ProQual Level 2 Award in Healthcare and Social Care Support Skills

Accredited by ProQual

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The ProQual Level 2 Award in Healthcare and Social Care Support Skills is a specialized, Ofqual-regulated qualification designed for frontline workers who require a focused set of competencies rather than a full diploma. It is meticulously crafted for individuals in community or care home settings—such as care assistants and support workers—who perform a specific range of healthcare tasks and must demonstrate verified clinical and social care proficiency.

This award bridges the gap between basic entry-level duties and professional accountability. It empowers learners with essential skills across a diverse menu of units, including person-centered care, safeguarding, and infection control, as well as technical tasks like assisting with medication or personal hygiene. With a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 80 hours and 50 Guided Learning Hours (GLH), the program is designed for efficiency and impact, ensuring that care providers can balance professional development with active service.

Assessment is entirely competency-based, requiring candidates to build a portfolio of real-world evidence—such as observations and witness testimonies—to prove they meet national standards. Ultimately, this qualification acts as a vital quality mark for employers and a powerful career catalyst for learners. It ensures that every interaction in the care sector is grounded in safety, dignity, and professional excellence, providing a robust foundation for progression toward higher-level Level 3 or 4 diplomas in the health and social care landscape.

Prerequisites

Course Entry Requirements

  • Educational Background: There are no formal academic prerequisites (such as specific GCSEs) required to enroll in this qualification. This makes the Award highly accessible for those transitioning into the care sector. However, candidates should possess a foundational understanding of health and social care principles to successfully engage with the learning materials and portfolio requirements.
  • Professional Experience:: Candidates must have access to a workplace where they can demonstrate practical skills such as supporting personal care or assisting with medication under the supervision of a qualified assessor. Experience in a frontline support role is essential for generating the "real-world" evidence required for certification.
  • Age Requirements: The qualification is approved for learners aged 16 and over. It is particularly suited for young professionals entering the workforce through apprenticeships or mature learners looking to formalize their existing care skills with an accredited RQF credential.
  • English Language Proficiency

A proficient level of English (Reading, Writing, and Speaking) is mandatory. Candidates must be able to:

  • Read and interpret care plans and safety legislation.
  • Communicate effectively with service users and multidisciplinary teams.
  • Produce written reflective accounts and maintain accurate medical records for their assessment portfolio

Course Content

Detailed Curriculum Structure

To achieve the ProQual Level 2 Award in Healthcare and Social Care Support Skills qualification candidates must achieve 6 credits from any combination of units.

