Introduction

This course expands on basic safeguarding knowledge and focuses on the practical duties of Level 2 non-clinical pharmacy workers when they meet adults, carers, families or members of the public who may need protection or support.

Safeguarding in pharmacy often arises outside formal assessments. Concerns can appear during routine interactions at the medicines counter, repeat collections, home deliveries, reception enquiries, telephone calls or brief encounters where an adult seems frightened, controlled, neglected, confused or unable to speak freely. Level 2 practice is about recognising these signs, responding appropriately, making clear records and following the correct escalation or referral routes instead of trying to resolve the situation yourself.

Because this is a UK-wide course, remember that safeguarding structures, terminology and referral routes differ across the four nations. Follow your national guidance, local procedures and organisational escalation routes alongside the principles taught here.

What This Course Covers

• Understanding safeguarding adults: What safeguarding adults at risk means in UK pharmacy settings and the Level 2 role of non-clinical staff.
• Recognising indicators: Behavioural, physical, social and contextual signs of abuse, neglect, coercion, exploitation, self-neglect and other vulnerabilities.
• Level 2 responsibilities: Professional curiosity, respecting the adult's wishes and views, taking immediate safety action, awareness of consent and capacity, and when to seek advice or escalate concerns.
• Recording and information sharing: Good practice in factual documentation, confidentiality, lawful sharing and distinguishing fact from opinion.
• Referral and escalation: The role of the safeguarding lead, local safeguarding structures, adult safeguarding routes, emergency action and when to refer concerns outside the pharmacy.
• Pharmacy-specific practice: How safeguarding concerns can arise through counter service, reception work, deliveries, repeated contact and interactions with carers, families and controlling adults.
• Safer working: Maintaining professional boundaries, safe escalation and speaking up when concerns involve a colleague, unsafe practice or an adult whose needs are not being addressed.

How You Will Learn

The course uses scenarios drawn from everyday pharmacy work, where safeguarding concerns often become visible in short interactions rather than planned reviews.

Practical examples and case-based exercises are included to help you apply the learning to real-world pharmacy situations with clarity and care.