Reading List

Official guidance and trusted reference materials that underpin this course. Use them for supervision, policy review, refresher learning and to check local procedures.

Core FGM information

• WHO: Female genital mutilation fact sheet
  Global definition, health consequences and human-rights context for FGM.
• WHO: Types of female genital mutilation
  The four-type classification commonly used in awareness training.
• NHS: Female genital mutilation (FGM)
  Public information on signs, support and specialist NHS services.
• NSPCC Learning: Protecting children from FGM
  Practical safeguarding guidance on recognising, responding and preventing FGM.

England and Wales guidance

• GOV.UK: Multi-agency statutory guidance on FGM
  Statutory guidance for those with responsibilities to safeguard children and vulnerable adults from FGM in England and Wales.
• GOV.UK: Mandatory reporting of FGM procedural information
  Explains the mandatory reporting duty for specified regulated professionals and teachers in England and Wales.
• GOV.UK: Female Genital Mutilation Protection Orders
  Information on protection orders used to safeguard people at risk of FGM.
• Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003
  Legislation on FGM offences in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
• Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026
  Statutory England guidance on multi-agency safeguarding, including children's homes.
• Children's homes regulations, including quality standards: guide
  England guidance relevant to safeguarding, leadership and protection in children's homes.

Scotland and Northern Ireland signposting

• Scottish Government: Responding to FGM in Scotland
  Scotland's multi-agency guidance for identifying risk, protecting those affected and supporting prevention.
• Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation (Scotland) Act 2005
  Scotland legislation on FGM offences.
• Department of Health Northern Ireland: Multi-agency practice guidelines on FGM
  Guidance for frontline professionals safeguarding children and adults from FGM in Northern Ireland.
• Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland: FGM advice
  Practical signposting on safeguarding responsibilities and sources of support in Northern Ireland.

For practice, start with your home's live policy and local safeguarding contacts, then use these sources to confirm legal and professional context.