Female Genital Mutilation
Level:
CPD
Duration:
3 hrs
Course code:
TD/2025/09038
Max group:
12
Understand FGM, its health impacts, legal obligations, and how to safeguard and support patients



Course Summary
Female Genital Mutilation
This course is designed for healthcare professionals to deepen their understanding of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), its health implications, and their role in safeguarding and supporting affected individuals. Participants will learn about the cultural and social contexts of FGM, its physical and psychological consequences, and the legal and ethical responsibilities of healthcare providers. The course also covers effective communication strategies and pathways for care and support. By the end of the course, attendees will feel confident in recognising FGM, providing compassionate care, and fulfilling their safeguarding duties. Key Learning Objectives: Understand FGM and Its Context: Learn about the types, prevalence, and cultural contexts of FGM. Explore the social and cultural factors contributing to its practice. Recognise the Health Implications of FGM: Understand the short- and long-term physical and psychological effects of FGM. Identify complications that may arise during medical assessments or childbirth. Know Your Legal and Ethical Responsibilities: Understand the legal framework, including the UK’s FGM Act and mandatory reporting requirements. Recognise your duty of care and safeguarding responsibilities as a healthcare professional. Identify and Respond to FGM: Recognise signs of FGM and individuals at risk. Learn how to initiate sensitive and appropriate conversations. Provide Supportive and Compassionate Care: Develop skills to provide trauma-informed care to affected individuals. Offer emotional and psychological support to patients and families. Work Within Multidisciplinary Teams: Understand the roles of different professionals in FGM care and safeguarding. Collaborate effectively to provide holistic and person-centred support. Promote Awareness and Prevention: Learn strategies to educate communities about the risks and illegality of FGM. Understand the importance of building trust and addressing cultural sensitivities. Develop Practical Skills: Handle safeguarding cases with confidence and professionalism. Refer patients to appropriate services and support networks. By completing this course, participants will gain the knowledge and skills to address FGM effectively, ensure the safety and dignity of affected individuals, and contribute to prevention and awareness efforts in their healthcare setting.





Course Contents
Introduction to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
Definition and types of FGM (WHO classifications)
Prevalence and geographic distribution Cultural, religious, and social contexts of FGM
Health Implications of FGM Immediate and long-term physical complications (e.g., infections, childbirth issues)
Psychological and emotional impacts of FGM
Impact on sexual and reproductive health
Legal and Ethical Framework Overview of the FGM Act and mandatory reporting requirements in the UK International laws and human rights frameworks against FGM Ethical considerations for healthcare professionals
Recognising FGM in Healthcare Settings
Signs and indicators of FGM in patients
Identifying individuals at risk of undergoing FGM
Understanding high-risk groups and scenarios
Safeguarding and Reporting FGM
Role of healthcare professionals in safeguarding
Procedures for mandatory reporting of FGM cases
Collaborating with child protection and social care services
Communication Skills for Sensitive Topics
Approaching conversations about FGM with cultural sensitivity
Building trust and ensuring patient confidentiality Supporting open and non-judgmental dialogue
Providing Trauma-Informed Care
Understanding the principles of trauma-informed care
Supporting emotional and psychological recovery
Developing care plans that respect individual needs and preferences
Multidisciplinary Collaboration Roles of different professionals in FGM care (e.g., midwives, social workers, counsellors)
Referral pathways for medical, legal, and psychological support
Effective teamwork in safeguarding and patient care
Community Education and Awareness
Promoting prevention and awareness in communities
Strategies to challenge cultural norms and advocate against FGM Engaging with community leaders and organisations
Practical Scenarios and Case Studies
Analysing real-life FGM cases to apply knowledge
Role-playing conversations with patients and families
Group discussions on best practices and ethical dilemmas
Summary and Next Steps
Recap of key learning points
Developing personal and organisational action plans
Resources for further learning and professional development

Assessment
The instructor conducts a single written assessments at the end of the course. Upon successful completion, learners will receive a three-year Level 3 Award in Principles of Safeguarding and Protecting Children, Young People or Vulnerable Adults (Level 6 in Scotland). No external assessors are required for this qualification.
Duration
The course requires a minimum of 7 hours, distributed over the day. While it is ideal to complete the course in one day, we can adjust the schedule to suit your specific needs, as long as the course is completed within 3 weeks of starting and each training session lasts at least two hours.

Certification Validity
This qualification has no formal expiry, however regular CPD and updates are recommended.



Further Information - Course Numbers
A maximum of 12 students can be accommodated on this course and all candidates must be a minimum of 18 years of age to qualify.
Assessment method: Activities, test paper.
Pre-requisite: None
Suggested progression:
recommended refresher training and CPD;