Person-Centred Approaches Step 1 Course

Person-Centred Approaches Step 1 – Online Course

Course overview
This online course introduces the principles of person-centred practice and explains how personal values, beliefs and assumptions can influence interactions with people who receive care or support. Learners explore communication techniques, including active listening, empathy and appropriate questioning, alongside approaches to advocacy, co-production and measuring person-centred outcomes. The course takes approximately 2.5 hours and is CPD accredited.

Please note: this course provides introductory Level 1 knowledge of person-centred approaches. It does not replace any practical, regulated or role-specific training an employer may require.

What the course covers
• The meaning, importance and benefits of person-centred approaches
• Person-centred values and behaviours
• Personal values, assumptions and bias
• Values, personal growth and the person-centred approaches framework
• The impact of person-centred practice on individuals
• Environmental awareness and non-verbal communication
• Active listening and different types of questions
• Empathy and key terminology
• Asking before offering advice
• Signposting and conversations about challenging subjects
• Providing support and advocacy
• Co-production and involving people in decisions
• Measuring person-centred outcomes
• Identifying opportunities for service improvement

Who is it for?
This introductory Level 1 course is suitable for staff undertaking induction, refresher training, awareness training or knowledge enhancement. It is particularly relevant to:
• Care assistants and support workers
• Healthcare assistants and nurses
• Allied health professionals and social workers
• Mental health practitioners
• Community and voluntary sector workers
• Family support workers
• Teachers and trainers
• Healthcare managers and social care leaders
• Other professionals whose roles involve supporting or working with people

The course may be useful across care homes, domiciliary care, community services, healthcare environments, mental health services, voluntary organisations and other workplaces where people receive care or support.

Practical benefits
• Recognise how personal values, assumptions and bias can influence professional interactions
• Develop awareness of communication techniques that support person-centred relationships
• Use active listening, empathy and appropriate questioning to understand individual needs and preferences
• Approach challenging conversations and support discussions more effectively
• Understand how advocacy and co-production can help involve people in decisions
• Use feedback and person-centred outcomes to identify opportunities for service improvement
• Support personalised care that respects individual needs, preferences and choices

What learners will be able to do
• Explain the core principles and terminology of person-centred approaches
• Recognise the relevance of person-centred practice in day-to-day work
• Identify how personal values and bias may affect interactions
• Apply appropriate communication techniques when gathering information and building relationships
• Use active listening, empathy and suitable questions in workplace conversations
• Understand the importance of asking before advising and providing appropriate signposting
• Recognise the role of advocacy and co-production in supporting individual involvement
• Understand how person-centred outcomes can inform service improvement
• Recognise individual responsibilities and role boundaries, including when advice or escalation may be needed

Is this training a legal requirement?
There is no general UK legal requirement for every worker to complete a course specifically called Person-Centred Approaches Step 1. However, person-centred practice is an important expectation within regulated health and social care services.

The Care Act 2014 and its statutory guidance place individual wellbeing, needs, goals, choice and control at the centre of adult care and support. CQC Regulation 9 requires regulated providers to ensure that care and treatment is appropriate, meets people’s needs and reflects their preferences. It also addresses involvement in care decisions and reasonable adjustments.

Employers should identify suitable training according to organisational training needs, role requirements, policies, competency frameworks and regulatory expectations. Completing this course can provide evidence of relevant learning but does not, by itself, demonstrate practical competence in every aspect of person-centred care.

Assessment and certificate
Learners complete an online multiple-choice test. On successful completion, they receive a free CPD-accredited digital certificate that can be downloaded or printed. Unlimited exam retakes are available. The course is delivered online, offers instant access following purchase and includes 12 months of course access.