Learning Disabilities and Autism – Risk Legislation and Safeguarding Course

Learning Disabilities and Autism – Risk Legislation and Safeguarding Course – Online Course

Course overview
This one-hour online course introduces the legal, ethical and safeguarding principles involved in supporting autistic people and people with learning disabilities. It explores risk assessment, the Mental Capacity Act 2005, the Mental Health Act 1983, reasonable adjustments, duty of care, discrimination and safeguarding adults. Learners will develop an understanding of how to recognise potential risks, respond to concerns and balance safety with individual rights, choices and independence.

Please note: This is an introductory Level 1 course designed to develop awareness of risk, legislation and safeguarding. It does not replace specialist safeguarding training, practical instruction or role-specific training that an employer may require. Learners should follow their organisation’s safeguarding procedures and work within their role and competence.

What the course covers
• Risk, legislation and safeguarding principles
• The Mental Capacity Act 2005
• The Mental Health Act 1983
• Reasonable adjustments and inclusive support
• Identifying complex and diverse support needs
• Introduction to workplace risk assessments
• Recognising hazards and identifying who may be harmed
• Evaluating risks and selecting appropriate precautions
• Implementing changes and recording risk assessment findings
• Reviewing risk assessments and reassessing risks
• Making proportionate risk decisions in care settings
• Safeguarding adults and recognising potential abuse
• Duty of care and individual responsibilities
• Communication barriers and safeguarding concerns
• Recognising signs of abuse and potential misunderstandings
• Diversity, discrimination and power imbalances

Who is it for?
This course is suitable for support workers, care assistants, healthcare assistants, nurses, social workers, safeguarding officers, care coordinators, care home staff, domiciliary care workers, supported living staff, therapists, educators, learning support assistants, advocates, care managers and service managers. It is also relevant to professionals completing introductory or refresher training who support autistic people and people with learning disabilities.

Practical benefits
• Improve awareness of safeguarding risks and responsibilities
• Understand how mental capacity can affect care-related decisions
• Recognise when reasonable adjustments may be needed
• Apply a structured approach to identifying and managing risks
• Understand the importance of recording findings and reviewing assessments
• Recognise communication barriers that may affect safeguarding
• Balance duty of care with individual rights, independence and choice
• Support safer, more inclusive and person-centred care

What learners will be able to do
• Explain the purpose of safeguarding and proportionate risk management
• Identify potential hazards and factors that may increase vulnerability
• Describe the main steps in a workplace risk assessment
• Understand key principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005
• Recognise the importance of reasonable adjustments and non-discriminatory practice
• Identify potential safeguarding concerns and communication barriers
• Understand the importance of accurate records and appropriate reporting
• Recognise when advice, referral or escalation may be necessary
• Support individual choice and independence while taking appropriate precautions

Is this training a legal requirement?
The course itself is not specifically required by law. However, CQC-registered health and social care providers in England must ensure staff receive learning disability and autism training appropriate to their roles under the Health and Care Act 2022. Employers are responsible for determining whether this course meets the relevant needs of their staff and whether additional training is required. The course also introduces legislation relevant to care and safeguarding, including the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the Equality Act 2010.

Assessment and certificate
The course includes an online multiple-choice assessment and provides 1 CPD point. Successful learners receive an instant digital CPD-accredited certificate. The course can be accessed online using a compatible phone, tablet or computer.