Across our communities, vulnerable people depend on those around them to recognise the signs, speak up, and take action. Below are safeguarding training resources and courses. They take just a few hours to complete, and the impact lasts a lifetime.
Every volunteer has a role to play.
Community Safeguarding programme - Open now
Protect and Empower.
Safety Is at the Heart of Everything We Do.
Building a community where everyone is protected and valued.
At Muslim Charity, safeguarding isn't an afterthought, it's woven into everything we do. For over 25 years we have worked to protect and uplift the most vulnerable, and that commitment starts with our own volunteers and communities here at home.
Our Community Safeguarding Programme brings together trusted training resources to help you understand your responsibilities and feel confident acting on them. Whether you work with children, vulnerable adults, or simply want to be better prepared, these courses will equip you with the tools you need.
Many of the resources below are completely free, and all volunteers are encouraged to complete at least one safeguarding course as part of their role with us. Browse what's available and take that important first step.
⚠️ If you have a safeguarding concern right now⚠️
If you believe a child or adult is in immediate danger, call 999 immediately.
For non-emergency concerns about a child, contact the NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000 (free, 24/7) or email help@nspcc.org.uk. For concerns about a vulnerable adult, contact your local authority's Adult Social Care team or call the Action on Elder Abuse Helpline: 0808 808 8141.
You can also report concerns internally to our Designated Safeguarding Lead - contact Olivia at olivia@muslimcharity.org.uk.
Why Safeguarding Matters
Understanding the importance of protecting both children and vulnerable adults
Child Safeguarding
Safeguarding children means protecting them from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and harm, and promoting their welfare so they have the best possible start in life. Every child has the right to grow up safely, and that responsibility belongs to all of us, not just professionals.
As volunteers, we may be among the first to notice a change in a child's behaviour or circumstances. Knowing what to look for and how to respond, without panic, but with confidence, can make a life-changing difference.
Key legislation includes the Children Act 1989 & 2004 and the government guidance Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023, which places a duty on all organisations working with children to have effective safeguarding arrangements in place.
Adult Safeguarding
Adult safeguarding protects people aged 18 and over who have care and support needs from abuse or neglect. This includes older people, people with disabilities, those experiencing mental health challenges, and anyone in a position of vulnerability.
Abuse can take many forms; physical, emotional, financial, sexual, or neglect, and it often happens at the hands of someone the person trusts. Volunteers working in befriending, support, or community roles are well-placed to notice early warning signs.
The Care Act 2014 provides the legal framework for adult safeguarding in England, placing duties on local authorities and establishing Safeguarding Adults Boards to coordinate local responses.
Safeguarding Training
Free and low-cost online courses to build your knowledge and confidence
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Introduction to Safeguarding
The Social Care Institute for Excellence offers a free online resource covering what adult safeguarding is, types and indicators of abuse, what to do if you suspect harm, and how to improve safeguarding practice. Widely recommended for volunteers.
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Safeguarding Level 1 in Education
A free CPD-accredited Level 1 safeguarding course aligned to KCSiE 2025 guidance. Covers recognising abuse and neglect, online safety, and how to report concerns.
Suitable for anyone working with or around children.
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Safeguarding & Prevent
Developed for the Home Office, this free course has been completed by over 100,000 people. It covers safeguarding fundamentals and the Prevent duty; helping volunteers understand radicalisation risks alongside general child and adult protection.
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Basics of Safeguarding Children
A free CPD-accredited course covering child protection principles, types of abuse, signs and impacts, UK legislation, and what to do following disclosure.
Suitable for volunteers with no prior safeguarding knowledge.
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Safeguarding for Voluntary Groups
Online training from the NSPCC specifically designed for people working in the charity, voluntary, and community sectors.
Covers your responsibilities, recognising concerns, and building a safeguarding culture in your organisation.
Further Resources
Authoritative guidance, legislation, and support organisations.
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NSPCC Online Learning Hub
Comprehensive guidance, research, and resources on child protection and safeguarding for organisations and individuals working with children and young people. Including training on online safety.
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SCIE - Safeguarding Adults
The Social Care Institute for Excellence contains a wealth of knowledge, and provides free guidance, practical tools, and resources on all aspects of adult safeguarding, including the Care Act 2014 framework.
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Gov.uk - Working Together
The statutory guidance setting out how organisations and agencies should work together to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. Essential reading for all who work with children.
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Care Act 2014 - Adult Safeguarding
The legislative framework underpinning adult safeguarding in England.
Includes the duties on local authorities and the role of Safeguarding Adults Boards in protecting adults at risk.
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Modern Slavery - OpenLearn
A free Open University course covering international human rights law and modern slavery, important for volunteers working with refugees, asylum seekers, and vulnerable communities.