
• NHS England (2015), Monitoring Equality and Health Inequalities: A Position Paper 
• Skills for Health and HEE (2019), Core Capabilities Framework for Supporting Autistic People 
• Skills for Health, HEE and NHS England (2019), Core Capabilities Framework of Supporting People with a 
Learning Disability 
Expert Organisations 
• Equality and Human Rights Commission 
• NHS Employers 
• The NHS Centre for Equality and Human Rights 

CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 16 
Target Audience 
All staff, including unpaid and voluntary staff. 
Key Learning Outcomes 
The following learning outcomes reflect a minimum standard which should be incorporated into equality, diversity 
and human rights education and training for all staff groups. 
The learner will: 
a) understand the terms of Equality and Diversity and Human Rights and how they are applied within the context of 
the health sector 
b) understand how a proactive inclusive approach to equality and diversity and human rights can be promoted 
c) understand the purpose and benefits of monitoring equalities and health inequalities 
d) understand the benefits that an effective approach to equality and diversity and human rights can have on 
society, organisations and individuals 
e) understand how legislation, organisational policies and processes can empower individuals to act appropriately 
and understand people’s rights 
f) know how to treat everyone with dignity, courtesy and respect and value people as in dividuals 
g) know what to do if there are concerns about equality and diversity practices, including how to use any local 
whistle blowing policy procedures and other related policies such as Bullying at Work and Dignity at Work . 
Required Frequency of Refresher Training or Assessment 
Refresher Training 
Equality and diversity refresher training for all staff groups should take place every 3 years. Where staff are 
changing roles and have more direct accountability for Human Resources, staff management an d service delivery, 
they may need to undertake additional specific training ahead of any scheduled update. Wherever possible, such 
training should also coincide with a much broader review of the organisational approach to equality, diversity and 
human rights. 
Organisational Implications: Each healthcare organisation will need to ensure that the required training schedule 
is incorporated into their local policy. 
Refresher training will be indicated for all staff if there is a change in Equality, Diversity and Human Rights 
Legislation nationally or an organisation has amended its policy locally. 
Assessment of Competence 
• Where a staff member or learner can demonstrate through robust pre-assessment the required level of current 
knowledge, understanding and practice, then this can be used as evidence that knowledge and skills have been 
maintained and the staff member may not need to repeat refresher training. 
• Where a staff member or learner does not meet the required level of current knowledge, underst anding and 
practice through pre-assessment they should complete the refresher training and any associated assessments 
required. 

CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 17 
Standards for Training Delivery 
The employing organisation must be assured that Learning Facilitators who are involved in the delivery of Equality, 
Diversity and Human Rights education or training have the appropriate experience, background and qualifications to 
deliver training to a satisfactory standard. For guidance, this may include the following: 
• A current and thorough knowledge of Equality, Diversity and Human Rights legislation and an understanding of 
its application and effective practice within a healthcare setting. 
• Experience of teaching and learning, including the ability to meet the competences expected for LSILADD04 
Plan and prepare specific learning and development opportunities. 
• A relevant qualification in Equality, Diversity and Human Rights such as, for example, the ILM Level 4 in 
Managing Equality and Diversity. 
Where any training delivery is supported by a person who is not an expert in the subject, then the organisation 
should ensure that they have put in place a quality assurance mechanism, whereby the accuracy of the content and 
the effectiveness of its delivery has been quality assured and is subject to periodic observation. 
Relevant National Occupational Standards 
• SCDHSC0234: Uphold the rights of individuals 
• SS01: Foster people’s equality, diversity and rights 
• SCDHSC0045: Lead practice that promotes the safeguarding of individuals 
 
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CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 18 
Fire Safety 
Context Statement 
Since the publication of the fire safety Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the provision of fire training has 
become a legal requirement for all employees within the UK. Fire safety in the healthcare environment is particularly 
challenging since many people in healthcare environments will require some degree of assistance from healthcare 
staff to ensure their safety in the event of a fire (Department of Health 2013). 
Fire within a healthcare setting can have a significant impact and consequences which can include property loss, 
injury and potential loss of life. High levels of fire safety awareness and knowledge by the healthcare workforce is 
essential if safe healthcare environments are to be maintained and the distressing consequences that can b e 
caused through fire are to be prevented. 
Within the UK, healthcare is provided in a wide range of environments, and it is essential that dependent upon the 
nature of the environment, which might be categorised as either simple or complex, that the releva nt guidance 
related to fire safety management is used to help assess and address potential fire safety risks. 
 
Current Legal or Relevant Expert Guidance 
Legislation 
• The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 
Expert Guidance 
• Department of Health, Health Technical Memorandum 05-01: Managing healthcare fire safety, Second edition 
April 2013 
• DCLG (2006), Fire safety risk assessment: healthcare premises 
Expert Organisation 
• National Association of Healthcare Fire Officers (NAHFO) 
 
Target Audience 
Fire Safety training is a legal requirement for all staff. The learning outcomes stated below specify the generic 
training needed by all staff without exception. 
Adequate fire safety information and instruction is required for all staff on induction. 

CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 19 
 
Key Learning Outcomes 
The following learning outcomes reflect the minimum standard which should be incorporated into fire safety training 
for all levels and reflects the Department of Health, Health Technical Memorandum 05-01: Managing healthcare fire 
safety, Second edition April 2013. 
The learner will: 
a) understand the characteristics of fire, smoke and toxic fumes 
b) know the fire hazards in the working environment 
c) be aware of the significant findings of relevant fire risk assessments 
d) understand how to practice and promote fire prevention 
e) be aware of basic fire safety and local fire safety protocols including staff responsibilities during a fire incident 
f) know the means of raising the fire alarm and the actions to take on hearing the fire alarm 
g) know instinctively the right action to take if fire breaks out or smoke is detected 
h) be familiar with the different types of fire extinguishers, state their use and identify the safety precautions 
associated with their use 
i) understand the importance of being familiar with evacuation procedures and associated escape routes. 
NB: In addition, learners should take part in practical training sessions which include evacuation techniques and 
where appropriate, use of firefighting equipment. 
Dependent upon role, location and service need the learning outcomes stated must be supplemented by specific job 
and site training. This should include, for example, local fire procedures, escape routes, refuges, evacuation aids 
and fire alarms and any other aspects as deemed necessary based upon localised fire risk assessment, training 
needs analysis and policy. 
Similarly, staff involved in particular roles such as telephone operators, estates and working in environments such as 
operating theatres may need more specific training to fulfil their responsibilities in effective fire prevention and 
management. 

CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 20 
Required Frequency of Refresher Training or Assessment 
All staff should on commencement of employment receive local site-specific fire induction training, and within a 
month of starting employment undertake any established local corporate fire induction training. 
All staff should receive regular updated fire safety training and instruction. The duration and frequency of the training 
should be determined by a training needs analysis. This should take account of the fire risks present in the 
premises, the numbers and dependency of people at risk, and the responsibilities of staff in a fire emergency. The 
outcomes of the fire risk assessment and the resulting determination of training requirements should be formally 
recorded and periodically reviewed. 
Organisational Implications: Staff who are involved in the direct care of patients, who may need to help evacuate 
others, should receive training more frequently than those who may only be required to evacuate themselves, this 
needs to be based upon current local risk assessment. 
Refresher training will be indicated if there has been a change in Fire Safety Legislation nationally, an organisation 
has amended its policy, or the local fire risk assessment identifies a new or changed risk, all staff affected will need 
to be updated to reflect any changes. 
Assessment of Competence 
Assessing the effectiveness of training is important but often difficult to c arry out with certainty. The Fire Safety 
Manager in conjunction with healthcare Fire Safety Advisers should, on a regular basis ( normally every two years), 
devise methods of testing staff. 
It is likely that the practical performance of staff at training sessions and during rehearsals of the fire emergency 
action plan will offer the best indication of the effectiveness of a programme and the degree to which staff have 
assimilated instruction (Department of Health 2013). 
Standards for Training Delivery 
It is the responsibility of the Trust Board (or equivalent), in consultation with the Fire Safety Manager/Advisor to 
determine how a suitable programme of fire safety is developed and delivered and provide assurance that it meets 
the legislative requirements. 
The employing organisation should be assured that Learning Facilitators who are involved in the delivery of fire 
training are competent in fire safety in the healthcare environment and have the appropriate qualifications, 
experience or background to deliver training to a satisfactory standard. Managing Healthcare Fire Safety (HTM 05-
01) stipulates that: 
“Staff delivering training should have the necessary competence, and if called upon to do so, should be able to 
demonstrate their competence.” 
For guidance, this should include the following: 
• A relevant fire safety qualification e.g. IOSH, the Fire Protection Association Advanced Fire Safety Management, 
Membership of Institute of Fire Engineers, Loughborough Post Graduate Certificate in Fire Safety M anagement, 
CFPA Diploma or extensive fire service experience (Local Authority or MoD) and/or relevant fire service 
experience. 
and 
• A thorough knowledge of Fire Safety in a healthcare setting, including legislation and the application of 
Managing Healthcare Fire Safety (HTM 05-01). 
• Experience of teaching and learning, including the ability to meet the competences expected for LSILADD04 
Plan and prepare specific learning and development opportunities 

CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 21 
Within complex healthcare environments such as hospitals, the requirements are that face -to-face training should be 
delivered by the designated Authorised Person 1. Where the delivery of any training in complex buildings is supported 
by designated Fire Wardens/coordinators, then the organisation should ensure that they have put in place a quality 
assurance mechanism, whereby the accuracy of the content and the effectiveness of its delivery has been quality 
assured and is subject to periodic review. 
Where staff work in non-complex buildings, for example, a medical centre, walk in centre or doctors surgery and the 
treatments provided within the premises are non-invasive, Fire training may be delivered by a person with lesser 
experience and qualifications than identified above. However, training should follow the guidance in the DCLG guide 
for healthcare premises2. In these cases, the organisation should ensure that they have put in place a quality 
assurance mechanism to ensure an accurate and effective delivery. 
The fire safety training programme should include practical sessions and fire drills to supplement classroom 
instruction. E-learning can be used to support Fire Training but is not acceptable as the sole means of training. 
Relevant National Occupational Standards 
• GEN96: Maintain health, safety and security practices within a health setting 
• SS03: Promote, monitor and maintain health, safety and security in the workplace 
 
Return to contents page 

1 Authorised Person (Fire) who is usually the Fire Adviser for the trust. 
 
2 DCLG (2006), Fire safety risk assessment: healthcare premises 

CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 22 
Health, Safety and Welfare 
Context Statement 
Given the complexity of the purpose, structure and type of activity delivered in healthcare environments, there is a 
diverse range of potential risks to the health and safety of staff. The law requires employers to provide whatever 
information, instruction and training is needed to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of 
its employees. Employers are required to provide employees with relevant information on potential risks to their 
health and safety in the workplace, and how these risks can be minimised. 
The provision of effective health and safety training will help to avoid the cost and distress that accidents and ill 
health cause. Of particular importance, is the need to develop a positive health and safety culture where healthy 
working becomes second nature to everyone. 
Current Legal or Relevant Expert Guidance 
Legislation 
• Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 
• Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 
• Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 2013 
• The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 
• The Health and Safety (Training for Employment) Regulations 1990 
• The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 
• The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 
Key Guidance 
• NHS Employers / Health and safety 
• NHS Employers / Health, Safety and Wellbeing Partnership Group Resources 
• NHS Employers / Health and Wellbeing 
• Health and Safety Executive, Health and social care services 
• Workplace health and safety standards (The NHS Staff Council) 
• Managing Conflict (NHS Improvement) 
• National patient safety syllabus 1.0, Training for all NHS staff (Academy of Medical Royal Colleges in 
collaboration with Health Education England, NHS England and NHS Improvement) 
Expert Organisations 
• The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) 
• The Care Quality Commission (England) 
Target Audience 
All staff, including unpaid and voluntary staff. 

CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 23 
Key Learning Outcomes 
The following learning outcomes reflect the minimum standard that should be incorporated into general health and 
safety training. 
The learner will: 
a) understand the organisation’s commitment to delivering services safely 
b) understand the importance of acting in ways that are consistent with legislation, policies and procedures for 
maintaining own and others’ health and safety 
c) know the organisation’s arrangements for consulting with employees on health and safety matters 
d) be able to locate the organisation’s health and safety policy and the arrangements for implementing it 
e) understand the meaning of hazard, risk and risk assessment 
f) be able to recognise common work place hazards including: 
o electricity 
o slips and trips, falls 
o chemicals and substances 
o stress 
o physical and verbal abuse 
o traffic routes 
o display screen equipment (DSE), workstations and the working environment. 
g) understand how any identified risks might be managed through balanced and appropriate preventive and 
protective measures 
h) understand how they could apply and promote safe working practices specific to their job role 
i) know the actions they should take to ensure patient safety 
j) understand the importance of reporting health and safety concerns 
k) know the reporting processes used and how the organisation uses the information gathered to help manage 
risks 
l) know how to raise health and safety concerns 
m) understand individual responsibilities in reporting incidents, ill health and near misses. 
NB: Additional learning outcomes and practical experience should be added, where appropriate, to take into account 
the capabilities, knowledge, experience and prior training of workers. 
Based upon risk assessment, training needs analysis, type of role, location and service need, the learning outcomes 
stated should be supplemented by specific job and site training as necessary to ensure competence in saf e working 
practices and compliance with legal requirements. 
Employers should ensure that vulnerable workers such as young people at work and learners undertaking work 
experience receive appropriate training, to protect their health and safety. Managers and supervisors should receive 
additional health and safety training as appropriate to support them in their role and health and safety 
responsibilities. 

CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 24 
Required Frequency of Refresher Training or Assessment 
Refresher Period 
Health and Safety law does not mandate defined time schedules for refresher periods but consensus from health 
care regions which have developed their own frameworks indicate that induction to local health and safety policy and 
procedures must take place upon joining a new employer, with refresher training for all staff groups every 3 years. 
Organisational Implications: Each healthcare organisation will need to ensure that the required training schedule 
is incorporated into their local policy. Organisations should have a programme of health and safety audits in place. 
The outcomes and implications of audits should be used to ensure that key policies and practices are being 
monitored and implemented appropriately, and they inform training priorities. 
Refresher training will be indicated for all staff if there is a change in health and safety legislation nationally or where 
local risk management assessment identifies new risks, or if there is a change in working practices and procedures 
and where skills need updating. 
Assessment of Competence 
• Where a staff member or learner can demonstrate through robust pre-assessment the required level of current 
knowledge, understanding and practice, then this can be used as evidence that knowledge and skills have been 
maintained and the staff member may not need to repeat refresher training. 
• Where a staff member or learner does not meet the required level of current knowledge, understanding and 
practice through pre-assessment, they should complete the refresher training and any associated assessments 
required. 
Standards for Training Delivery 
The employing organisation must be assured that Learning Facilitators that are involved in the delivery of Health a nd 
Safety education or training have the appropriate qualifications, experience, knowledge and skills to deliver training 
to a satisfactory standard. For guidance, this may include the following: 
• A current and thorough knowledge of Health and Safety, including risk assessment & management and an 
understanding of its application and practice within a healthcare setting. 
• Knowledge and experience of health and safety risks in their own organisation. 
• Experience of teaching and learning, including the ability to meet the competences expected for LSILADD04 
Plan and prepare specific learning and development opportunities 
• A relevant qualification in Health and Safety. 
• Membership of a professional organisation, for example, the Chartered Membership of IOSH ( www.iosh.com ) 
(this might be particularly required for any external trainers providing training on behalf of the organisation) . 
Where any training delivery is supported by a person who is not an expert in the subject, then the organisation 
should ensure that they have put in place a quality assurance mechanism, whereby the accuracy of the content and 
the effectiveness of its delivery has been quality assured and is subject to periodic observation. 
Relevant National Occupational Standards 
• GEN96: Maintain health, safety and security practices within a health setting 
• SS03: Promote, monitor and maintain health, safety and security in the workplace 
• SCDHSC0022: Support the health and safety of yourself and individuals 
• Ento WRV1: Make sure your actions contribute to a positive and safe working culture 
• COGPACK38: Work safely 

CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 25 
Infection Prevention and Control 
Context Statement 
The risk of infection within a healthcare setting poses a significant risk to patients, carers and staff . Without effective 
infection prevention and control approaches, infection can cause distress, harm, and impair quality of life and 
healthcare experiences. Infection frequently requires additional costly resources to treat. Therefore, prevention of 
infection must be a key priority for all staff groups working within a healthcare setting. Consequently, ensuring that 
all staff have high levels of infection prevention and control awareness, supported through an effective education 
and training approach, should form a central feature of any infection prevention and control strategy. 
Current Legal or Relevant Expert Guidance 
Legislation 
• Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 
• The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 
Legislation 
• Health and Social Care Act 2012 
• Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984 
• The Health Protection (Notification) Regulations 2010 
Key Guidance 
• NHS England & NHS Improvement (2019), Standard infection control precautions: national hand hygiene and 
personal protective equipment policy 
• Department of Health (2015), The Health and Social Care Act 2008 Code of Practice on the prevention and 
control of infections and related guidance 
• Loveday HP et al (2014), epic3: National Evidence-Based Guidelines for Preventing Healthcare-Associated 
Infections in NHS Hospitals in England, Journal of Hospital Infection 86S1 (2014) S1 –S70 
• NICE (2011), Healthcare-associated infections: prevention and control, Public health guidance [PH36] 
• NICE (2014), Infection prevention and control: Quality Standard QS61 
• NICE (2016), Healthcare-associated infections: Quality Standard QS113 
• NICE (2017), Healthcare-associated infections: prevention and control in primary and community care, Clinical 
guideline [CG139] 
• NHS Employers (2015), Managing the risks of sharps injuries 
Expert Organisations and Resources 
• NHS, Infection. Prevention. Control. 
• Healthcare Infection Society 
• Infection Prevention Society 
• International Resource for Infection Control 
• Public Health England 
• World Health Organization 

CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 26 
Target Audience 
Level 1: All staff including contractors, unpaid and voluntary staff. 
Level 2: All healthcare staff groups involved in direct patient care or services. 
Key Learning Outcomes 
Learning outcomes are divided into two levels. Each level reflects a level of expected knowledge, skill and 
understanding. The appropriate level of training is dependent upon role, work context and local risk assessment. 
Level 1 learning outcomes reflect a basic standard which should be incorporated into infection prevention and 
control training for all staff, including contractors and volunteers. Level 2 learning outcomes reflect a further standard 
which should be incorporated into infection prevention and control training for all healthcare staff and other staff 
groups who provide direct patient care. 
Level 1: All staff, including contractors and unpaid and voluntary staff. 
The learner will: 
a) know how individuals can contribute to infection prevention and control 
b) have knowledge of and demonstrate the standard infection prevention and control precautions relevant to their 
role which may include: 
o Hand Hygiene 
o Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 
o Management of Blood and Body Fluid Spillage 
o Management of Occupational Exposure (including sharps) 
o Management of the Environment 
o Management of Care Equipment. 
c) recognise and act when their personal fitness to work may pose a risk of infection to others. 
Level 2: All healthcare staff providing direct patient care and other relevant staff, based upon role and local risk 
assessment (Level 1 outcomes plus the following). 
Relevant to their role, the learner will: 
a) be able to describe a healthcare organisation’s and their own responsibilities in terms of current infection 
prevention and control legislation 
b) know how to obtain information about infection prevention and control within the organisation 
c) understand what is meant by the term healthcare associated infections 
d) understand the chain of infection and how this informs infection prevention and control practice 
e) demonstrate an understanding of the routes of transmission of micro-organisms 
f) understand individual roles and responsibilities for the three levels of decontamination 
g) use single use items appropriately 
h) be able to conduct a risk assessment in respect of ensuring infection prevention and control 
i) explain different alert organisms and conditions that pose an infection risk 
j) describe how to safely manage patients with specific alert organisms. 

CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 27 
Where applicable to the role 
Apply appropriate health and safety measures, standard precautions for infection prevention and control in obtaining 
specimens from individuals. 
NB: It is to be noted that, in some healthcare settings, Level 2 learning outcomes may not be relevant for some 
clinical roles e.g. Community Healthcare. It is the organisation’s discretion to agree on which learning outcomes are 
relevant and, therefore, required. 
Required Frequency of Refresher Training or Assessment 
Required frequency of refresher training or assessment is as follows: 
• All staff (Level 1 Outcomes): every 3 years. 
• All healthcare staff providing direct patient care (Level 2 Outcomes): every year. 
Organisational Implications: Each healthcare organisation will need to ensure that the required training schedule 
is incorporated into their local policy. 
Additional refresher training will be indicated for all staff if there is a change in infection prevention and control 
guidelines nationally or where the organisation has amended its policy locally. Organisations should have a 
programme of quality assurance including audit and feedback. The audit findings should be used to ensure that key 
policies and practices are being reviewed, implemented and inform training priorities. 
Assessment of Competence 
• Where a staff member or learner can demonstrate through robust pre-assessment, including where relevant, 
practical assessment, the required level of current knowledge, understanding and pra ctice, then this can be 
used as evidence that knowledge and skills have been maintained and the staff member may not need to repeat 
refresher training. 
• Where a staff member or learner does not meet the required level of current knowledge and understanding and 
practice through pre-assessment, they should complete the refresher training and any associated assessments 
required. 
Standards for Training Delivery 
The employing organisation should be assured that Learning Facilitators involved in the delivery of infection 
prevention and control education or training have the appropriate qualifications, experience or background to deliver 
training to a satisfactory standard. For guidance, this may include the following: 
• A relevant professional/healthcare registered qualification e.g. nurse. 
• Ability to demonstrate significant experience/knowledge of infection prevention and control issues and an 
understanding of their issues and practice within a healthcare setting. 
• Recent participation in advanced practice CPD developments in infection prevention and control. 
• Experience of teaching and learning, including the ability to meet the competences expected for LSILADD04 
Plan and prepare specific learning and development opportunities 
Where any training delivery is supported by a person who is not an expert in the subject, then the org anisation 
should ensure that they have put in place a quality assurance mechanism, whereby the accuracy of the content and 
the effectiveness of its delivery has been quality assured and is subject to periodic review. 

CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 28 
Relevant National Occupational Standards 
• Gen1: Ensure personal fitness for work 
• Gen2: Prepare and dress for work in healthcare settings 
• IPC2.2012: Perform hand hygiene to prevent the spread of infection 
• IPC6.2012: Use personal protective equipment to prevent the spread of infection 
• IPC1.2012: Minimise the risk of spreading infection by cleaning, disinfecting and maintaining environments 
• IPC4.2012: Minimise the risk of spreading infection by cleaning, disinfection and storing care equipment 
• IPC8.2012: Minimise the risk of spreading infection when transporting and storing health and care related waste 
• IPC3.2012: Clean, disinfect and remove spillages of blood and other body fluids to minimise the risk of infection 
• IPC7.2012: Safely dispose of healthcare waste, including sharps, to prevent the spread of infection 

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CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 29 
Information Governance and Data Security 
Context Statement 
The effective delivery of healthcare services requires the substantial collection, processing and exchange of 
personal information and data. Ensuring the appropriate collection, use and security of this information is a 
significant legal responsibility for healthcare organisations and individual healthcare workers. A number of high-
profile cases of personal data loss and breaches of confidential information, with a significant number of incidents 
coming from the health sector, have, however, focused and renewed the requirement for all healthcare staff to have 
an awareness of their responsibilities in using and safeguarding sensitive information. 
Data privacy and security has always been important but has become more complex and time -consuming to 
manage now that technology is so central to the way we deliver health and care. 
Current Legal or Relevant Expert Guidance 
Expert Organisation 
• Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) 
• National Data Guardian 
• NHSX / Information Governance 
• NHS Digital 
• The National Cyber Security Centre 
• The UK Caldicott Guardian Council 
Legislation 
• The common law duty of confidentiality 
• The Data Protection Act 2018 / UK GDPR 
• The Freedom of Information Act 2000 
Key Guidance 
• Guide to the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) 
• The Caldicott Principles 
• Caldicott 1 - Report on the Review of Patient-Identifiable Information. London: Caldicott Committee, 1997 
• Caldicott 2 - Information: To Share Or Not To Share? The Information Governance Review. London: 
Independent Information Governance Oversight Panel, 2013 
• Caldicott 3 - Review of Data Security, Consent and Opt-Outs. London: National Data Guardian 
• Care Quality Commission (July 2016), Safe date, safe care 
• Department of Health (2003), Confidentiality: NHS Code of Practice 
• NHS Digital, Codes of practice for handling information in health and care 
• NHS Digital, Data Security and Protection Toolkit 
• NHS Digital, National data opt-out 

CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 30 
Target Audience 
All staff involved in routine access to information. 
 
Key Learning Outcomes 
The learner will: 
a) understand the principles of Information Governance and the importance of data security in health and care 
b) understand the different types and value of information 
c) understand the principles of data security, including how to ensure the confidentiality, integrity and availability of 
data 
d) be aware of threats to data security and know how to avoid them, including: 
i. Social engineering3 
ii. Using social media safely 
iii. Using email safely 
iv. Malicious software 
v. How to protect information 
vi. Physical security 
e) be able to identify data breaches and incidents and know what to report 
f) understand fundamentals of data protection and the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) 
g) understand the Caldicott Principles and be able to provide a confidential service to patients and service users 
h) understand the responsibilities of healthcare organisations under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 
i) understand individual responsibilities in responding to a Freedom of Information request 

3 The use of deception to manipulate individuals into divulging confidential or personal information that may be used for fraudulent purposes. 

CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 31 
Required Frequency of Refresher Training or Assessment 
Required Refresher Training 
In England, NHS staff (or staff in organisations with access to NHS patient information) should receive refresher 
training or assessment annually4. 
Assessment of Competence 
• Where a staff member or learner can demonstrate through robust pre-assessment the required level of current 
knowledge, understanding and practice, then this can be used as evidence that knowledge and skills have been 
maintained and the staff member may not need to repeat refresher training. 
• Where a staff member or learner does not meet the required level of current knowledge, understanding and 
practice through pre-assessment they should complete the refresher training and any associated assessments 
required. 
Standards for Training Delivery 
The employing organisation must be assured that Learning Facilitators who are involved in the delivery of 
Information Governance and Data Security education or training have the appropriate qualifications, experience or 
background to deliver training to a satisfactory standard. For guidance, this may include the following: 
• A relevant qualification in Information Governance, Quality Assurance. 
• A thorough knowledge of Information Governance and Data Security issues and procedures and an 
understanding of their application and practice within a healthcare setting. 
• Awareness of Clinical Governance, Health Informatics. 
• Experience of teaching and learning, including the ability to meet the competences expected for LSILADD04 
Plan and prepare specific learning and development opportunities 
Organisations are able to use the Data Security Awareness programme developed by NHS Digital: https://www.e-
lfh.org.uk/programmes/data-security-awareness/ 
The UK Caldicott Guardian Council has stated “that learning objectives are still considered met in those 
organisations that are adapting the e-learning package locally” and that there is a valid requirement to be able to 
adapt e-learning locally. Locally produced training will be reported to and signed off by the local organisation’s SIRO 
or Caldicott Guardian and all staff completing the training will have to achieve the 80% pass mark 5. 
Relevant National Occupational Standards 
• HI2.2010: Assure the quality of data and information in a health context 
• HI1.2010: Identify, and respond to, risks relating to data and information in a health context 
• HI3.2010: Manage risks relating to data and information in a health context 
• SS32: Record, store and supply information using a paper-based filing system 
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4 The Data Security Standard 3. All staff complete appropriate annual data security training and pass a mandatory test, provided 
through the revised Information Governance Toolkit. Ref: Review of Data Security, Consent and Opt-Outs (National Data 
Guardian for Health and Care, 2017) 
5 NHS Digital / Data Security and Protection Toolkit: https://www.dsptoolkit.nhs.uk/News/30 

CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 32 
Moving and Handling 
Context Statement 
Healthcare settings can pose significant moving and handling challenges and risks. Work -related musculoskeletal 
disorders, including manual handling injuries, are amongst the most common type of occupational ill health in the UK 
(Health and Safety Executive 2020). Given the nature, type and frequency of moving and handling activities 
undertaken, there are risks of injury to staff and patients and these need to be minimised. As part of health and 
safety at work requirements, employers are expected to provide training on key health and safety risks and this has 
been supplemented with additional guidance covering the specific activity of moving and handling. 
In order to assess the learning needs an organisation should employ / access a competent person who can 
undertake a Training Needs Analysis identifying the ongoing moving and handling education and training 
requirements for each staffing group and job role. 
Current Legal or Relevant Expert Guidance 
Legislation 
• Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 
• The Manual Handling Operations Regulations (MHOR) 1992 HSE (2016) - Guidance on Regulations L23 4th 
edition (2016) 
• Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulation (LOLER 1998) Approved Code of Practice L113 2014 
(amended 2018) 
• Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations, 1999 (amendments in 2006) 
• Provision and Use of Work Equipment regulations (PUWER), 1998 - HSE (2018), Safe use of Work Equipment 
(PUWER 1998). Approved Code of Practice L22 4th edition (2014 amended 2018) 
• Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR), 2013 
• The Health and Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2002 
Key Guidance 
• National Back Exchange Standards in Manual Handling (2010) 
Key Organisations 
• National Back Exchange 
• The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) 
Key References 
● Alexander, P.; Johnson, C. (2011) Manual Handling of Children, Towcester: National Back Exchange 
● Croshaw, C. & Fray, M. (2019). Moving and Handling People: An Illustrated Guide (3rd ed. 2019) 
● Muir, M. A. and Rush, A.J. (2013) Moving and Handling of Plus Size People – an Illustrated Guide, Towcester: 
National Back Exchange 
● Health and Safety Executive. A Competent Person: https://www.hse.gov.uk/involvement/competentperson.htm 
● Health and Safety Executive. (2012 November). Manual Handling at Work: A Brief Guide: 
https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg143.pdf 
● Health and Safety Executive. (2016). Manual Handling Operations Regu lations 1992: Guidance on Regulations: 
https://www.hse.gov.uk/pUbns/priced/l23.pdf 

CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 33 
● Ruszala, S.; Alexander, P (2015) Moving and Handling in the Community and Residential Care. Towcester: 
National Back Exchange 
● Ruszala, S.; Hall, J; Alexander, P. (2010) Standards in Manual Handling 3rd Edition. Towcester: National Back 
Exchange 
● Sharpe, N.H.; Briody, K. Love, S. (2014) Safer Moving and Handling in the Perioperative Environment. 
Towcester: National Back Exchange 
● Smith, J (Ed). Handling of People 6th edition (2011) and 5th Edition (2005), Teddington: Backcare 
● Sturman, M.; Varnam, B (2019) Dementia Care - A Behavioural Approach to Manual Handling, Towcester: 
National Back Exchange 
Target Audience 
Level 1: All staff, including unpaid and voluntary staff. 
Level 2: Those staff groups, including unpaid and voluntary staff, whose role involves patient handling activities. 
Key Learning Outcomes 
Level 1 
The following Core Learning Outcomes are transferable between settings: 
The learner will be able to identify: 
a) moving and handling risk factors 
b) employers and employees’ responsibilities under relevant national Health & Safety legislation 
c) the principles of safer moving & handling 
d) the principles of using an ergonomic approach for moving and handling activities to support musculo -skeletal 
health 
e) the factors to consider when undertaking a dynamic risk assessment prior to carrying out a moving and handling 
activity 
f) suitable risk control strategies and resources to facilitate good practice following a risk assessment appropriate 
to the activity and individual’s role. 
The following Context Specific Learning Outcomes must be delivered locally and specific to the setting: 
The learner will be able to: 
g) identify their own organisation’s risk management processes to inform safe systems of work 
h) identify the support available to facilitate good practice 
i) demonstrate application of safer moving and handling principles when using the range of equipment relevant to 
the individual’s job role and setting. 
Load Handling Staff 
All staff involved with the handling of inanimate loads, which involve a risk of injury, will require practical instruction 
in safer handling techniques. The following Context Specific Learning Outcomes must be delivered locally and 
specific to the setting. 
The learner will be able to: 
j) demonstrate safer handling strategies relevant to them and their role. 

CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 34 
Level 2: Patient Handling Staff 
In addition to the Level 1 learning outcomes listed for all employees, staff identified as being involved in patient 
handling activities will be required to meet the following: 
The following Core Learning Outcomes are transferable between settings: 
The learner will be able to: 
a) demonstrate safe, dignified approaches for moving and handling activities that promote patient independence 
and functional mobility 
b) demonstrate an awareness of normal human movement patterns when moving and handling people 
c) demonstrate an understanding of person-centred risk assessment to determine safer patient handling 
techniques, using the multidisciplinary team where appropriate 
The following Context Specific Learning Outcomes must be delivered locally, specific to the setting: 
The learner will be able to: 
d) demonstrate a range of practical skills relevant to the needs of the patients in their care and the individual’s job 
role 
e) demonstrate the safe use of the range of equipment relevant to the needs of the patients in the ir care, the 
individual’s job role and the setting. 
 
All practical moving and handling training should be supervised appropriately in the workplace by a competent 
person according to the skill level of the learner. 
NB: Additional learning outcomes, or specific training, may be necessary to meet the particular needs or function of 
individual organisations. These should be determined by local risk assessment and policy. 
 
Required Frequency of Refresher Training or Assessment 
Level 1 
Core learning outcomes are transferable and intended to be portable between roles or settings. Therefore, 
following initial training they do not need to be repeated on induction to a specific role unless there are changes 
(e.g. to legislation nationally or according to local risk assessment). 
Context Specific Learning outcomes should be delivered on induction to the setting and at other times according 
to local risk assessment. Practical training appropriate to the role (i.e. for load handling staff) should take plac e 
every 3 years and/or when anything changes and at any other time according to the local risk assessment. 
Level 2 
Core learning outcomes are transferable and intended to be portable between roles or settings. Refresher 
training should take place every 2 years and/or at other times according to local risk assessment. 
Context Specific Learning Outcomes should be delivered on induction to a specific role and repeated every 2 
years and/or at other times according to local risk assessment. 
Monitoring and audit of the system / process should be ongoing which will allow changes to training requirements 
to be made as they are identified or required. Refresher training will be indicated for sta ff if there is a change in 
legislation nationally or where local risk management assessment identifies new risks, or if there is a change in 
working practices and procedures (e.g. the introduction of new equipment) and where skills need updating. 

CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 35 
Assessment of Competence 
Staff who are monitored and can demonstrate an agreed / accepted level of competence may not be required to 
undertake routine refresher training unless changes, such as those listed above, occur. 
Professional bodies set standards of proficiency and codes which require the registrant to maintain the skills and 
knowledge necessary for safe and effective practice. 
If an organisation chooses to assess the Moving and Handling competence of its staff this must be undertaken 
by appropriately qualified and competent assessors. 
Training Methods 
Level 1 training could be delivered by the following methods: 
• E-Learning 
• Face to Face 
• Blended Learning 
• Written Information 
Load Handling Practical training ideally should be face to face where reasonably practicable and could be: 
• In a classroom 
• In a workplace setting. 
Training can be delivered on a 1:1 basis or in groups. Groups should be no more than 1 trainer: 10 
participants, in line with NBE Standards (2010). 
Level 2 practical training ideally should be face to face where reasonably practicable in either a classroom or 
the workplace setting, on a 1:1 basis or in groups. Groups should be no more than 1 trainer:8 participants, in 
line with NBE Standards (2010). 
 
Standards for Training Delivery 
Moving and Handling education or training should be provided by facilitators who ideally have, or are working 
towards: 
• A relevant current professional / healthcare qualification e.g. nurse, physiotherapist, ergonomist or extensive 
knowledge and experience of Moving and Handling within a health or social care setting 
• A recognised qualification (e.g. Back Care Management) based on the National Back Exchange (NBE) 
Interprofessional Curriculum or proof of an equivalent qualification 
• Current Advanced Membership of NBE / Membership of NBE 
• A recognised teaching / training qualification including the ability to meet the competencies expected for Skills 
for Health LSILADD04 (Plan and prepare specific learning and development opportunities) 
• A current and thorough knowledge of Moving and Handling / Manual Handling including Risk Management and 
Assessment and experience of application to practice. 
A designated Competent person should oversee the delivery of the Moving and Handling programme however 
responsibility for maintaining standards in education and training provision remains with the organisation. 
 
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CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 36 
Preventing Radicalisation 
Context Statement 
This subject is derived from the NHS England Prevent Training and Competencies Framework (2017): 
Prevent is part of the Government counter-terrorism strategy CONTEST and aims to reduce the threat to the UK 
from terrorism by stopping people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism. 
Prevent focuses on all forms of terrorism and operates in a ‘pre-criminal’ space’. The Prevent strategy is focused on 
providing support and re-direction to individuals at risk of, or in the process of being groomed/radicalised into 
terrorist activity before any crime is committed. Radicalisation is comparable to other forms of exploitation; it is a 
safeguarding issue of which staff working in the health sector must be aware. 
Radicalisation is a process by which an individual or group adopts increasingly extreme political, social, or religious 
ideals and aspirations that reject or undermine the status quo or undermine contemporary ideas and expressions of 
freedom of choice. 
The Prevent Duty 2015 requires all specified authorities including NHS Trusts and Foundation Trusts to ensure that 
there are mechanisms in place for understanding the risk of radicalisation. Furthermore, they must ensure that 
health staff understand the risk of radicalisation and how to seek appropriate advice and support. 
Healthcare staff will meet and treat people who may be vulnerable to being drawn into terrorism. The health sector 
needs to ensure that healthcare workers can identify early signs of an individual being drawn into radicalisation. 
Staff must be able to recognise key signs of radicalisation and be confident in referring individuals to their 
organisational safeguarding lead or the police thus enabling them to receive the support and intervention they 
require. Ref: NHS England (2017), Prevent Training and Competencies Framework 
 
Current Legal or Relevant Expert Guidance 
Legislation 
• Equality Act 2010 
• Human Rights Act 1998 
• Counter-Terrorism and Security Act (2015) 
Key Guidance 
• NHS England (2017), Prevent Training and Competencies Framework 
• HM Government (July 2015), Revised Prevent Duty Guidance for England and Wales 
• HM Government (2011), Prevent Strategy 
• HM Government (2018) CONTEST: The UK Strategy for countering terrorism 
• NHS England (2017), Guidance for mental health services in exercising duties to safeguard people from the risk 
of radicalisation 

CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 37 
Target Audience 
• Basic Prevent Awareness: All clinical and non-clinical staff that have contact with adults, children and young 
people and/ or parents/carers. This will include for example receptionists, transport staff and phlebotomists. 
This is the same target group as for Safeguarding Adults and Safeguarding Children at Levels 1 & 2. 
• Prevent Awareness: All staff who could potentially contribute to assessing, planning, intervening and evaluating 
the needs of an adult or child where there are safeguarding concerns. This will include for example; GPs, 
mental health practitioners, front line ambulance staff and chaplaincy staff. 
This is the same target group as for Safeguarding Adults and Safeguarding Children at Level 3. 
This target group for Awareness of Prevent also includes: 
➢ Named professionals (named doctors, named nurses named health visitors, named midwives (in 
organisations delivering maternity services), named health professionals in ambulance organisations and 
named GPs for Organisations commissioning Primary Care) 
➢ Designated Professionals (designated doctors and nurses, lead paediatricians, consultant/lead nurses). 
 
Prevent Leads 
In addition to Basic Prevent Awareness and Prevent Awareness, there is also a level of competence relevant to 
organisational Prevent Leads in both commissioner and provider organisations. The competencies for Prevent 
Leads are outside the scope of the Statutory/Mandatory CSTF, but can be found in the NHS England Prevent 
Training and Competencies Framework. 
 
NB. The Prevent Training and Competencies Framework was developed in conjunction with the 2014 Intercollegiate 
document6 in order to ensure a consistent approach to training and provide parity between the expectations to 
safeguard both children and adults with care and support needs. 

6 Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (2014), Intercollegiate Document, Safeguarding children and young 
people: roles and competences for health care staff 

CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 38 
Key Learning Outcomes7 
Basic Prevent Awareness 
The learner will: 
a) understand the objectives of the Prevent strategy and the health sector contribution to the Prevent agenda 
b) know own professional responsibilities in relation to the safeguarding of adults, children and young people at risk 
c) understand the vulnerability factors that can make individuals susceptible to radicalisation or a risk to others 
d) know who to contact and where to seek advice if there are concerns about an individual who may be being 
groomed into terrorist activity8 
e) be able to recognise potential indicators of risk relating to individuals being radicalised 
f) understand what impact direct (bullying, be-friending and influencing) or indirect (internet, media etc.) factors 
might have on individuals and how it might change their thoughts and behaviours 
g) be able to raise concerns and take action when they have concerns 
h) understand the importance of sharing information (including the consequences of failing to do so). 
Prevent Awareness (Basic Prevent Awareness outcomes plus the following) 
The learner will: 
a) know how to support and redirect vulnerable individuals at risk of being groomed into terrorist related activities 
b) know how to share concerns, get advice, and make referrals in order to safeguard vulnerable individuals 
c) understand Channel multi-agency arrangements to provide support and redirection to individuals at risk of 
radicalisation 
d) understand Prevent in the context of the Prevent Duty and the concept of non-criminal space 
e) understand that radicalisation uses normal social processes and the “power of influence” on all 
f) recognise influence, and understand the concepts of polarisation and the use of narratives and ideology 
g) understand the current threat level and that Prevent can be applied to all forms of terrorism, present or emerging 
h) understand the term “vulnerable” in the context of Prevent and what vulnerabilities are exploited by terrorist 
groups 
i) understand there is no single checklist or profile of a terrorist, and that health staff are a key group and must use 
their professional judgement in assessing behaviours and risks 
j) understand how to recognise and share concerns, seek support and advice, and make referrals within own 
organisation and with other agencies where appropriate 
k) be aware of Building Partnerships, Staying Safe: The health sector contribution to HM Government’s Prevent 
Strategy: guidance for healthcare workers and their organisations relevant polic ies, procedures and systems for 
Prevent. 
 
