ICTQual Level 1 Award in Health and Social Care
In today’s rapidly expanding health and social care sector, there is a growing demand for skilled, caring, and dedicated professionals. The ICTQual Level 1 Award in Health and Social Care is an ideal starting qualification for individuals who wish to begin a meaningful career in this rewarding field. It provides learners with essential foundational knowledge, basic practical skills, and professional values required to deliver safe and supportive care.
This qualification introduces learners to key areas such as health and well-being, the roles and responsibilities of care workers, and the importance of maintaining hygiene, safety, and safeguarding standards in care environments. It focuses on both theoretical understanding and practical awareness, helping learners build confidence to work effectively in entry-level care roles.
As an introductory pathway into the sector, the ICTQual Level 1 Award in Health and Social Care also develops important personal qualities such as empathy, responsibility, and professionalism. These qualities are essential for anyone working in care settings and supporting vulnerable individuals.
This qualification is suitable for learners who wish to progress into further training, higher-level studies, or entry-level employment in health and social care. It provides a strong first step towards building a career that makes a positive difference in the lives of individuals, families, and communities.
Level 1 Award in Health and Social Care
To enrol in ICTQual Level 1 Award in Health and Social Care learner must meet the following entry requirements:
This qualification, the ICTQual Level 1 Award in Health and Social Care, consists of 6 mandatory units.
- Introduction to Health and Social Care
- Regulatory Compliance and Standards
- Health and Safety in Care Settings
- Personal Care and Hygiene
- Equality and Diversity
- Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology
Learning Outcomes for the ICTQual Level 1 Award in Health and Social Care:
Introduction to Health and Social Care
- Gain a clear understanding of the purpose, scope, and importance of health and social care services within society.
- Explore the different settings where care is delivered, such as residential care homes, hospitals, and community services.
- Identify the key roles, responsibilities, and professional standards expected of health and social care workers.
- Understand the significance of empathy, respect, dignity, and confidentiality when supporting individuals.
- Demonstrate awareness of ethical values and principles that guide good care practices.
Regulatory Compliance and Standards
- Understand the main laws, codes of practice, and regulations that govern health and social care in the workplace.
- Recognise the role of regulatory bodies and care standards in ensuring high-quality and safe service delivery.
- Develop an awareness of organisational policies and procedures that support compliance in care environments.
- Understand how to maintain accurate records and follow safeguarding principles to protect vulnerable individuals.
- Recognise the consequences of failing to meet required standards and the importance of accountability in care.
Health and Safety in Care Settings
- Identify common hazards, risks, and challenges that can occur in health and social care environments.
- Develop practical skills in safe working practices, including correct manual handling techniques and infection control.
- Understand the importance of conducting and following risk assessments to reduce harm to service users and staff.
- Learn emergency procedures such as fire safety, first aid awareness, and responding to accidents.
- Recognise the importance of personal protective equipment (PPE) and hygiene in maintaining safety.
Personal Care and Hygiene
- Understand the principles and importance of maintaining high standards of personal hygiene for both care workers and service users.
- Learn how to assist individuals with personal care needs such as washing, dressing, toileting, and nutrition, while preserving dignity.
- Develop awareness of infection prevention techniques to reduce cross-contamination in care settings.
- Apply safe and respectful methods when supporting personal routines, ensuring individuals feel comfortable and valued.
- Recognise how good hygiene practices contribute to overall health, wellbeing, and quality of life.
Equality and Diversity
- Understand the principles of equality, diversity, inclusion, and anti-discriminatory practice in health and social care.
- Recognise how prejudice, bias, and stereotyping can negatively affect service users and care delivery.
- Identify strategies for promoting inclusivity and ensuring that individuals receive fair, respectful, and person-centred care.
- Understand cultural awareness and how to adapt care to meet the needs of people from different backgrounds.
- Develop skills to challenge discrimination and uphold dignity, respect, and human rights in care environments.
Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology
- Gain foundational knowledge of the human body, including major organs, body systems, and their functions.
- Understand the link between body systems (e.g., respiratory, circulatory, digestive, and musculoskeletal) and overall health.
- Recognise common illnesses, conditions, and disabilities that may affect individuals receiving care.
- Explore how anatomy and physiology knowledge supports safe and effective care practices.
- Apply this basic understanding to real-life scenarios in health and social care settings.
The ICTQual Level 1 Award in Health and Social Care provides learners with essential introductory knowledge and basic skills needed to begin a career in the care sector. It builds a strong foundation in understanding care principles, communication, and supporting individuals in health and social care environments.
- Progression to the ICTQual Level 2 Award in Health and Social Care
- Entry into healthcare assistant support roles in care homes
- Opportunities in hospital support and patient care assistance
- Development into home care and domiciliary support services
- Roles in elderly care and personal support work
- Entry into community care and voluntary support services
- Progression into disability support assistant positions
- Opportunities in basic mental health support services
- Development towards junior care worker roles in healthcare settings
- Improved employability in public and private health and social care organisations
