Free online e-learning courses

Virtual College has produced a range of free e-learning courses in subjects such as Safeguarding Children, Health and Well-Being and Careers Advice. Here is a selection of some of the most popular free online courses we offer.

An Introduction To GDPR

On 25 May 2018 the Data Protection Act 1998 was replaced by a new piece of legislation called the EU General Data Protection Regulation (better known as the GDPR). This free overview explains the changes that you need to be aware of as a business owner.

An introduction to Infection Prevention and Control

Everyone has a part to play when it comes to infection prevention and control. Ensuring you know the most effective ways you can stop the spread of viruses could help reduce the risk of infection in your workplace.

Prevent COVID-19

This free online training course has been created by our partners at Learn Et Al. It aims to provide learners with information on COVID-19 and suggests best practice for businesses in the current climate.

Infection Prevention and Control Resource Pack

This free resource pack is designed to give learners key information on how to prevent the spread of infection and best practice techniques for personal hygiene.

Mental Health and Wellbeing Resource Pack

This free course has been designed as a resource pack full of tips and advice to help an individual’s mental and well-being.

Prepared to save a life

Our Prepared to Save a Life course takes less than an hour, just five short 10 minute sections and you might be able to save someone's life! ….a friend, work colleague, mother, father, brother, sister, child…might thank you one day.

Understanding Young Minds

We have worked in partnership with SelfharmUK to create a free online course to help parents talk about the issue of self-harm with their children. Spotting the signs can be difficult, and approaching the subject can be uncomfortable. This course aims to provide a basic awareness of the subject to help you approach your children with confidence.

Female Genital Mutilation

A recent study revealed that 137,000 women in England and Wales are estimated to be living with the consequences of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). To address this issue, the Home Office and Virtual College have launched this free online FGM training.

Keep Them Safe: Protecting Children from CSE

Parents Against Child Sexual Exploitation (Pace) and Virtual College teamed up to provide this short online course designed to equip parents and carers with the knowledge to protect children against sexual exploitation.

Awareness of Forced Marriage

This free safeguarding course aims to raise awareness of forced marriage and help professionals who have a responsibility to safeguard vulnerable children, young people and adults. It explores the warning signs of forced marriage and the right actions to take to help protect potential victims.

Awareness of Type 1 Diabetes

Virtual College has worked with JDRF to create a free course to give professionals a basic understanding of type 1 diabetes. Using a school as the setting, the free course follows a number of students with the autoimmune condition through their daily lives.

Get Moving, Get Healthy

Regular participation in physical activities can make you happier and reduce your risk of diseases like diabetes. This free course covers the health benefits of physical activity, how much you should be doing, the importance of diet and how you can incorporate exercise into your lifestyle.

Understanding Animal Welfare in Violent Homes

This free safeguarding course has been designed to help frontline staff understand the link between family abuse and animal abuse, and is aimed at all professionals who have a responsibility to safeguard vulnerable children, young people and adults at risk.