7 The levels of target audience and associated learning outcomes for are derived from the Prevent Training and 
Competencies Framework (NHS England 2015). 
8 Prevent aims to address all forms of terrorism and violent extremism 

CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 39 
Required Frequency of Refresher Training or Assessment 
Basic Prevent awareness: training should be repeated every 3 years to ensure that individuals are up to date with 
current procedures and contacts. 
In addition to these programmes, Named Designated Professionals should circulate written update briefings , 
newsletters and literature to all staff at least annually which would include, for example, any changes in legislation, 
changes to local policy and procedure or lessons learnt in respect of Prevent. 
The training compliance target for Basic Prevent awareness training should be in line with the local agreed 
safeguarding key performance indicators. 
Prevent Awareness: training should be repeated every 3 years to ensure that individuals are up to date with current 
procedures and contacts. 
Organisations should ensure that staff are provided with appropriate updating/briefing on Prevent at least yearly; 
relevant training may also be accessed in a number of ways at local, regional or national level and may be multi -
disciplinary or inter-agency, all training and development undertaken should be recorded on completion. 
Knowledge and skills should be reviewed during the annual appraisal process ensuring that individuals are up to 
date with current policy and practice, any education and training needs being identified to develop a nd maintain the 
required knowledge and skills. 
Standards for Training Delivery 
Basic Prevent Awareness training can be incorporated into an organisation’s face to face or e-learning material 
via: 
• Induction sessions; 
• Level 1 Safeguarding Children training and Level 1 Safeguarding Adults training; 
• Level 2 Safeguarding Children training and level 2 Safeguarding Adults training; 
• Safeguarding E-Learning package. 
 
Prevent Awareness should be delivered by attendance at a Workshop to Raise Awareness of Prevent (WRAP) or 
by completing an approved E-Learning package. 
 
WRAP can be delivered to staff in a single organisation, on a partnership basis between organisations, or on a multi -
agency basis. The employing organisation should be assured that all Facilitators have appropriate experience, 
background and qualifications to deliver this training. If training is delivered via E-Learning it should be via a Home 
Office, Department of Health or NHS England/NHS Improvement approved product. 
Relevant National Occupational Standards 
• SCDHSC0024: Support the safeguarding of individuals 
• SCDHSC0035: Promote the safeguarding of individuals 
• SCDHSC0045: Lead practice that promotes the safeguarding of individuals 
 
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CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 40 
Resuscitation 
Context Statement 
It is a common expectation that healthcare staff will have sufficient knowledge and skills to be able to recognise and 
respond to signs of clinical deterioration. Where healthcare staff can anticipate, identify and respond to patient signs 
of clinical deterioration they can prevent further decline that might otherwise culminate in cardiorespiratory arrest. 
Consequently, there has been a particular focus in promoting greater awareness and understanding in the needs 
and care of the deteriorating patient. 
While the priority is on preventing clinical deterioration, some patients’ condition will progress to cardiorespiratory 
arrest and require cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Early and effective resuscitation can save lives. Research 
in emergency care of collapsed people has led to significant advances in resuscitation techniques. Healthcare 
organisations must have a clearly defined resuscitation policy and ensure that they provide an effective resuscitation 
response and service. As part of their duty to ensure safe and effective care, healthcare organisations must ensure 
that their workforce receives the appropriate training, including periodic updates, in order to maintain a level of 
resuscitation competence relevant to their role. 
The requirements stated are minimum standards and apply to the majority of the workforce in roles and settings 
where they might be required to provide initial CPR until the arrival of advanced life support expertise and support. 
Current Policy Guidance 
Expert Organisation 
• Resuscitation Council UK 
Relevant Expert Guidance 
• Resuscitation Council (2013-2017), Quality standards for cardiopulmonary resuscitation practice and training 
• Resuscitation Council (2021), Resuscitation Guidelines 
• British Medical Association, Resuscitation Council (UK) and the Royal College of Nursing (2015), Decisions 
relating to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (June 2016) 
• General Medical Council (2010), Treatment and care towards the end of life: good practice in decision making 

CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 41 
Target Audience 
Learning outcomes are divided into three levels based on knowledge, skills and understanding. The appropriate 
level of training is dependent upon an individual’s role, work context and a local risk assessment. The learning 
outcomes are derived from the Resuscitation Council (2015) Resuscitation Guidelines. 
The levels given here are for the majority of staff who might need to be involved in delivering CPR. However, there 
are additional specialist levels of outcomes which need to be achieved for those who are expected to lead a 
resuscitation team, are resuscitation team members or teach resuscitation. These specialist outcomes for ‘Advanced 
Life Support’ are not covered in this framework. For further information about specialist outcomes, please see the 
Resuscitation Council (2015) Resuscitation Guidelines and the Quality Standards for Clinical Practice and Training. 
Where staff are exposed to and involved in the care of patients from a range of age groups, they should receive the 
relevant type of resuscitation training. 
Level 1 
• Non-clinical staff, dependent upon local risk assessment or work context. 
Level 2 – Basic Life Support 
Staff with direct clinical care responsibilities including all qualified healthcare professionals: 
• Staff working with Adult patients should undertake training in adult basic life support. 
• Staff working with Paediatric patients should undertake training in paediatric basic life support. 
• Staff working with Newborn patients should undertake training in newborn basic life support. 
Level 3 – Immediate Life Support 
Staff with direct clinical care responsibilities including all qualified healthcare professionals: 
• Registered healthcare professionals with a responsibility to participate as part of the adult resuscitation team 
should undertake adult immediate life support training. 
• Registered healthcare professionals with a responsibility to participate as part of the paediatric resuscitation 
team should undertake paediatric immediate life support training. 
• Registered healthcare professionals with a responsibility to participate as part of the newborn resuscitation team 
should undertake newborn life support training. 
• Registered healthcare professionals involved in administering rapid tranquillisation in the care of patients with 
disturbed mental functioning should undertake adult immediate life support training. 
• Registered healthcare professionals involved in administering sedation in the care of dental or podiatric patients 
should undertake adult immediate life support training and, where appropriate to case load, paediatric immediate 
life support training. 

CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 42 
Key Learning Outcomes 
Level 1 
The learner will: 
a) be able to recognise cardiorespiratory arrest 
b) know how to summon immediate emergency help in accordance with local protocols 
c) be able to start CPR using chest compressions 
d) be able to locate and operate an AED. 
 
Level 2 – Adult Basic Life Support (Level 1 outcomes plus the following) 
The learner will: 
a) understand national guidelines and local resuscitation policies and procedures 
b) know how to recognise and respond to patients with clinical deterioration or cardiorespiratory arrest, escalating 
care in accordance with local policy 
c) be able to initiate an appropriate emergency response, which may include management of choking, and the use 
of the recovery position, all in accordance with current Resuscitation Council UK guidelines 
d) be able to initiate and maintain effective chest compressions in accordance with current Resuscitation Council 
UK guidelines 
e) be able to provide basic airway management i.e. ensure an open airway 
f) be able to initiate and maintain effective lung ventilations in accordance with current Resuscitation Council UK 
guidelines 
g) know how an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can be operated safely and appropriately 
h) understand their individual role and responsibilities in responding to persons in emergency situations 
i) understand their individual responsibilities in reporting and recording details of an emergency event accurat ely 
j) understand the importance of undertaking any resuscitation interventions within the limits of their personal 
capabilities and context of any previous training received 
k) know how they should apply the local Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Policy / anticipatory care 
decision within clinical context. 
Level 2 – Newborn Basic Life Support (Level 1 outcomes plus the following) 
The learner will: 
a) understand national guidelines and local Resuscitation policies and procedures 
b) know how to recognise and respond to a newborn infant, escalating care in accordance with local policy 
c) understand the importance of temperature control in the care of the newborn 
d) be able to initiate an appropriate emergency response in accordance with curr ent Resuscitation Council UK 
guidelines 
e) be able to provide basic airway management i.e. ensure an open airway 

CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 43 
f) be able to initiate and maintain effective respiration in accordance with current Resuscitation Council UK 
guidelines 
g) be able to initiate and maintain effective chest compressions in accordance with current Resuscitation Council 
UK guidelines 
h) understand their individual role and responsibilities in responding to persons in emergency situations 
i) understand their individual responsibilities in reporting and recording details of an emergency event accurately 
j) understand the importance of undertaking any resuscitation interventions within the limits of their personal 
capabilities and context of any previous training received. 
Level 2 – Paediatric Basic Life Support (Level 1 outcomes plus the following) 
The learner will: 
a) understand national guidelines and local Resuscitation policies and procedures 
b) know how to recognise and respond to patients with clinical deterioration or cardiorespiratory arrest, escalating 
care in accordance with local policy 
c) be able to initiate an appropriate emergency response, which may include management of choking and the use 
of the recovery position, in accordance with current Resuscitation Council UK guidelines 
d) be able to provide basic airway management i.e. ensure an open airway 
e) be able to initiate and maintain effective lung ventilations in accordance with current Resuscitation Council UK 
guidelines 
f) be able to initiate and maintain effective chest compressions in accordance with current Resuscitation Council 
UK guidelines 
g) understand their individual role and responsibilities in responding to persons in emergency situations 
h) understand their individual responsibilities in reporting and recording details of an emergency ev ent accurately 
i) understand the importance of undertaking any resuscitation interventions within the limits of their personal 
capabilities and context of any previous training received 
j) know how they should apply the local Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resus citation Policy / anticipatory care 
decision within clinical context. 
 
Level 3 – Adult Immediate Life Support (Levels 1 & 2 outcomes plus the following) 
The learner will: 
a) be able to recognise the seriously ill adult and initiate appropriate interventions to prevent cardiorespiratory 
arrest 
b) understand and be able to apply the ABCDE approach 
c) know how to manage and co-ordinate roles and responsibilities within the team in responding to emergency 
situations until the arrival of a resuscitation team or more experienced assistance 
d) be able to participate as a member of the resuscitation team 
e) be able to provide initial post resuscitation care until the arrival of the resuscitation team or more experienced 
assistance. 

CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 44 
Level 3 – Newborn Immediate Life Support (Levels 1 & 2 outcomes plus the following) 
The learner will: 
a) be able to recognise the seriously ill newborn and initiate appropriate interventions to prevent cardiorespiratory 
arrest. 
b) understand the importance of maintaining newborn temperature control 
c) know how to manage and co-ordinate roles and responsibilities within the team in responding to emergency 
situations until the arrival of a resuscitation team or more experienced assistance 
d) be able to participate as a member of the resuscitation team 
e) be able to provide initial post resuscitation care until the arrival of the resuscitation team or more experienced 
assistance. 
Level 3 – Paediatric Immediate Life Support (Levels1 & 2 outcomes plus the following) 
The learner will: 
a) be able to recognise the seriously ill child and initiate appropriate interventions to prevent cardiorespiratory 
arrest 
b) understand and be able to apply the ABCDE approach 
c) know how to manage and co-ordinate roles and responsibilities within the team in responding to emergency 
situations until the arrival of a resuscitation team or more experienced assistance 
d) be able to participate as a member of the resuscitation team 
e) be able to provide initial post resuscitation care until the arrival of the resuscitation team or more experienced 
assistance. 
 
Required Frequency of Refresher Training or Assessment 
Required Refresher Training 
Refresher training should take place: 
Level 1 – every year. 
Level 2 – every year. 
Level 3 – every year. 
Organisational Implications: Each healthcare organisation must ensure awareness of local procedures and that 
the required training schedule is incorporated into their local policy. 
Organisations should have a programme of resuscitation audit in place. The outcomes and im plications of audits 
should be used to ensure that key policies and practices are being implemented appropriately and that they inform 
training priorities in order to improve practice. 
Refresher training is aimed at ensuring maintenance of knowledge and skills and, dependent upon role, clinical 
responsibilities and context. Some staff groups may need more frequent refresher training. 
Additional training will be indicated for all staff if there is a change in Resuscitation guidelines nationally or where the 
organisation has amended its policy locally. Local action plans developed with the involvement of the lead advisor 
should determine the best way of achieving any training requirements necessitated by changes in guidelines. 

CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 45 
A variety of training methods and approaches may be used to plan and deliver flexibly any required refresher 
training. Refresher training does not mean that staff have to undertake classroom -based training only. Any training 
methods used must be relevant for promoting the maintenance of knowledge and skills and their effectiveness must 
be monitored. 
Assessment of Competence 
• Where a staff member or learner can demonstrate the required level of current knowledge, understanding and 
practice through robust pre-assessment, including where relevant practical assessment, this can be used as 
evidence that knowledge and skills have been maintained, and the staff member may not need to undertake 
refresher training. 
• Where a staff member or learner does not meet the required level of current knowledge, understanding and 
practice through pre-assessment they should complete the refresher training and any associated assessments 
required. 
• Those individuals who maintain their instructor status on a life support course should be deemed to have the 
required knowledge, understanding and skills and do not need to undertake refresher training in the speciality 
concerned. 
 
Standards for Training Delivery 
The Resuscitation Council UK has set out recommendations for the planning, organisation and delivery of 
resuscitation training and these should be used as a key reference point. This includes guidance on suggested 
training methods: 
“For all staff, a variety of methods to acquire, maintain and assess resuscitation skills and knowledge can be used 
for annual updates (e.g. life support courses, simulation training, in-house training, mock-drills, ‘rolling refreshers’, e-
learning, video based training/self-instruction). The appropriate methods must be determined locally… ‘Hands-on’ 
simulation training and assessment is recommended for clinical staff” (Resuscitation Council 2014-15, Quality 
standards for cardiopulmonary resuscitation practice and training) 
In ensuring minimum training standards, the employing organisation should be assured that those learning 
facilitators that are involved in the delivery of Resuscitation education or training have th e appropriate qualifications, 
experience or background to deliver training to a satisfactory standard. This may include the following: 
• A relevant professional and/or healthcare qualification and/or experience, for example, a Resuscitation Officer. 
• Completion of specific training for cardiopulmonary arrests in special circumstances related to the clinical setting 
in which they deliver training e.g. paediatrics, newborn, pregnancy and trauma 
• Demonstration of up to date competences in Resuscitation relevant to the level of practice and teaching. 
• A thorough knowledge of Resuscitation issues and procedures and an understanding of their application and 
practice within a healthcare setting. 
• Experience of teaching and learning, including the ability to meet the competences expected for LSILADD04 
Plan and prepare specific learning and development opportunities 
Learning facilitators must have access to equipment for resuscitation training, including as appropriate adult and 
paediatric manikins, airway management trainers, ECG monitors, rhythm simulators and defibrillators. 
 
