Welcome to FGM Awareness and Safeguarding for Pharmacy Professionals, Level 2

This Level 2 course provides pharmacy professionals with practical knowledge and skills to recognise indicators of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), fulfil legal duties, and take appropriate safeguarding action within pharmacy settings.

FGM refers to non-medical injury to or removal of external female genitalia and causes lasting physical and psychological harm. Pharmacy teams can be well placed to spot signs, talk sensitively, and refer concerns to protect women and girls at risk.

What You Will Learn

• FGM Definitions & WHO Classification: Descriptions of Types I-IV, common terminology, and prevalence information relevant to the UK and international contexts.
• Legal & Ethical Duties: The Serious Crime Act 2015 mandatory reporting duty, professional standards from the GPhC and RPS, and how confidentiality and GDPR affect safeguarding cases.
• Safeguarding Process: How to recognise behavioural and circumstantial indicators, record objective observations, and follow referral routes via your Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
• Communication & Cultural Competence: Using non-judgemental language, working with interpreters, and involving appropriate community advocates when supporting affected individuals.
• Multi-Agency Collaboration: How to work with police (including 101 calls), local authority MASH teams, specialist FGM services, and other safeguarding partners.

How This Course Will Help You

On completion you will be able to:

• Recognise early warning signs of FGM and decide when to escalate concerns.
• Complete mandatory reports correctly and within required timeframes.
• Work effectively with your Designated Safeguarding Lead and multi-agency partners.
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality while safeguarding health and welfare.

This course supports pharmacy staff to respond to safeguarding concerns promptly, professionally, and in line with legal requirements, using culturally sensitive approaches.

Welcome to the course. It is designed to strengthen your skills in protecting and supporting patients at risk of FGM.