Mandatory Units 

Sr#Unit TitleCredit
Value		GLH
1Implement person centred approaches in health and social care533
2Principles of safeguarding and protection in health and social care326
3Assist in the administration of medication425
4Carry out personal hygiene for individuals unable to care for themselves323
5Support individuals with speech and language disorders to develop their communication skills428
6Perform the non-scrubbed circulating role for perioperative procedures323
7Minimise the risk of infection when transporting and storing healthcare waste320
8Assist in the issuing of prescribed items315
9Assist in the manufacture and assembly of medicinal products720
10Assist in the preparation of documentation, materials and other items for manufacture and assembly of medicinal products1040
11Support individuals to carry out their own health care procedures215
12Provide support for therapy sessions214
13Contribute to the discharge of individuals to carers214
14Paediatric Emergency First Aid110
15Introduction to communication in health, social care or children’s and young people’s settings3 23
16Support individuals to meet personal care needs216
17Contribute to the safe use of medical devices in the perioperative environment429
18Causes and Spread of Infection220
19Prepare documentation, materials, components and other items for the preparation of aseptic products610
20Introduction to duty of care in health, social care or children’s and young people’s settings19
21Provide support for mobility214
22Assist others to plan presentations216
23Order Routine Pharmaceutical Stock311
24Dementia Awareness217
25Move and position individuals in accordance with their plan of care426
26Support individuals to manage continence319
27Handle information in health and social care settings110
28The role of the health and social care worker214
29Obtain and test specimens from individuals212
30Prepare individuals for healthcare activities317
31Assist in planning and evaluating learning activities322
32Assist the practitioner to carry out health care activities213
33Minimise the risk of infection during the removal of used linen215
34Inform an individual of discharge arrangements213
35Understand the context of supporting individuals with learning disabilities435
36Select and wear appropriate personal protective equipment for work in health care settings215
37Monitor and maintain the environment and resources during and after clinical / therapeutic activities320
38Prepare and dress for scrubbed clinical roles428
39Care for individuals with naso-gastric tubes320
40The principles of Infection Prevention and Contro330
41Assist with the provision of a pharmacy service to meet individuals’ needs310
42Contribute to the effectiveness of teams35
43Introduction to personal development in health, social care or children's and young people’s settings323
44Support individuals who are distressed321
45Support individuals undergoing healthcare activities322
46Prepare equipment for intraoperative cell salvage blood processing426
47Assist in receiving, handling and dispatching clinical specimens217
48Assist in the sale of medicines and products850
49Receive Pharmaceutical Stock39
50Prepare aseptic products1040
51Prepare and apply dressings and drains to individuals in the perioperative environment218
52Planning and Monitoring Work28
53Cleaning, Decontamination and Waste Management220
54Ensure your own Actions Reduce risks to Health and Safety28
55Introduction to equality and inclusion in health, social care or children’s and young people’s settings220
56Provide agreed support for foot care323
57Contribute to health and safety in health and social care433
58Support independence in the tasks of daily living533
59Prepare equipment for intraoperative cell salvage blood collection217
60Maintaining quality standards in the health sector18
61Emergency First Aid Skills110
62Assemble prescribed items315
63Support participation in learning and development activities323
64Provide support for sleep213
65Remove wound closure materials324
66Support individuals to eat and drink215
67Undertake agreed pressure area care430
68Meet food safety requirements when providing food and drink for individuals215
69Understand loss and grief in end of life care322
70Understand how to work in end of life care328

1. Implement Person-Centred Approaches in Health and Social Care

  • Understand the principles of person-centred care and how they apply in healthcare settings.
  • Develop skills to promote individual choice, dignity, and independence.
  • Learn how to adapt care based on individual needs and preferences.

2. Principles of Safeguarding and Protection in Health and Social Care

  • Identify signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect.
  • Understand safeguarding policies and legal frameworks.
  • Learn the correct procedures for reporting safeguarding concerns.

3. Assist in the Administration of Medication

  • Understand the different types of medication and their effects.
  • Learn safe medication handling, storage, and administration procedures.
  • Recognize potential side effects and adverse reactions.

4. Carry Out Personal Hygiene for Individuals Unable to Care for Themselves

  • Assist with bathing, dressing, oral hygiene, and grooming.
  • Promote dignity and privacy while providing personal care.
  • Follow infection control and hygiene best practices.

5. Support Individuals with Speech and Language Disorders to Develop Their Communication Skills

  • Understand different speech and language disorders.
  • Implement communication techniques and assistive tools.
  • Support individuals in expressing their needs and feelings.

6. Perform the Non-Scrubbed Circulating Role for Perioperative Procedures

  • Assist in preparing the operating room for procedures.
  • Support the surgical team with equipment and supplies.
  • Maintain a sterile environment and follow safety protocols.

7. Minimise the Risk of Infection When Transporting and Storing Healthcare Waste

  • Identify different types of healthcare waste.
  • Follow waste management policies to reduce infection risk.
  • Use protective equipment when handling hazardous materials.

8. Assist in the Issuing of Prescribed Items

  • Understand the procedures for dispensing prescriptions.
  • Ensure accuracy and compliance with regulations.
  • Support patients in understanding medication instructions.

9. Assist in the Manufacture and Assembly of Medicinal Products

  • Learn safe procedures for preparing medicinal products.
  • Follow hygiene and safety guidelines.
  • Maintain accurate records and documentation.

10. Assist in the Preparation of Documentation, Materials, and Other Items for Manufacture and Assembly of Medicinal Products

  • Organize and prepare pharmaceutical materials.
  • Ensure compliance with pharmaceutical regulations.
  • Maintain quality control during the preparation process.

11. Support Individuals to Carry Out Their Own Health Care Procedures

  • Encourage self-care and independence.
  • Assist individuals in following treatment plans.
  • Provide emotional and physical support.

