ICTQual Level 1 Award in Health and Social Care
In today’s fast-growing healthcare and social assistance sector, skilled and compassionate professionals are in high demand. The Level 1 Award in Health and Social Care is an essential entry-level qualification for individuals who want to begin a rewarding career in health and social care. This program provides learners with the foundational knowledge, practical skills, and professional values needed to deliver safe, effective, and supportive care.
The Level 1 Award in Health and Social Care qualification introduces learners to the core principles of healthcare, including promoting health and well-being, understanding the duties and responsibilities of care workers, and maintaining high standards of hygiene, safety, and safeguarding in care environments. By focusing on both theory and practical application, this award ensures that learners gain the confidence and competence required for entry-level roles in healthcare and social care services.
As the cornerstone of a career in care, the Level 1 Health and Social Care Award not only builds technical competence but also nurtures empathy, integrity, and professionalism qualities that define outstanding caregivers. This qualification is ideal for anyone aspiring to progress into further study, training, or employment in the health and social care sector. By completing this program, learners take the first step towards making a meaningful impact on individuals, families, and communities while contributing to a healthier, more supportive society.
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
Here are the learning outcomes for each study unit of 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.
Completing the Level 1 Award in Health and Social Care offers learners a valuable starting point for building a successful career in one of the fastest-growing sectors. This qualification not only develops a strong academic and practical foundation but also helps individuals understand the values of empathy, responsibility, and professionalism that are essential in the care profession. With this award, learners are well-positioned to continue their studies, enhance their skills, and progress into meaningful careers that make a real difference in people’s lives.
Progression to Higher Qualifications
- Advance to the Level 2 Certificate in Health and Social Care, which provides more detailed knowledge of safeguarding practices, person-centred care, and wellbeing management.
- Progress further to the Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care, which is often required for senior care roles, supervisory positions, or entry into nursing and midwifery pathways.
- Undertake specialised qualifications in areas such as childcare, elderly care, dementia support, learning disability care, or community-based health support.
- Use this qualification as a foundation for access courses leading to higher education in fields such as nursing, social work, healthcare science, or allied health professions.
Entry-Level Career Opportunities
- Start work as a care assistant, support worker, or healthcare assistant in hospitals, residential homes, nursing facilities, or day care centres.
- Explore opportunities in domiciliary care, providing direct support to individuals in their homes and helping with personal care, daily living activities, and companionship.
- Contribute to voluntary and community health projects, supporting vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with special needs.
- Gain valuable experience in health and social care support services, which serve as stepping stones to more advanced roles.
Professional Development and Specialisation
- Combine practical experience with continuous professional development (CPD) to build strong expertise in care practices and leadership.
- Specialise in high-demand fields such as mental health support, palliative care, learning disability care, or safeguarding and child protection.
- Progress towards roles such as team leader, shift supervisor, or care coordinator, supporting and managing junior staff within care settings.
- Develop a strong professional profile by engaging with industry workshops, seminars, and additional training in areas like first aid, infection control, and communication in care.
Long-Term Career Pathways
- Build a clear route towards professional careers such as nursing, social work, occupational therapy, healthcare management, or midwifery.
- Secure opportunities to work in diverse environments such as the NHS, private healthcare organisations, social services, or charitable care institutions.
- Gain international opportunities by aligning with global health and care standards, enabling learners to work abroad in healthcare and community support roles.
- Develop leadership and administrative skills that can lead to roles in care home management, healthcare administration, or policy-making in social care.