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CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 46 
Safeguarding Adults (Version 2) 
Context Statement 
All citizens have a right to live their lives free from violence, harassment, humiliation and degradation. Ensuring 
independence, well-being and choice is also a key element of this right (The Association of Directors of Social 
Services, 20059). Adults with capacity also have the right to make decisions, even if they are perceived as unwise. 
They may make decisions that put their right to privacy, autonomy and family life ahead of their right to live and to be 
free from inhuman or degrading treatment. There are safeguards for those people who lack capacity and sometimes 
complex work is needed to weigh up whether action should be taken in the public interest or where the person 
concerned is being coerced. 
The health sector can make a positive contribution towards safeguarding those that might be less able to protect 
themselves from harm, neglect or abuse. Central to effective safeguarding management are trustful and supportive 
relationships, based upon dignity and respect, between patients, their families and healthcare staff. There are 
however, distressing examples where this has failed as documented in the Francis Report (2013 10), the Cavendish 
Review (201311) and findings of Serious Case Reviews where there have been major concerns about adu lt 
protection or system failures. Healthcare organisations therefore have a responsibility to be active and responsive in 
ensuring people’s dignity and rights and meeting statutory duties to safeguard adults. This requires a systematic 
approach, effective leadership at all levels and an organisational culture where care and compassion are valued. 
The aims of adult safeguarding are12: 
• To prevent harm and reduce the risk of abuse or neglect to adults with care and support needs. 
• To safeguard individuals in a way that supports them in making choices and having control in how they choose 
to live their lives. 
• To promote an outcomes approach in safeguarding that works for people resulting in the best experience 
possible. 
• To raise public awareness so that professionals, other staff and communities as a whole play their part in 
preventing, identifying and responding to abuse and neglect. 
Six key principles underpin all adult safeguarding work: 
• Empowerment – Personalisation and the presumption of person-led decisions and informed consent 
• Prevention – It is better to take action before harm occurs 
• Proportionality – Proportionate and least intrusive response appropriate to the risk represented 
• Protection – Support and representation for those in greatest need 
• Partnership – Local solutions through services working with their communities. Communities have a part to 
play in preventing, detecting and reporting neglect and abuse 
• Accountability – Accountability and transparency in delivering safeguarding. 

9 The Association of Directors of Social Services (2005) Safeguarding Adults. A National Framework of Standards for good 
practice and outcomes in adult protection work, London. 
10 Francis R (2013), Report of the Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Public Enquiry, London: The Stationery Office. 
11 Cavendish C (2013), The Cavendish Review: An Independent Review into Healthcare Assistants and Support Workers in the 
NHS and social care settings. 
12 Department of Health (2014), Care and Support Statutory Guidance 

CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 47 
Current Legal or Relevant Expert Guidance 
Key legislation 
• Equality Act 2010 
• Human Rights Act 1998 
• Modern Slavery Act (2015) 
• Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 
• Serious Crime Act (2015) 
• Care Act 2014 
• Children and Families Act 2014 
• Mental Capacity Act 2005 
Key Guidance 
• Royal College of Nursing (2018), Adult Safeguarding: Roles and Competencies for Health Care Staff 
• Bournemouth University (2015) National Competency Framework for Safeguarding Adults, A Comprehensive 
Guide 
• Care Quality Commission, Safeguarding People 
• Department for Constitutional Affairs (2007), Mental Capacity Act 2005: Code of Practice 
• Department of Health (2015) Guidance: Safeguarding women and girls at risk of FGM 
• Department of Health (2017), Care and Support Statutory Guidance 
• Department of Health (2011*), Safeguarding Adults: The role of health service managers and their boards 
• GOV.UK (2018) Guidance: Domestic violence and abuse 
• Lampard K and Marsden E (2015), Themes and lessons learnt from NHS investigations into matters relating to 
Jimmy Savile 
• NHS England (2015), Safeguarding Vulnerable People in the NHS – Accountability and Assurance Framework 
• NHS England (2015), Safeguarding Policy 
• NHS England (2015), Managing Safeguarding Allegations Against Staff Policy and Procedure 
Target Audience 
Level 1: All staff working in health care settings 
Level 2: All practitioners who have regular contact with patients, their families or carers, or the public. 
Level 3: Registered health care staff who engage in assessing, planning, intervening and evaluating the needs of 
adults where there are safeguarding concerns (as appropriate to role). 
Those healthcare staff who undertake specialist safeguarding roles and responsibilities including named 
professionals, designated professionals, experts and board members may need other training and opportunities to 
promote acquisition of skills to ensure they can develop the desired level of competence for their role and thus 
contribute to effective safeguarding. The training standards and learning outcomes at Level 4 (Named 
professionals) and Level 5 (Designated professionals) and requirements for Health Board Executives and non -
executive directors/members are set out in the Adult Safeguarding: Roles and Competencies for Health Care Staff 
(2018). 

CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 48 
Key Learning Outcomes 
The following section reflects the levels and core learning outcomes in accordance with the Adult Safeguarding: 
Roles and Competencies for Health Care Staff (2018). However, it needs to be emphasised that dependent upon 
role/speciality there may be additional learning needs which will need to be addressed. While some of these needs 
can be addressed through training, some will be achieved through clinical experience and supervision. 
Level 1 
The learner will: 
a) be able to recognise potential indicators of abuse, harm and neglect 
b) know what action to take if they have concerns, including to whom you should report your concerns and from 
whom to seek advice 
c) have a basic knowledge of the relevant legislation. 
Level 2 
The learner will: 
a) understand what constitutes harm, abuse and neglect and be able to identify any signs of harm, abuse or 
neglect 
b) be able to ensure effective advocacy is provided where required (for example where there are mental capacity 
or communication issues, in line with the legislation and professional guidance) 
c) be able to identify your professional role, responsibilities, and professional boundaries and those of your 
colleagues in a multidisciplinary team and multi-agency setting 
d) know how and when to refer to social care in accordance with organisatio nal policies if you have identified an 
adult safeguarding concern 
e) be able to document safeguarding concerns in a format that informs the relevant staff and agencies 
appropriately 
f) know how to maintain appropriate records including being able differentiate between fact and opinion 
g) be able to identify the appropriate and relevant information and how to share it with other teams 
h) understand key statutory and non-statutory guidance and legislation including Human Rights Act and mental 
capacity legislation in country of practice 
i) be aware of the risk factors for radicalisation and know who to contact regarding preventive action and 
supporting those persons who may be at risk of, or are being drawn into, terrorist related activity. 

CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 49 
Level 3 
The learner will: 
a) be able to identify possible signs of sexual, physical, or emotional abuse or neglect using a person -centred 
approach. 
b) be able to identify adults experiencing abuse, harm or neglect who have caring responsibilities, for other adults 
or children and make appropriate referrals 
c) be able to demonstrate a clear understanding, as appropriate to role, of forensic procedures 13 in adult 
safeguarding and knowing how to relate these to practice in order to meet clinical and legal requirements as 
required 
d) where undertaking forensic examinations as part of their role, be able to demonstrate an ability to undertake 
forensic procedures and know how to present the findings and evidence to legal requirements 
e) be able to undertake, where appropriate, a risk and/or harm assessment 
f) know how to communicate effectively with adults at risk in particular those with mental capacity issues, learning 
disability or communication needs 
g) know how to contribute to, and make considered judgements about how to act to safeguard an adult at risk 
h) know how to contribute to / formulate and communicate effective care plans for adults who have been or may be 
subjected to abuse, harm or neglect 
i) demonstrate an understanding of the issues surrounding suspicion of adult abuse, harm and neglect and to 
know how to effectively manage uncertainty and risk 
j) know how to appropriately contribute to inter-agency assessments by gathering and sharing information 
k) be able to document concerns in a manner that is appropriate for adult safeguarding protection and legal 
processes 
l) know how to undertake documented reviews of your own (and/or team) adult safeguarding, as appropriate to 
role. This can be undertaken in various ways, such as through audit, case discussion, peer review, and 
supervision and as a component of refresher training 
m) know how to deliver and receive supervision within effective models of supervision and/or peer review, and be 
able to recognise the potential personal impact of adult safeguarding on professionals 
n) know how to apply the lessons learnt from audit and serious case reviews/case management reviews/significant 
case reviews to improve practice 
o) know how to advise others on appropriate information sharing 
p) know how to appropriately contribute to serious case reviews/case management reviews/significant case 
reviews, and domestic homicide review processes 
q) know how to obtain support and help in situations where there are safeguarding problems requiring further 
expertise and experience 
r) know how to participate in and chair multidisciplinary meetings as required 
s) demonstrate the skills required to participate in a safeguarding enquiry. 
 
13 The term forensic refers to clinical tests or techniques used in relation to recording or collecting/preserving material that may 
be used in court as evidence to establish if a crime has taken place. It is important to state that that a forensic test may not 
necessarily be recognised as such at the time of examination. Practitioners should be aware that routine tests may later become 
part of forensic evidence/safeguarding procedures and investigations (RCN 2018). 

CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 50 
Required Frequency of Refresher Training or Assessment 
Required Refresher Training Periods 
Refresher training should take place: 
Level 1 – every 3 years. 
Level 2 – every 3 years. 
Level 3 – every 3 years. 
Organisational Implications: Each healthcare organisation will need to ensure awareness of local procedures and 
that the required training schedule is incorporated into local policy. 
Refresher training will be indicated for all staff if there is a change in safeguarding legislation nationally, or an 
organisation has amended its policy locally and/or at other times according to local risk assessment. 
Assessment of Competence 
• Where a staff member or learner can demonstrate through robust pre-assessment, including where relevant, 
practical assessment, the required level of current knowledge, understanding and practice, then this can be 
used as evidence that knowledge and skills have been maintained and the staff member may not ne ed to repeat 
refresher training. 
• Where a staff member or learner does not meet the required level of current knowledge, understanding and 
practice through pre-assessment they should complete the refresher training and any associated assessments 
required. 
Standards for Training Delivery 
The employing organisation must be assured that Learning Facilitators that are involved in the delivery of 
safeguarding education or training have the appropriate experience, background and qualifications to deliver training 
to a satisfactory standard. For guidance, this may include the following: 
• Advanced knowledge and understanding of adult safeguarding and its application and practice within a 
healthcare setting. 
• Awareness of diversity and cultural issues. 
• Familiarity with key issues related to the use/misuse of physical restraint, liberty protection safeguards, the 
Mental Capacity Act and the Care Act. 
• Familiarity with the interfaces between dignity, safeguarding, serious incidents, whistle blowing, complaints, and 
patient feedback routes. 
• Experience of teaching and learning, including the ability to meet the competences expected for LSILADD04 
Plan and prepare specific learning and development opportunities 
Where any training delivery is supported by a person who is not an expert in the subject, then the organisation 
should ensure that they have put in place a quality assurance mechanism, whereby the accuracy of the content and 
the effectiveness of its delivery has been quality assured and is subject to periodic review. 
Training needs to be flexible, encompassing different learning styles and opportunities and recognising that 
individuals learning styles and the roles they undertake vary considerably. 
E-learning is appropriate to impart knowledge at levels 1 and 2 and can also be used at level 3 as preparation for 
reflective team-based learning. 

CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 51 
At level 2 training, education and learning opportunities should include multi -disciplinary and scenario-based 
discussion e.g. drawing on case studies and lessons from research and audit as appropriate to the speciality and 
roles of participants. This should be appropriate to the specialty and roles of participants, encompassing for 
example, the importance of early help, domestic abuse, adults with cognitive impairment and individuals requiring 
support with communication. 
At level 3 training, education and learning opportunities should be multi-disciplinary and inter-agency and delivered 
internally and externally. It should include personal reflection and scenario-based discussion, drawing on case 
studies, serious case reviews, lessons from research and audit. 
Organisations should consider encompassing safeguarding learning within regular, multiag ency or family meetings, 
clinical updating, sharing good practice and clinical audit, reviews of critical incidents and significant unexpected 
events and peer discussions. Such participative learning time should be documented and a reflective record kept by 
the participant. 
There are several aspects of safeguarding training and education that can apply equally to child and adult 
safeguarding/protection and that share the same principles. Examples of this may include, but are not limited to; 
safeguarding ethos, confidentiality, information sharing, documentation and domestic abuse. Those who are 
providing training on shared aspects must ensure that there is equal weighting given to children and adults within the 
training and that the relevant learning outcomes of both adult and child safeguarding are met at the appropriate 
level. 
Further guidance on underpinning principles for delivery of education and training in Adult Safeguarding is presented 
in Adult Safeguarding: Roles and Competencies for Health Care Staff (2018). 
 
Relevant National Occupational Standards 
• SCDHSC0024: Support the safeguarding of individuals 
• SCDHSC0035: Promote the safeguarding of individuals 
• SCDHSC0045: Lead practice that promotes the safeguarding of individuals 
 
Return to contents page 
. 

CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 52 
Safeguarding Children (Version 3) 
Context Statement 
Safeguarding children and young people from harm and providing an environment in which children can flourish is a 
key societal value. Children and young people have a right to be “protected from all forms of violence, abuse, 
neglect and bad treatment by their parents or anyone else who looks after them.” (United Nations 198914). 
Organisations are required to co-operate with other agencies to protect individual children and young people from 
harm. Supportive and trustful relationships between children, their families and healthcare staff will be a key factor 
in enabling effective safeguarding management. Dependent upon roles, healthcare workers can be in an important 
position in helping to recognise child maltreatment. Healthcare staff need to be alert to signs and symptoms of 
maltreatment or neglect. They will have a vital role in ensuring effective recording, communication and sharing of 
information, to help improve identification and ensure appropriate support is put in place for children and young 
people in need or at risk of harm. Healthcare staff will need to exercise professional judgement focused on the 
safety and welfare of children and young people (Munro 2011 15) and know how to make a referral when appropriate. 
Accordingly, healthcare organisations need to ensure that all staff that might be in contact with child ren or involved 
with their care have a clear awareness and understanding of safeguarding issues. 
The guidance and learning outcomes in this subject are derived from the fourth edition (2019) of the Intercollegiate 
Document; Safeguarding Children and Young People: Roles and Competencies for Healthcare Staff. It is envisaged 
that the Intercollegiate Document will be reviewed again in 2022. 
Current Legal or Relevant Expert Guidance 
Legislation 
• United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child 1989 
• Children Act 2004 
• Children and Social Work Act 2017 
• Children and Families Act 2014 
• Children and Young Persons Act 2008 
• Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003 
• Sexual Offences Act 2003 
• Mental Capacity Act 2005 
Key Guidance 
• Royal College of Nursing (2019), Safeguarding Children and Young People: Roles and Competencies for 
Healthcare Staff (Intercollegiate Document, Fourth Edition) 
• General Medical Council (2012), Protecting children and young people: The responsibilities of all doctors 
• Royal College of General Practitioners (2011), Safeguarding Children & Young People: A toolkit for General 
Practice 
• Home Office, Protecting the UK against terrorism: The Prevent strategy 
 
14 United Nations (1989), United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child 
15 Department for Education (2011), The Munro Review of Child Protection: Final Report 

CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 53 
• HM Government (2018) Working Together to Safeguard Children: A guide to inter -agency working to safeguard 
and promote the welfare of children 
• NICE guideline [NG76], Child abuse and neglect 
• NICE guideline [CG89], Child maltreatment: when to suspect child maltreatment in under 18s 
• Department of Education (2011) The Munro Review of Child Protection: final report - a child-centred system 
• Department of Health (2011), Building partnerships, staying safe: The health sector contribution to HM 
Government’s Prevent strategy: guidance for healthcare organisations 
• Home Office (2015), Mandatory Reporting of Female Genital Mutilation – procedural information 
• Lampard K and Marsden E (2015), Themes and lessons learnt from NHS investigations into matters relating to 
Jimmy Savile 
• NHS England (2017), Prevent Training and Competencies Framework 
• NHS England (2015), Safeguarding Vulnerable People in the NHS – Accountability and Assurance Framework 
• NHS England (2015), Safeguarding Policy 
• NHS England (2015), Managing Safeguarding Allegations Against Staff Policy and Procedure 
• Office of the Children’s Commissioner 
• Report of the Children and Young People’s Health Outcome Forum (2012) 
 
Target Audience 
The target audience and levels given here are those that have been stated in the Intercollegiate Document, 
Safeguarding Children and Young People: Roles and Competences for Healthcare Staff, Royal College of Nursin g 
(2019). 
• Level 1: All staff working in health care settings. 
• Level 2: All non-clinical and clinical staff who have any contact (however small) with children, young people 
and/or parents/carers or any adult who may pose a risk to children. 
• Level 3: Clinical staff (working with children, young people and/or their parents/ car ers and/or any adult who 
could pose a risk to children), who could potentially contribute to assessing, planning, intervening and/ or 
evaluating the needs of a child or young person and/or parenting capacity (regardless of whether there have 
been previously identified child protection/safeguarding concerns or not). 
Those healthcare staff who undertake specialist safeguarding roles and responsibilities including named 
professionals, designated professionals, experts and board members will need to receive hig her levels of training 
and opportunities to promote acquisition of skills to ensure they can develop the desired level of competence for 
their role and thus contribute to effective safeguarding. The training standards and learning outcomes at Level 4 
(Named professionals) and Level 5 (Designated professionals) and requirements for Health Board Executives and 
non-executive directors/members are beyond the scope of this core skills framework but are set out in the 
Intercollegiate Document (2019). 

CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 54 
Key Learning Outcomes 
The following section reflects the level and core learning outcomes in accordance with the Intercollegiate Document 
(2019). However, it needs to be emphasised that dependent upon role/speciality there may be additional learning 
needs which will need to be addressed. While some of these needs can be addressed through training, some will be 
achieved through clinical experience and supervision. 
Level 1 
The learner will: 
a) know potential indicators of child maltreatment in its different forms – physical, emotional and sexual abuse, 
neglect, grooming and exploitation to support and/or commit acts of terrorism (known as radicalisation) 
b) be aware of child trafficking, female genital mutilation (FGM), forced marriage, modern slavery, gang and 
electronic media abuse, sexual exploitation, county lines (young people involved in organised crime who are 
coerced to traffic drugs or other illegal items around the country) 
c) understand the risks associated with the internet and online social networking 
d) be aware of the vulnerability of; looked after children, children with disabilities, unaccompanied children, care 
leavers and young carers, missing children 
e) understand the impact a parent/carers physical and mental health can have on the wellbeing of a child or you ng 
person, including the impact of domestic abuse and violence and substance misuse 
f) understand the importance of children’s rights in the safeguarding/child protection context 
g) know what action to take if they have concerns, including to whom concerns shoul d be reported and from whom 
to seek advice 
h) be aware of relevant legislation (Children Acts 1989, 2004, and Children and Social Work Act 2017 and the 
Sexual Offences Act 2003). 
 
Level 2 (Level 1 Outcomes plus the following) 
The learner will: 
a) understand what constitutes child maltreatment and be able to identify signs of child abuse or neglect 
b) be able to act as an effective advocate for the child or young person 
c) understand the potential impact of a parent’s/carer’s physical and mental health on the wellbeing of a child or 
young person in order to be able to identify a child or young person at risk 
d) be able to identify one’s own professional role, responsibilities, and professional boundaries, and understand 
those of colleagues in a multidisciplinary team and in multi-agency setting 
e) know how and when to refer to social care if a safeguarding/child protection concern is identified 
f) be able to document safeguarding/child protection concerns in a format that informs the relevant staff and 
agencies appropriately 
g) know how to maintain appropriate records including being able to differentiate between fact and opinion 
h) be able to identify the appropriate and relevant information and how to share it with other teams 
i) be aware of the risk of FGM in certain communities, be willing to ask about FGM in the course of taking a routine 
history where appropriate to role, know who to contact if a child makes a disclosure of impending or completed 
mutilation, be aware of the signs and symptoms and be able to refer appropr iately for further care and support, 
including the FGM mandatory reporting duties to the police: in accordance with current legislation 
j) be aware of the risk factors for grooming and exploitation to support and/or commit acts of terrorism (known as 
radicalisation) and know who to contact regarding preventive action and supporting those vulnerable young 
persons who may be at risk of, or are being drawn into, terrorist related activity 
k) be able to identify and refer a child suspected of being a victim of trafficking and/or sexual exploitation. 

CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 55 
Level 3 (Level 1 & 2 Outcomes plus the following) 
The learner will: 
a) be able to identify, drawing on professional and clinical expertise, possible signs of sexual, physical, or 
emotional abuse or neglect including domestic abuse, sexual exploitation, grooming and exploitation to support 
and/or commit acts of terrorism (known as radicalisation), FGM, modern slavery, gang and electronic media 
abuse using child and family-focused approach 
b) understand what constitutes child maltreatment including the effects of carer/parental behaviour on children and 
young people 
c) have an awareness or knowledge of, dependent on role, forensic procedures in child maltreatment, with specific 
requirements and depth of knowledge relating to role (e.g. where role involves/includes forensics teams/working 
alongside forensics teams) 
d) know how to undertake, where appropriate, a risk and harm assessment 
e) know how to communicate effectively with children and young people, and to know how to ensure that they h ave 
the opportunity to participate in decisions affecting them as appropriate to their age and ability 
f) know how to contribute to, and make considered judgements about how to act to safeguard/protect a child or 
young person, including escalation as part of this process 
g) know how to contribute to/formulate and communicate effective management plans for children and young 
people who have been maltreated within a multidisciplinary approach and as related to role 
h) understand the issues surrounding misdiagnosis in safeguarding/child protection 
i) know how to ensure the processes and legal requirements for looked after children, including after -care, are 
appropriately undertaken, where relevant to role 
j) know how to appropriately contribute to inter-agency assessments by gathering and sharing information, 
documenting concerns appropriately for safeguarding/child protection and legal purposes, seeking professional 
guidance in report writing where required 
k) know how to assess training requirements and contribute to departmental updates where relevant to role. This 
can be undertaken in various ways, such as through audit, case discussion, peer review, and supervision and as 
a component of refresher training 
l) know how to deliver and receive supervision within effective models of supervision and/or peer review as 
appropriate to role, and be able to recognise the potential personal impact of safeguarding/child protection work 
on professionals 
m) be able to identify risk to the unborn child in the antenatal period as appropriate to role 
n) know how to apply the lessons learnt from audit and serious case reviews/case management reviews/significant 
case reviews to improve practice 
o) know, as per role, how to advise others on appropriate information sharing 
p) know how to (where relevant to role) appropriately contribute to serious case reviews /domestic homicide 
reviews which include children/case management reviews/significant case reviews, and child death review 
processes, and seek appropriate advice and guidance for this role 
q) know how to obtain support and help in situations where there are problems requiring further expertise and 
experience 
r) know how to participate in and chair peer review and multidisciplinary meetings as required. 

CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 56 
Level 3: Additional learning outcomes for specialist roles 
There are additional requirements for the following specialist roles: 
a) paediatricians 
b) forensic physicians 
c) GPs 
d) GP practice safeguarding leads 
e) practice nurse 
f) children’s nurses 
g) health visitors and family nurses 
h) midwives 
i) school nurses 
j) children and young people’s mental health nurses 
k) child and adolescent psychiatrists 
l) child psychotherapists 
m) child psychologists 
n) perinatal psychiatrists 
o) adult mental health psychiatrists and mental health nurses in adult mental health services 
p) specialist paediatric dentists 
q) diagnostic radiographers undertaking imaging for suspected physical abuse 
r) radiologists 
s) paramedics 
t) paediatric surgeons 
u) urgent and unscheduled care staff 
v) obstetricians 
w) neonatologists 
x) paediatric intensivists 
y) lead anaesthetists for safeguarding/child protection. 
 
These specialist learning outcomes are beyond the scope of this core skills framework but are set out in the 
Intercollegiate Document (2019). 

CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 57 
Required Frequency of Refresher Training or Assessment 
Required Refresher Training 
It is recommended that education, training and competence are reviewed annually as part of staff appraisal in 
conjunction with individual learning and development plans and that refresher training should take place at: 
Level 1 – every 3 years. 
Level 2 – every 3 years. 
Level 3 – every 3 years. 
Organisational Implications: Each healthcare organisation will need to ensure awareness of local procedures and 
that the required training schedule is incorporated into local policy. 
Refresher training will be indicated for all staff if there is a change in Safeguarding Children and Young People 
legislation nationally, or an organisation has amended its policy locally. 
Assessment of Competence 
• Where a staff member* or learner can demonstrate through robust pre-assessment, including where relevant, 
practical assessment, the required level of current knowledge, understanding and practice, then this can be 
used as evidence that knowledge and skills have been maintained and the staff member may not need to repeat 
refresher training. 
• Where a staff member or learner does not meet the required level of current knowledge, understanding and 
practice through pre-assessment they should complete the refresher training and any associated assessments 
required. 
* Except those staff members who have been working outside of the area of practice or have had a career break 
Ultimately employing organisations are responsible for assuring that their employees have the knowledge, skills and 
competence to undertake their roles, ensuring that sufficient time is afforded to employees to enable acquisition and 
maintenance relevant to their area of practice. 
Training at level 3 will include the training required at level 1 and 2 and will negate the need to undertake refresher 
training at levels 1 and 2 in addition to level 3. 

CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 58 
Standards for Training Delivery 
The employing organisation must be assured that Learning Facilitators who are involved in the delivery of 
Safeguarding education or training have the appropriate qualifications, experience or background to deliver training 
to a satisfactory standard. For guidance, this may include the following: 
• A thorough knowledge of Safeguarding issues and safeguarding procedures and an understanding of their 
application and practice within a healthcare setting. 
• Learning Facilitators should also be familiar with/have an awareness of diversity and cultural issues. 
• Experience of teaching and learning, including the ability to meet the competences expected for LSILADD04 
Plan and prepare specific learning and development opportunities 
• Preferable to have a relevant qualification in Safeguarding Vulnerable Children such as a Post Graduate 
Certificate in Safeguarding Children and Young People. 
Where any training delivery is supported by a person who is not an expert in the subject, then the organisation 
should ensure that they have put in place a quality assurance mechanism, whereby the accuracy of the content and 
the effectiveness of its delivery has been quality assured and is subject to periodic review. 
Training needs to be flexible, encompassing different learning styles and opportuni ties. 
E-learning is appropriate to impart knowledge at levels 1 and 2 and can also be used at level 3 as preparation for 
reflective team-based learning. 
At level 2 training, education and learning opportunities should include multi -disciplinary and scenario-based 
discussion e.g. drawing on case studies and lessons from research and audit as appropriate to the speciality and 
roles of participants. 
At level 3 Training, education and learning opportunities should be multi-disciplinary and inter-agency and delivered 
internally and externally. It should include personal reflection and scenario-based discussion, drawing on case 
studies, serious case reviews, lessons from research and audit, as well as communicating with children about what 
is happening as appropriate to the speciality and roles of participants. 
There are several aspects of safeguarding training and education that can apply equally to child and adult 
safeguarding/protection and that share the same principles. Examples of this may include, but are no t limited to; 
safeguarding ethos, confidentiality, information sharing, documentation and domestic abuse. Those who are 
providing training on shared aspects must ensure that there is equal weighting given to children and adults within the 
training and that the relevant learning outcomes of both adult and child safeguarding are met at the appropriate 
level. 
 
Relevant National Occupational Standards 
• CS16: Improve awareness of the potential abuse of children and young people 
• CS18: Recognise and respond to possible abuse of children and young people 
• SCDHSC0325: Contribute to the support of children and young people who have experienced harm or abuse 
• SCDHSC0034: Promote the safeguarding of children and young people 
 
Return to contents page 

CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 59 
Appendix 1: User Guide 
1. Background to development of the CSTF 
Healthcare organisations have legal responsibilities to ensure that their staff receives training to develop the 
knowledge and skills to ensure a safe and healthy workplace (Garcaz & Wilcock 2005) 16. Furthermore, in the effort 
to improve healthcare services, organisations are required to meet quality standards required by government and 
other agencies, many of which need to be evidenced through compliance training of the workforce. 
Given the imperative for organisations to ensure their compliance, ensure focus on key training priorities and making 
effective use of resources, many healthcare organisations have defined their approaches for the provision of 
statutory and mandatory training. Frequently, these approaches will be formally re flected in local policies and 
procedures. 
The provision of statutory and mandatory training represents a significant organisational investment. While many 
employers recognise and are certain of their commitment in ensuring their workforce receives this tra ining, the focus 
and delivery of such training can be challenging 
These challenges include: 
• ensuring that the purpose of the training is understood and appreciated by employees 
• ensuring that any training delivered is educationally sound 
• that the impact of training results in required performance and risk management behaviours 
• is delivered in a cost-effective way. 
Development of the CSTF was originally based on evidence that healthcare organisations were interested in a more 
consistent approach in which this type of training can be prioritised, flexibly delivered, resourced and evaluated. For 
example, several healthcare regions had previously been working with local employers and Subject Matter Experts 
to define and help standardise approaches (London, North West, South Central and West Midlands Strategic Health 
Authorities). In part, the activity in these areas was triggered by a report conducted by PASA (2009) 17 which found 
substantial opportunity to standardise and consolidate guidance around statutory and mandatory training and 
particularly prevent duplication of learning. PASA concluded that should consolidation and unnecessary duplication 
of statutory and mandatory training be achieved, there are opportunities for exploiting cost efficiencies. An early 
adopter of this approach was the London region, which established a programme of activity to streamline statutory 
and mandatory training in healthcare organisations and in doing so benefited from significant cost efficiencies. While 
the fiscal benefit does not necessarily mean cash-releasing efficiency savings, if the recognition and prevention of 
unnecessary duplication can be achieved at scale across the health sector, it should result in better compliance 
rates and more direct service contact time given that the workforce will require less time away from the work 
environment to undertake this type of training. Furthermore, it allows organisations sufficient head room to focus on 
other training priorities that have benefit for patient and service activity. 
The interest in a Core Skills Framework was also strongly supported with the responses to a consultation conducted 
by Skills for Health exploring the support for a UK Core Skills Framework. Skills for Health was subsequently 
commissioned as part of a programme of work funded by The UK Commission for Employment and Skills to develop 
a UK wide Core Skills Framework. Skills for Health has since been working with ke y national stakeholders to 
develop and maintain the CSTF for statutory and mandatory training. 
 
