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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.

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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

22nd September 2026

Easy to use website

Easy to use website, good range of courses.

5 star rating on Trustpilot

22nd September 2026

Courses are well done

Courses are well done! Interactive and certificates are accredited and recognised by more than one body.

4 star rating on Trustpilot

22nd September 2026

want to learn ,want Virtual Collage

clear helpful videos and well explained questions

5 star rating on Trustpilot

21st September 2026

Safeguarding Level 2

Good course and great resource for similar learning topics.

5 star rating on Trustpilot

21st September 2026

Easy learning

Easy learning, and helpful.

5 star rating on Trustpilot

21st September 2026

Easy to follow.

Easy to follow. Easy to book for myself and multiple users. Excellent value for money

5 star rating on Trustpilot

19th September 2026

Very accessible materials

Very accessible materials. Good layouts. High quality presentation of information with test points along the way.

5 star rating on Trustpilot

19th September 2026

Well organised

Well organised

5 star rating on Trustpilot

19th September 2026

Very clear information.

Very clear information. Well paced Helpful visuals Varied format helpful

4 star rating on Trustpilot

18th September 2026

After a slow start it became clear what…

After a slow start it became clear what was required.

Excellent

5 out of 5 stars

4.8 out of 5

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