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.

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.

An Introduction to GDPR

On the 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 risk owner.

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.