FGM Safeguarding and Mandatory Reporting

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About Course

This CPD-accredited course provides essential safeguarding training on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), with a focus on professional responsibility, early identification of risk, and legal reporting duties in the UK.

FGM is a serious form of child abuse and a criminal offence. This course is designed to help professionals understand what FGM is, why it occurs, and how to respond appropriately when concerns arise.

Learners will explore key risk indicators, health and psychological impacts, and the safeguarding procedures required to protect children and young people. The course also explains the Mandatory Reporting Duty in England and Wales, including when professionals must report confirmed cases to the police.

Through clear guidance and scenario-based learning, this course strengthens confidence in handling disclosures, applying trauma-informed practice, and escalating concerns through the correct safeguarding channels.

This training is suitable for professionals working in education, healthcare, social care, and safeguarding roles who may come into contact with individuals at risk of FGM.

By the end of the course, learners will be better equipped to recognise risk, act within legal frameworks, and contribute effectively to multi-agency safeguarding responses.

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What Will You Learn?

  • Understand what Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is and why it occurs
  • Identify safeguarding responsibilities and professional duties in relation to FGM
  • Recognise risk indicators, warning signs, and high-risk situations
  • Apply UK legal requirements including Mandatory Reporting Duty
  • Understand how to respond appropriately to disclosures of FGM
  • Work effectively within multi-agency safeguarding systems
  • Demonstrate safe, professional, and trauma-informed safeguarding practice

Course Content

Course Overview
This CPD-accredited course provides essential safeguarding training on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), focusing on professional responsibilities, UK legislation, risk identification, and Mandatory Reporting Duties. The course equips learners with the knowledge to recognise signs of FGM, respond appropriately to disclosures, and understand their legal obligations to protect girls under the age of 18. It is designed for professionals working in education, healthcare, social care, and safeguarding roles.

  • Learning Outcomes

Module 1: Understanding FGM and Safeguarding Risk
This module provides a foundational understanding of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and its significance as a safeguarding concern. Learners will explore what FGM is, its historical and cultural context, and why it continues to occur in certain communities.The module examines the global and UK context of FGM, including where it is most commonly practiced and the circumstances that may increase risk, such as travel abroad during school holidays.Learners will also develop an understanding of the different types of FGM, the physical and psychological effects on victims, and the long-term health consequences associated with the practice.A key focus of this module is identifying safeguarding risk indicators and understanding how early warning signs may present in children and young people. This builds essential awareness for professionals working in education, health, and social care settings.By the end of this module, learners will be able to recognise FGM as a serious safeguarding issue, understand its impact, and identify when a child may be at risk, forming the foundation for appropriate professional response in later modules.

Module 2: Types, Impact and Risk Indicators
This module develops learners’ understanding of the different types of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and the associated physical, psychological, and long-term health impacts.It explores the WHO classification system (Types I–IV) and explains how each form of FGM differs in severity and effect. Learners will examine the immediate and long-term consequences of FGM, including its impact on physical health, emotional wellbeing, and psychological development.The module also focuses on recognising risk indicators and warning signs that may suggest a child is at risk of FGM. This includes understanding high-risk periods such as school holidays and travel abroad, where safeguarding risks may increase.A key emphasis is placed on early identification and professional awareness, enabling learners to understand how subtle indicators may present and why timely safeguarding action is essential.By the end of this module, learners will be able to identify different types of FGM, understand its impact, and recognise early warning signs to support effective safeguarding responses.

Module 3: UK Law and Mandatory Reporting Duty
This module focuses on the legal framework surrounding Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in the United Kingdom and the statutory responsibilities placed on professionals working with children and young people.Learners will explore the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003, including how FGM is defined as a criminal offence in the UK and how the law applies both within and outside of the country through extraterritorial jurisdiction.The module also examines the Mandatory Reporting Duty in England and Wales, explaining when a case is considered “known” and the legal requirement for regulated professionals to report confirmed cases to the police.A key emphasis is placed on understanding reporting procedures, timescales, and professional accountability to ensure legal compliance and effective safeguarding practice.By the end of this module, learners will understand their legal duties in relation to FGM and know how to respond appropriately when a “known case” is identified.

Module 4: Safeguarding Response and Professional Practice
This module focuses on how professionals should respond when concerns about Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) arise, including both suspected risk and confirmed cases.It builds on legal knowledge from Module 3 and translates it into practical safeguarding action within education, health, and social care settings.Learners will explore the role of the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), multi-agency safeguarding procedures, and the importance of professional curiosity when identifying risk.The module also introduces trauma-informed practice, explaining how professionals should respond to disclosures in a safe, sensitive, and appropriate manner.By the end of this module, learners will understand how to respond effectively to FGM concerns, escalate safeguarding issues appropriately, and contribute to multi-agency protection of children and young people.

Module 5: Consolidation, Professional Practice and Assessment Readiness
This final module brings together learning from across the course and prepares learners for real-world application of safeguarding responsibilities in relation to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).It focuses on consolidating key knowledge, applying professional judgement in practical scenarios, and understanding how safeguarding decisions are made in complex situations.Learners will review core themes including risk identification, legal duties, reporting procedures, multi-agency working, and professional responses to disclosures.By the end of this module, learners will be confident in applying their knowledge of FGM safeguarding practice and prepared for final assessment.

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