12. Provide Support for Therapy Sessions

  • Assist therapists with session preparation.
  • Support patients in following therapy exercises.
  • Monitor progress and provide feedback.

13. Contribute to the Discharge of Individuals to Carers

  • Understand discharge planning procedures.
  • Communicate care instructions to carers and families.
  • Ensure a smooth transition from hospital to home.

14. Paediatric Emergency First Aid

  • Learn basic life-saving techniques for children.
  • Handle choking, bleeding, and fractures.
  • Follow emergency response protocols.

15. Introduction to Communication in Health, Social Care, or Children’s and Young People’s Settings

  • Understand the importance of communication in healthcare.
  • Use effective verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
  • Overcome barriers to communication in care settings

The ProQual Level 2 Award in Health and Social Care Support Skills serves as this essential benchmark, transforming your daily caregiving tasks into a validated professional portfolio that highlights your commitment to clinical excellence and patient dignity. By enrolling in this RQF-accredited program, you unlock a suite of strategic advantages designed to accelerate your career trajectory and enhance the quality of service you provide.

Key Benefits

  • Immediate Professional Credibility: Secure an Ofqual-regulated qualification that serves as a definitive "seal of approval" for employers, local authorities, and the CQC, proving you meet rigorous national standards.
  • Mastery of Specialized Care: Transition from basic assistance to skilled support by mastering high-demand competencies in safeguarding, infection control, and person-centered care.
  • Exam-Free, Work-Based Assessment: Eliminate the stress of traditional testing by utilizing your current workplace activities as direct evidence for your qualification, allowing for a seamless integration of learning and earning.
  • Strategic Career Foundation: Build the necessary academic and practical groundwork required to progress into Senior Support Worker roles or pursue Level 3 and 4 specialized diplomas.
  • Increased Market Value: Position yourself for higher-tier pay scales and greater job security by demonstrating a formal commitment to professional development in a rapidly growing sector.
  • Enhanced Service Delivery: Refine your ability to provide high-quality, compassionate care that prioritizes the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals.

Course Features

Duration: 50 GLH

70 Modules

Online Learning

Get in Touch

+44 2035 764371

+44 7441 396751

info@inspirecollege.co.uk

www.inspirecollege.co.uk

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FAQ's About ProQual Level 2 Award in Healthcare and Social Care Support Skills

Yes. As an Ofqual-regulated qualification, the ProQual Level 2 Award meets the rigorous standards recognized by the CQC and other regulatory bodies across the UK. It serves as formal evidence that a staff member is "suitably qualified and competent" to carry out their assigned duties, which is a critical requirement during provider inspections.

While the theoretical knowledge and portfolio building can be managed via online platforms, the "Support Skills" aspect is competency-based. This means a qualified assessor must verify your practical performance. Most learners use a blended learning approach—studying theory online while being observed in their actual workplace to satisfy the practical evidence requirements.

The qualification itself does not expire; it is a permanent achievement on your professional record. However, in the healthcare industry, it is best practice to participate in regular "refresher training" for high-risk tasks like manual handling or safeguarding to ensure your skills stay aligned with the latest legislative updates.

Achieving this qualification allows you to transition into essential frontline roles within the health and social care sector. It is a recognized credential for positions such as Healthcare Assistant (HCA), Adult Care Worker, Support Worker, and Personal Care Assistant. For those already in these roles, it serves as formal evidence of competency, often required to move from entry-level positions to NHS Band 2 or equivalent private sector pay scales.

The skills gained are highly transferable across multiple regulated environments. You can secure employment in:

  • Specialized Care: Mental health units, rehabilitation centers, and SEN (Special Educational Needs) support within educational settings.
  • Public & Private Healthcare: Hospitals, GP surgeries, and outpatient clinics.
  • Residential Care: Nursing homes, elderly care facilities, and hospice environments.
  • Community Support: Domiciliary (home) care agencies and supported living complexes.

The primary difference is the breadth and time commitment. The Award is a concise, "bite-sized" qualification (80 hours TQT) focusing on specific support skills. The Diploma is a comprehensive program (460+ hours TQT) covering a much wider range of organizational and clinical topics. The Award is the ideal "fast-track" for workers needing specialized accreditation without the multi-year commitment of a full Diploma.

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