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Recognising & Preventing FGM — Free Introductory Awareness Course

You don't need to be a safeguarding professional to help protect someone at risk. If you work in the community — in a shop, salon, taxi, café, or anywhere people talk — you could be the person who notices something isn't right. This free online course gives you the knowledge to recognise the warning signs of FGM, understand where to get help, and feel confident taking action.

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What You’ll Learn

This short, accessible course is designed for anyone who wants to understand FGM and feel prepared if they ever encounter someone at risk. You’ll learn:

  • What FGM is and the different names it goes by
  • Which communities are most affected and why
  • The warning signs that someone may be at risk
  • How to make a referral if you have a concern
  • Where survivors and those at risk can find support

FGM Training Course details

Free. Online. Takes under an hour.

  • 100% free — no payment details required
  • Complete at your own pace, on any device
  • Certificate of completion included
  • No prior knowledge or experience needed
Register
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Who is this course for?

Made for everyday community roles

You don’t need a formal safeguarding role to make a difference. This course is for anyone whose day-to-day work puts them in contact with the public, including:

  • Taxi and private hire drivers
  • Hairdressers and beauty therapists
  • Supermarket, retail and hospitality staff
  • Receptionists and administrative staff
  • Library, job centre and leisure centre staff
  • Support workers and care assistants
  • Community volunteers — including faith, youth and sports groups

People in roles like these are often trusted by the communities they serve. That trust means you may be one of the first to notice a concern — and this course helps you know what to do

Why Choose Virtual College

  • Developed by experts – Trusted, authoritative content aligned with current legislation.
  • Trusted by professionals nationwide – Used by thousands across the UK.
  • Flexible online learning – Learn anytime, anywhere, at your own pace.
  • Expert-led, up-to-date courses – Created and reviewed by industry specialists.
  • Instant certification – Recognised certificates on completion.

Leading Safeguarding trainer

Virtual College is a leading expert in safeguarding training, that’s why we deliver free training in FGM, Forced Marriage and many more courses.

Register
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Deepen Your Understanding of FGM

We also offer a paid extended FGM course designed for professionals who want a deeper understanding of safeguarding, cultural context, and legislation.

FGM (abuse linked to Faith or Belief), is a paid for course for £30.

This CPD-certified course builds on the free introduction and covers:

  • Detailed types and forms of FGM
  • Cultural and contextual awareness
  • Legal duties, reporting responsibilities, and safeguarding practices
  • Case studies and practical interventions

Ideal for: Professionals who require a more comprehensive, in-depth training.

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5 star rating on Trustpilot

18th July 2026

Easy to purchase

Easy to purchase, easy to use with no glitches.

5 star rating on Trustpilot

17th July 2026

Very good easy to understand

Very good easy to understand

5 star rating on Trustpilot

16th July 2026

Great sight for learning

Great sight for learning

5 star rating on Trustpilot

15th July 2026

Good easy website to use

Good easy website to use. The course had lots of information.

5 star rating on Trustpilot

13th July 2026

Good online training course

Good online training course

5 star rating on Trustpilot

13th July 2026

Good clear information

Good clear information in the course. Options to watch a video or read a transcript was good in modules.

5 star rating on Trustpilot

13th July 2026

Exellent food hygiene courseI completed the Food Hygiene course with Virtual College and it was excellent. The modules were clear, easy to follow and full of useful information. The videos and quizzes

I got my certificate quickly and the support team was helpful. Highly recommend Virtual College!

5 star rating on Trustpilot

12th July 2026

Excellent I loved it

Excellent I loved it

5 star rating on Trustpilot

9th July 2026

Simple,straightforward

Simple,straightforward

5 star rating on Trustpilot

7th July 2026

I recently completed the Food Hygiene…

I recently completed the Food Hygiene course and found it very informative and easy to follow. The course explained important food safety practices clearly, including proper food handling, storage, cleaning, and preventing cross-contamination. The content was well-structured and practical, making it relevant for anyone working with food. I feel much more confident in understanding my responsibilities for maintaining high hygiene standards. Overall, I would highly recommend this course to anyone looking to improve their food safety knowledge.

Excellent

4.8 out of 5 stars

4.8 out of 5

16374 Reviews on

Trustpilot