AC6758 - Safeguarding Adults, Young People and Children

What will I learn on this module?

During this module you will develop your knowledge and skills in safeguarding adults, young people and children. This will include critical evaluation of key theoretical concepts underpinning safeguarding. This module is aimed at and open to those that work with adults, young people and children within the health, social care, and education setting. The module aims to develop knowledge of the factors that influence the abuse of children, young people and adults and consider when early intervention is required to support adults at risk, children, young people and their families. You will develop a critical understanding of legislation governing the role and responsibilities of the professional in safeguarding people.

Throughout the module you will explore and learn: definitions of abuse, historical and current perspectives of abuse and statistical evidence; ethical, legal, personal, socio economic, environmental and cultural considerations and frameworks; current legislation and policy regarding to safeguarding people; response to public enquires and serious case review; working with abusive families; empowerment, power and relationships; self-safeguarding; professional roles and discipline guidelines, inter-disciplinary and inter-agency working; collaborative working practice, sharing of information and overcoming territorial historical boundaries; you will also explore comprehensive assessments, thresholds for intervention, documentation, personal conflict issues, advocacy and dealing with sensitive and difficult situations. As part of this module we will build on skills you will already have around communication, escalating concerns, vulnerable adults, dignity and respect. We will also explore capacity and consent in complex situations.

How will I learn on this module?

This module will take a blended approach, including tutor led learning in the academic setting and via online platforms and directed learning using on-line learning materials. You will be expected to use self-direction to pursue innovative learning experiences.

The campus-based sessions will be interactive and will be designed to encourage you to critically explore your experiences of safeguarding adults, children and young people, in the light of current theory, literature and policy. You will be encouraged to learn with, from and about each other’s roles and professional perspectives, in order to promote a culture of professional curiosity and collaboration

Online learning materials will provide a combination of theory; directed learning activities; reflection upon practice experiences and the opportunity to engage in collaborative learning with module peers.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

You will be supported by the module teacher who will guide your academic learning and assessment throughout the module. They have been involved in developing the eLearning materials and assessment exercises, will provide some of your face-to-face teaching, and feedback, supported by other staff. Details of your assessment will be introduced to you at the start of the module, and you will also have an opportunity to engage in online group tutorial support. You will also have an allocated personal tutor who will provide advice and support in relation to academic, procedural, and (where desired and appropriate) personal matters during the programme of study you have enrolled on. You will have access to 24/7 generic IT support and specific support from the programme team with any specific IT issues related to the eLearning package. You will also have access to the full range of student administration and support services offered by Northumbria University which includes library and learning support outlined fully in the programme handbook.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

At the end of this module you will be able:
Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Critically explore past and current serious case reviews and legislation relating to safeguarding adults and children.

2. Identify safeguarding issues considering the legal, ethical, socioeconomic, environmental, & cultural implications within the wider parameters of safeguarding work.


Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. Critically reflect own professional role, responsibilities and boundaries in protecting children & adults.

4. Demonstrate evidence based decision making in complex and unpredictable contexts

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

5. Discuss and evaluate effective relationships with learners, colleagues, service users and carers to support collaborative learning in practice in order to enhance communication networks and identify boundaries required for effective team-working.

How will I be assessed?

Formative exercises
You will deliver a formative peer group teaching session in class, which will explore concepts relating to the summative assessment. Academic supervisors will engage with you to appraise your current level of understanding and appreciation of the concepts within the activity, to provide formative feedback for undertaking the summative assignment. (MLO 1, 2, 3, 4)

Summative assignment

The summative assessment for this module will require a 2500-word reflective critique of a published serious case review relating to safeguarding people (from a choice of 6 given). You will choose a specific theme from the case study and critically reflect on the relevance of your
findings to your specific practice area, exploring practice improvements.
Examples of possible themes include: Inter- professional working, professional curiosity, domestic abuse patterns, poor engagement with services, mental illness, barriers to seeking support)
(MLO 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)

Your feedback will be provided via ‘my grade centre’ on the eLP. (MLO 1,2,3,4,5)

Summative feedback on final submission of the assessed work will be given in a structured format to inform future practice

Pre-requisite(s)

Previous study at level 6.

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

During this module you will develop your knowledge and skills in safeguarding people. This will include critical evaluation of key theoretical concepts underpinning the safeguarding of adults and children. The module aims to develop knowledge of the factors that influence the abuse of children, young people and adults. You will develop critical understanding of legislation governing the role and responsibilities of the professional in safeguarding people. Also touched upon is: historical and current perspectives of abuse; ethical and legal frameworks; response to public enquires and serious case review; working with abusive families; self-safeguarding; inter-disciplinary and inter-agency working; capacity and consent in complex situations.
The module is delivers by staff that have extensive experience working and researching this field. This module is an excellent module to add to your CPD framework if you work in the healthcare, social work, voluntary sector, or education setting (primary, secondary and higher education). Assessment is explored and supported by your tutors using a wide range of teaching strategies.

Course info

Credits 20

Level of Study Postgraduate

Mode of Study 1 year Part Time

Department Nursing, Midwifery & Health

Location Coach Lane Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025 or January 2026

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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