New FREE Understanding FGM and Awareness of Forced Marriage courses now available

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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

2nd June 2026

Easy to use and good value

Easy to use and good value. Very informative and I will use again

5 star rating on Trustpilot

1st June 2026

Excellent study material and trained…

Excellent study material and trained well

5 star rating on Trustpilot

1st June 2026

Quick, Easy, Simples!

Answered my initial concerns raised by email to enable me to complete my order.

5 star rating on Trustpilot

29th May 2026

Always find Virtual College very good

Always find Virtual College very good. (Tried a different provider to save money but it was a waste of money/scam so will stay with trusted Virtual College).

5 star rating on Trustpilot

29th May 2026

Good course

Good course, well written, like that the videos also had a text option so can just read instead, already looking at other courses. Highly recommend

5 star rating on Trustpilot

27th May 2026

Great value for money

Great value for money. Easy and informative platform to learn from

5 star rating on Trustpilot

26th May 2026

The content of this course was fully…

The content of this course was fully compliant.

5 star rating on Trustpilot

18th May 2026

Easily accessible

It was easy to log onto course which included video and text which made it easy to remember information

5 star rating on Trustpilot

18th May 2026

Amazing professional easy…

Amazing professional easy recommendations

5 star rating on Trustpilot

17th May 2026

Very cool

Very easy to use and make you to understand fast!

Excellent

4.8 out of 5 stars

4.8 out of 5

16326 Reviews on

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