16 Garcaz W & Wilcock E (2005) Statutory and Mandatory Training in Health and Social Care. Radcliffe Publishing, Oxon.UK. 
 
17 The ‘Statutory and Mandatory Skills Training in the NHS Report’ (NHS PASA, 2009) 

CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 60 
2. Defining Statutory and Mandatory Training 
One of the challenges related to the issue of statutory and mandatory training is the interchangeable use of terms of 
Statutory and Mandatory training. For the purpose of this framework the following definitions have been used: 
Statutory Training: this is training that employers are either legally required to provide as defined by law and for 
which there is a stated legal reference and/or where a government or regulatory body have instructed employers to 
provide training on the basis of legislation. These examples would include: 
• Health and Safety training (required by legal statute). 
• Equality Act 2010 specifies that all employees receive training in order to ensure that employees appreciate 
their legal obligations in promoting equality. 
• Fire safety training is required by statute as determined by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. 
Mandatory Training: is a training requirement that has been determined by organisations themselves. This can 
include: 
Policy Required Mandatory Training: these are requirements for mandatory training which have been determined by 
a government department, or regulatory body, as part of the implementation of an agreed national policy. For 
example, in England all staff are required to undertake Information Governance training on an annual basis. 
Organisationally Required Mandatory Training: these are those training requirements that organisations set 
themselves. These requirements are usually introduced to ensure that the organisation is compliant with key risk 
areas that might have an impact upon safety, or alternatively, are being delivered to achieve a corporate 
priority/service improvement which the organisation has set itself. Typically, this type of training is undertaken to 
provide assurance that local policies governing key corporate and risk activities are understood and are being 
followed by employees. 
3. Importance of Learning Outcomes 
Often the delivery of statutory/ mandatory training is just focused on providing staff with information about a 
particular subject. This approach can be limited in its impact in terms of what staff are expected to understand and 
demonstrate in their work roles. 
Given both the volume of core skills training needed and the investment level required, an approach which seeks to 
promote clearer expectations about the purpose of core skills training is required. Moreover, an approach which 
enables a better understanding of the processes by which effective learning in relation to these common areas of 
learning activity can be supported and then demonstrated by the learners is essential. One of the key processes to 
encourage this is the effective use of learning outcomes to drive and underpin any learning activity. 
Therefore, one of the key aspects covered in each CSTF subject is the identification of the key learning outcomes to 
be achieved. Although there is some debate about the limitations of using learning outcomes, there is common 
agreement that the effective use of learning outcomes can provide a clearer focus for determining what a learner 
should know, understand or be able to do following completion of any learning activity (Kennedy et al. 2006)18. 
Using learning outcomes can: 
• Set out clear expectations for learners in terms of what they should be able to demonstrate. 
• Help those who design education and training opportunities to focus on key knowledge and skills areas that 
the learner needs to achieve, which in turn will guide the content to be included. 
• Be used to promote learner progress. 
 
18 Kennedy, D. Hyland, A. Ryan, N. 2006: “Writing and Using Learning Outcomes: a Practical Guide”. In: Froment, Eric (Ed.): 
EUA Bologna handbook. Making Bologna work. Berlin: Raabe 

CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 61 
• Be observed and assessed. 
• The use of learning outcomes can guide learning facilitators in the use of appropriate teaching strategies 
and assessment methods. 
• Can be used by those who design healthcare education and training curricula to consider how the required 
Core Skills learning outcomes can be integrated appropriately and/or demonstrate how they map to overall 
achievement of curriculum aims. In this way, it will help ensure that those learners undertaking healthcare 
programmes are being given opportunity to acquire core knowledge and skills that employing organisations 
will need to be assured are being addressed. 
4. Key Benefits of the CSTF to Organisations 
The key benefits of the CSTF are: 
• That it provides a consolidation and integration of available guidance which organisations can use to inform 
and, where appropriate, rationalise the delivery of statutory and mandatory training activity. 
• It provides a guide for those who have accountability for corporate governance, those with responsibility for 
delivery of training activity and those internal advisors who guide the content of any training delivery to have 
a common statement which they can use to audit, and collectively agree, plan and determine how the 
organisation can best meet or exceed the guidance offered here. 
• It helps organisations to more explicitly guide training delivery quality and consistency for the identifi ed 
Subjects. 
• It helps to set more explicit expected levels of staff performance following delivery of any core skills training. 
• It can be used to guide some of the measures that might be used to assess the effectiveness and impact of 
training activity supported. 
• It can provide a source of guidance in the development of a specification for those organisations who might 
need/or wish to commission external training provision to deliver any core skills training. 
5. Who Needs to Receive Training? 
The framework broadly identifies for each subject the key target audience who will need to receive the indicated 
training. Some of the Subjects are aimed at all the workforce within an organisation, while other Subjects and 
expected levels of knowledge and skill will be more role dependent and only apply for those in more direct 
patient/service roles. 
It should be noted that workforce relates to all members of the workforce that the organisation has responsibility for 
in the conduct of its business and delivery of activities. This will include those learners on work placements, unpaid 
staff and volunteers. Local factors such as role and responsibility, work context and setting and levels of expected 
supervision will also be important aspects which will have an impact on the relevance and applica tion of the 
guidance given in each topic. Some discretion in application of the framework guidance might be warranted in some 
situations, for example the healthcare student who is on a fully supervised short study placement, or the volunteer 
who makes a contribution to an organisation on a short but infrequent basis. 
Accordingly, each organisation will need to use the framework to help it inform and map to their local 
learning/training needs matrix, risk management analysis controls and to refine more speci fically the staff 
groups/roles that will need to receive the suggested level of training indicated. 
It is envisaged that education providers will contribute to the preparation of learners by embedding, as appropriate, 
the use of the CSTF as part of curriculum delivery. Where such delivery is clearly evidenced, it should then be 
recognised by healthcare organisations which then prevents any unnecessary duplication of training. 

CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 62 
6. Promoting Workforce Values 
The core skills statutory and mandatory training Subjects identified in the CSTF are deemed a priority for an 
organisation to deliver, given that they focus on areas that contribute towards patient and workforce safety. 
However, the value of the training on these Subjects has been eroded given concerns about educational impact, 
frequency and format of learning and that they frequently focus on policy and procedural aspects. While such 
concerns will be relevant from an organisational perspective, they might seem remote to those receiving the training. 
In addition, given that those being trained might have other significant learning priorit ies, the participation in statutory 
and mandatory training activity can seem a distraction and thus is undervalued. If this is evident, this will have 
potentially adverse implications for organisations given that the impact of their investment in providing the training is 
lost, whilst also creating pressures on service delivery contact time. 
There is an opportunity to view and represent this framework as a Curriculum for Patient and Organisational Safety. 
In doing so, this highlights more specifically how attention to the knowledge and skills gained through participation in 
this type of training gives an opportunity for the learner to demonstrate on a daily basis, how they express the values 
being promoted by the organisation. Presenting the Subjects as a themed and joined up curriculum can be used to 
promote the following key values: 
• Commitment to quality of care: recognising the need to get the essentials of care right, willingness to learn 
and build upon success. 
• Professionalism: to ensure high personal standards of behaviour and response and the commitment to adhere 
to established policies and procedures. 
• Personal accountability: the willingness to take responsibility for own actions, recognise limitations and avoid 
taking inappropriate actions which might have an adverse impact for self and others. 
• Team work and cooperation: the willingness for working with others for common benefit, to overcome shared 
challenges and the commitment for improving the performance of all. 
• Dignity and Respect: recognising and being committed to the imperative of responding with concern, sensitivity 
and compassion, having positive regard for others, appreciating and acknowledging diversity. 
7. Delivery and Formats of Core Skills Training 
This CSTF does not generally prescribe how the educational and training activity required to implement the 
framework should be delivered. Similarly, it is not the intention to indicate that only specific training suppliers are 
endorsed to deliver training in relation to the indicated Subjects. The approach used for delivery of any training is a 
shared local decision, which needs to involve the relevant staff with responsibilities for either leading, managing or 
delivering training and should be based upon: 
• meeting any legal requirements which state which delivery formats must be supported 
• requirements of local education governance and quality assurance arrangements 
• availability of learning infrastructure 
• and the flexibility that best ensures the workforce is able to access and benefit from the training in a timely 
manner. 
The health sector needs to recognise and appreciate that provided there is purposeful and careful consideration of 
key learning and training principles that a variety of training methods can be effectively used to achieve the desired 
learning outcomes indicated in the CSTF. The challenge is for organisations to best consider and evaluate potential 
options. As with other activities that require substantial investment and effort, organisations will need to increas ingly 
evidence that any training interventions put in place are designed and monitored for their effectiveness. 
In recent years there has been particular interest by organisations in using E-Learning as a method to help support 
delivery of core skills training. Given that research has demonstrated that in the right conditions, E-Learning is at 

CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 63 
least as effective as face to face training then the validity of using E-Learning to help support delivery, particularly for 
knowledge elements of any topic should be considered seriously. 
The health sector to date, has at national, regional and local level made significant investments in developing E-
Learning programmes to support the delivery of statutory and mandatory training. The key priority is for 
organisations to review the available programmes and assure themselves that they address any legal requirements 
for the format of delivery, meet the learning outcomes of the CSTF, or if there is a need to develop further content 
that it is informed by the CSTF. 
8. The Value of Assessment 
Currently much of the reporting of statutory and mandatory training is recorded on a completion-based process. 
While recording completion is a key metric for organisations in being able to demonstrate their compliance with key 
standards the health sector needs to consider much more the value of assessment as a component for the delivery 
of core skills training. 
Educational research has demonstrated that the use of assessment which enables the learner to self-monitor and 
regulate their progress leads to a deeper level of learning. Where this occurs, there is a greater likelihood that 
learners will have the confidence to apply what they have learnt in practice. 
Assessment is a key feature of effective learning as: 
• it helps to indicate whether learning has taken place 
• it can influence the engagement and behaviours of the learner and can direct and support progress 
• the use of feedback related with assessment outcomes enriches learner understanding. 
The results of learner assessment can provide valuable information for organisations in evaluating the effectiveness 
of teaching and learning approaches and inform further learning needs analysis. 
There has to be a greater expectation by organisations that given the purpose and investment of providing statutory 
mandatory core skills training that staff will act upon the training provided. The use of assessment will be a tangible 
way in which a greater value and expectation on the implications of statutory and mandatory training can be 
recognised and so should be utilised much more. 
The effective use of assessment will increase learner motivation and participation and will provide the o rganisation 
with a more credible indicator of the workforce’s knowledge and skills in these key risk areas and identify potential 
gaps which should then be addressed. This approach would be more consistent with responsive risk management 
assurance. 
In addition to this, if the effective use of assessment is established, the validity of using pre-assessment must be a 
significant way in which the management of refresher training could be more efficiently managed. That is where a 
learner undertakes and demonstrates through a well-planned assessment an acceptable level of knowledge and/or 
skill application against the specific learning outcomes for a subject, then this can be used as a valid indicator for 
currency of their competence in relation to the topic assessed. This should mean that learners do not duplicate or 
repeat what they already know. This approach would be consistent with principles of effective adult learning which 
places value on autonomous, self-directed and goal orientated learning. 
It is recognised that the health sector has to gain greater confidence and practical use in the use of assessment. 
Encouragingly, there is now some concerted efforts to develop resources and approaches to achieve this. 
Organisations are strongly encouraged to consider the use of assessment, including pre-assessment approaches, 
and work to integrate their use and recognise their value as part of delivery of training activity. 

CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 64 
9. Refresher Periods 
It is anticipated that given the purpose and focus of the Subjects included in this framework and potential changes in 
legislation and healthcare policy, that the workforce will need periodic training updates. The required frequency of 
refresher training (or assessment) is indicated within each of the Subjects. 
While refresher training provides an opportunity to practise and update knowledge and skills it should not be just 
about repeating information that the learners may have already received and know. Rather, it provides an 
opportunity to also extend knowledge by ensuring that any training update reflects: 
• any new policy/organisational changes 
• draws upon learning needs analysis and the findings of audits and evaluation. These should be used to 
prioritise knowledge and understanding of problematic areas or gaps which the organisation has identified 
need to be addressed, if currency of knowledge and skills in relation to the identified areas are to be 
effective. 
Where there have not been any substantial programme content changes, then organisations should consider how 
they use pre-assessment as a mechanism for checking current competence. 
Likewise, the methods for delivery of any refresher training should be considered for ways in which it can be 
delivered flexibly. There may not always be a requirement for formal classroom-based attendance. 
The use of a variety of learning formats could provide useful ways in which updating of knowledge can and should 
be supported e.g. 
• readers 
• case study briefings 
• structured professional team-based discussions 
• peer learning and assessment 
• practical assessments and simulations. 
There are also opportunities for more use of flexible, randomly assigned, electronic scenario-based assessments, 
which if well designed and their use monitored, can be a valid means of ascertaining the knowledge and 
understanding of the workforce. 
To maximise flexibility and impact there are opportunities for organisations to develop approaches, quality 
assurance processes and monitoring which enables refresher update review by and within team structures. Ut ilising 
such an approach will promote further accountability at individual and team level for ensuring these updates occur. 
They should also enhance better application of knowledge and understanding when individuals/teams are triggered 
to consider risk issues reflected in core skill learning and examples of application within the context of their own 
roles and working environment. 
Before the end of the refresher period, or potentially when there is a major change in legislation or policy, staff need 
to be assessed to ensure that they have retained the knowledge and/or can demonstrate the skill or capability 
required. Refresher training should be focused on updating knowledge or facilitate where applicable the acquisition 
of new and improved skills, techniques and best practice. Each organisation needs to consider how best to deliver 
any required refresher training but the focus should be not on repeating training and content previously delivered but 
instead to assess whether the staff member has retained knowledge and understanding and if appropriate, that their 
knowledge and skills are extended beyond the minimum levels. 

CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 65 
10. CSTF documents and mapping tools 
The Core Skills Training Framework (CSTF) is available for any individual or organisation to access. Current 
information about the CSTF is always available from the CSTF web page at: www.skillsforhealth.org.uk/cstf 
From the CSTF home page, there are links to access the framework documents including: 
• Statutory/Mandatory Subject Guide (this document) 
• Statutory/Mandatory Mapping Tool (a spreadsheet to support the systematic mapping of local provision to 
the CSTF learning outcomes) 
• Declaration of Alignment 
Commencing in 2020, Skills for Health and Health Education England have been working in partnership to ensure 
the sustainability of a robust Core Skills Training Framework (CSTF) for NHS Trusts in England. The aim is to 
ensure CSTF alignment, which is assured and related data which transfers efficiently, safely and accurately between 
employer organisations: 
Further information and guidance for NHS Trusts in England is available at: https://www.skillsforhealth.org.uk/cstf-
england 
11. Declaring alignment to the Framework 
Healthcare providers which have mapped their in-house training to the framework are eligible to submit a 
Declaration of Alignment, confirming which of their training programmes are aligned to the framework subjects. The 
process for submitting a Declaration of Alignment to the framework is summarised in Figure 1 overleaf. 
Aligned healthcare provider organisations are listed on an online Directory; https://cstfdirectory.skillsforhealth.org.uk/ 
By sharing this information on the CSTF Directory, employer organisations can recognise where training delivered in 
other organisations is in compliance with the CSTF and thereby help to prevent unnecessary duplication of training 
as staff move between roles and organisations. 
12. Data Portability (Naming Conventions) 
One of the main aims of the CSTF is to prevent unnecessary duplication of training. This will only be achieved if 
organisations accurately record training undertaken using a recognised naming convention or subject code for each 
of the CSTF Subjects. These mechanisms will help enable data portability, which will be essential if organisations 
are to be able to recognise training undertaken in other organisations. 
As part of aligning their delivery of training with the framework, organisations will need to capture training activity 
using the agreed naming conventions or subject codes and/or map the names currently used for recording training 
for each of the indicated Subjects. 
For the NHS in England, given the common use of the Electronic Staff Record (ESR) Oracle Learning Management 
(OLM) system, there has been agreement with the National Central ESR team and the regional leads from the OLM 
Specialist Interest Group to use the Competency Naming functionality available to aid the consistent recording of 
training aligned with the CSTF. 
Further information on the use of ESR competencies is available from the CSTF web page at: 
https://www.skillsforhealth.org.uk/cstf-england 

CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 66 
Figure 1: The process for healthcare provider organisations to align with the framework 
Download the Core Skills Training Framework 
documents 
Review your training provision against the 
Framework 
Map your training provision against the 
Framework using the Content Mapping Tool. 
Identify any gaps and undertake 
developments required to meet the learning 
outcomes and training standards 
Complete a Declaration of Alignment 
showing the subjects where your training 
provision is aligned to the Framework 
Submit the completed Declaration of 
Alignment and Content Mapping Tool to Skills 
for Health 
Organisations on the Directory of Aligned 
Organisations and using ESR/OLM are entitled 
to use the CSTF competencies on ESR 

Skills for Health reviews 
your Declaration of 
Alignment and Content 
Mapping Tool and if 
necessary requests any 
further details or 
clarification 
Skills for Health confirms 
when the required details 
have been provided and 
eligible organisations are 
added to the Directory of 
Aligned Organisations 

CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 67 
13. Arrangements for Quality Assuring the Framework and Sustainability 
The updating and quality assurance of the CSTF is critical if organisations are to have confidence in its continuing 
relevance and authority. For some of the local frameworks that have been developed, maintaining the relevance of 
the framework provides a substantial challenge. Skills for Health, given its national role, activity and reach is in a 
strong position to add value and assure the currency of the framework. Since the launch for the CSTF in 2013, Skills 
for Health has maintained and updated the CSTF, through mechanisms including the following: 
• Providing access to the framework from the Skills for Health web site. 
• Providing Framework Management support, with responsibility to keep the CSTF subjects under review to 
ensure accuracy, currency and manage quality assurance processes together with the required 
communications to alert users of any changes. 
• Conducting a formal review once a year, including participation by the key national endorsing and subject 
matter expert bodies. It is through this process that any new subjects for inclusion in the framework have 
been identified and where appropriate incorporated. 
• Ensuring the framework documents are fully Version Controlled. 
14. The CSTF and Enabling Staff Movement 
The Department of Health and Social Care mandate to Health Education England: April 2019 to March 2020 states 
the requirement to ‘further develop the core skills training framework to reflect the future service needs of the NHS’. 
Additionally, NHS England and NHS Improvement has committed in its Long-Term Plan to enable “staff to more 
easily move from one NHS Employer to another”. This aim was reinforced in the NHS People Plan (2020/21). 
A key commitment is to reduce the unnecessary repetition of statutory and mandatory training and ensure data is 
accepted and trusted by all NHS providers. 
Alignment to the CSTF is a key component of the Enabling Staff Movement programme, which is jointly led between 
NHS England and NHS Improvement and Health Education England. 
For further information see: https://www.skillsforhealth.org.uk/cstf-england 
15. Summary 
This document sets out a framework to help guide organisations in the development, planning and delivery of their 
core statutory and mandatory training. The effective use of the CSTF should be helpful in promoting consistency and 
quality of training, help prevent needless duplication of training, better direct resources for quality and risk 
management and help achieve efficiency benefits which are relevant for organisations and indeed learners. The 
effective use of the CSTF as presented here could offer further benefits in informing the design and approaches of 
other frameworks which might be relevant to the sector and development of the workforce. 
Getting the CSTF right and used will not always be an easy task but given the wide range of challenges and 
priorities faced by the health sector; this framework is indeed timely, relevant and needed. 
 
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CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 68 
Appendix 2: Version Control 
The following table highlights additions or amendments in this version of the CSTF Subject Guide. 
 
Subject Additions or amendments (deleted or amended text in red) 
Equality, Diversity 
and Human Rights 
Key Guidance 
• NHS England, Workforce Disability Equality Standard 
• Skills for Health and HEE (2019), Core Capabilities Framework for Supporting 
Autistic People 
• Skills for Health, HEE and NHS England (2019), Core Capabilities Framework of 
Supporting People with a Learning Disability 
Health, Safety and 
Welfare 
Key Guidance 
• NHS Employers / Health, Safety and Wellbeing Partnership Group Resources 
• NHS Employers / Health and Wellbeing 
• National patient safety syllabus 1.0, Training for all NHS staff (Academy of Medic al 
Royal Colleges in collaboration with Health Education England, NHS England and 
NHS Improvement) 
Infection 
Prevention and 
Control 
Key Guidance 
• NICE (2016), Healthcare-associated infections: Quality Standard QS113 
• NHS Employers (2015), Managing the risks of sharps injuries 
Information 
Governance and 
Data Security 
Expert Organisation 
• Information Governance Alliance 
• National Data Guardian 
• NHSX / Information Governance 
Legislation 
• The Data Protection Act 2018 / UK GDPR 
Key Guidance 
• Guide to the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) 
• NHS Digital, National data opt-out 
Moving and 
Handling Key References 
• Smith, J (Ed). Handling of People 6th edition (2011) and 5th Edition (2005), 
Teddington: Backcare 
Training Methods 

CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 69 
Subject Additions or amendments (deleted or amended text in red) 
Level 1 training could be delivered by the following methods: 
• E-Learning 
• Face to Face 
• Blended Learning 
• Written Information 
Load Handling Practical training must be face to face ideally should be face to face 
where reasonably practicable and could be: 
• In a classroom 
• In a workplace setting. 
Training can be delivered on a 1:1 basis or in groups. Groups should be no more 
than 1 trainer: 10 participants, in line with NBE Standards (2010). 
Level 2 practical training must be delivered face to face ideally should be face to 
face where reasonably practicable in either a classroom or the workplace setting, 
on a 1:1 basis or in groups. Groups should be no more than 1 trainer:8 
participants, in line with NBE Standards (2010). 
Preventing 
Radicalisation 
• HM Government (2011), Counter-terrorism strategy (CONTEST) 
• Department of Health (2011), Building Partnerships, Staying Safe: guidance for 
healthcare organisations 
• HM Government (2018) CONTEST: The UK Strategy for countering terrorism 
• NHS England (2017), Guidance for mental health services in exercising duties to 
safeguard people from the risk of radicalisation 
Prevent Awareness (Basic Prevent Awareness outcomes plus the following) 
The learner will: 
b) know how to share concerns, get advice, and make referrals into the Channel 
process and Prevent Case Management in order to safeguard vulnerable individuals. 
c) understand Channel multi-agency arrangements to provide support and redirection to 
individuals at risk of radicalisation (moved up from (j). 
d) understand Prevent in the context of the Prevent Duty CONTEST strategy and the 
concept of non-pre-criminal space. 
Standards for Training Delivery 
…Only a WRAP Facilitator, registered with NHS England/NHS Improvement and the 
Home Office can deliver WRAP. WRAP can be delivered to staff in a single organisation, 
on a partnership basis between organisations, or on a multi-agency basis. The employing 
organisation should be assured that all Facilitators have appropriate experience, 
background and qualifications to deliver this training. If training is delivered via E-
Learning it should be via a Home Office, Department of Health or NHS England/NHS 
Improvement approved product. 

CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 70 
Subject Additions or amendments (deleted or amended text in red) 
Resuscitation Level 1 
The learner will: 
d) be able to locate and operate an AED. 
 
Level 2 – Adult Basic Life Support (Level 1 outcomes plus the following) 
The learner will: 
k) know how they should apply the local Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation 
Policy / anticipatory care decision within clinical context. 
Level 2 – Paediatric Basic Life Support (Level 1 outcomes plus the following) 
The learner will: 
j) know how they should apply the local Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation 
Policy / anticipatory care decision within clinical context. 
 
Current Policy Guidance 
Relevant Expert Guidance 
• Resuscitation Council (2015) (2021), Resuscitation Guidelines 

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CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 71 
Appendix 4: Summary of Subject Matter 
Expert Bodies consulted 
Relevant experts have been consulted, as indicated below, and where appropriate their advice has been 
incorporated into the guidance. 
Subjects National Subject Matter Expert Bodies 
Conflict Resolution NHS England and NHS Improvement 
Equality, Diversity and Human Rights NHS Employers (Diversity and Inclusion Team) 
Department of Health Equality and Diversity Policy Team 
Fire Safety National Association of Healthcare Fire Officers – NAHFO 
Health, Safety and Welfare NHS Employers 
Health and Safety Executive (Health and Social Care Services Unit) 
Infection Prevention and Control Infection Prevention Society 
NHS England and NHS Improvement 
Information Governance 
NHS Digital 
NHSX 
UK Caldicott Guardian Council 
Moving and Handling National Back Exchange 
Health and Safety Executive 
Preventing Radicalisation NHS England and NHS Improvement 
Resuscitation Resuscitation Council UK 
Safeguarding Adults NHS England and NHS Improvement, Safeguarding Nursing Directorate 
Royal College of Nursing 
Safeguarding Children Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health 
Royal College of Nursing 
The following kindly contributed to a Reference Panel overseeing development of the original framework. 
Lena Boghossian, Programme Manager, London Procurement Partnership Team 
Sean Bradbury, Programme Lead, Cheshire and Mersey Teaching PCT 
Marita Brown, Head of Learning & Development, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 
Dr Stuart Cable, Assistant Director of Education, NHS Education Scotland 
Kathryn Fodey, Nursing Officer (Representing Nursing and Midwifery), The Department of Health, Social Services 
and Public Safety 
Lene Gurney, Independent Healthcare Advisory Services 
Helen Thomas, WfIS Development & Improvement Manager, ESR Team, Welsh Assembly Government 
Paul Tiffen, Quality and Compliance Development Manager, NHS Protect 
Alison Pope, Programme Manager, West Midlands Strategic Health Authority 
Emma Wilton, Widening Participation Manager, South Central Strategic Health Authority 

CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 72 
Appendix 5: Other standards and 
frameworks 
 
Healthcare standards 
Attention to the statutory/mandatory skill areas identified in the Core Skills Training Framework will be one of the 
ways in which healthcare organisations can demonstrate their compliance with key national healthcare standards. 
In England these are: 
• Care Quality Commission - Fundamental Standards / Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) 
Regulations 
 
Regulatory bodies standards for competence 
In addition, the subjects in this framework underpin the standards for competence and revalidation specified by a 
number of professional regulatory bodies e.g. 
• General Dental Council 
• General Medical Council 
• Health & Care Professions Council 
• Nursing and Midwifery Council 
 
Other workforce education and training developments 
The guidance in this framework can be used to inform the delivery of educational and training interventions which 
might contribute towards the aims of the following developments: 
• Care Certificate 
• National Minimum Training Standards for Healthcare Support Workers and Adult Social Care Workers in 
England (Skills for Care & Skills for Health) 

CSTF (Eng) Subject Guide v1.1 Page 73 
Appendix 6: Glossary 
Learning Facilitators: The term used to describe the staff member involved in supporting the learning of others. 
Learning Outcomes: Learning Outcomes are statements of what a learner is expected to know, understand and/or 
do as a result of a learning activity (normally, a module or programme of study) and should be clearly linked to 
assessment methods as an indication of the evidence required to demonstrate that the required learning has taken 
place. 
Levels: Learning outcomes for some core skill Subjects are divided into different levels. Each level reflects a level of 
expected knowledge, skill and understanding. The appropriate level of training is dependen t upon role, work context 
and local risk assessment. 
Naming Convention: The structure and rules for recording details of training activity which has been aligned to the 
Core Skills Training Framework. 
National Occupational Standards: Developed with employers, National Occupational Standards (NOS) are the 
building blocks of vocational and other qualifications. They specify the standards of performance and the knowledge 
and skills required to perform specific functions to a nationally recognised level of comp etence. 

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