Chaperone Awareness (UK) - NEW

Welcome to our Chaperone Awareness (UK) Online Training Module. Upon completion, you will receive a certificate of completion. The course duration is approximately 1 hour and will earn you 1 CPD point. You have 6 months from the date of purchase to finish this training.


Chaperone Awareness (UK)
Course Duration: 1 Hour

Module 1: What is a chaperone
• Definition: an impartial person who provides support, reassurance, and an extra safeguard during examinations, especially intimate ones.
• Core principles: dignity, consent, privacy, safeguarding, professional boundaries.
• Where this applies: primary care, community services, acute settings, mental health, and social care.
Module 2: When to offer or arrange a chaperone
• Always offer for intimate examinations of any gender.
• Consider offering for non-intimate exams where the patient may feel vulnerable or where close proximity is required.
• Children and young people: provide an appropriate chaperone and record reasons if declined.
• If a trained chaperone is not available: reschedule unless delaying would risk harm, and document the decision.
Module 3: Who can act as a chaperone
• Suitable: trained staff member who understands the role, can observe the examination, and will raise concerns.
• Usually unsuitable: friends or relatives, due to lack of impartiality.
• Requirements: role-appropriate training, DBS where required, and awareness of safeguarding procedures.
Module 4: Step-by-step process
Before the examination
1. Explain the nature and purpose of the examination and that a chaperone is available.
2. Gain consent. Explicit verbal consent as a minimum. Use written consent if local policy requires it.
3. Maintain privacy. Use screens or curtains. Offer a same-gender chaperone if requested, where possible.
4. Record the offer, whether accepted or declined, and the name and role of the chaperone.
During the examination
• Chaperone is in the room with a clear line of sight to the procedure.
• Preserve dignity with appropriate draping and minimum exposure.
• Check comfort throughout. Stop if consent is withdrawn.
After the examination
• Debrief and answer questions.
• Document factually: who was present, what occurred, outcome, and any concerns.
Module 5: Safeguarding and escalation
• Use a person-led approach. Involve the person in decisions about their safety.
• Red flags: distress, disclosures, inconsistencies, or staff concerns during or after the exam.
• Action: follow local safeguarding policy, inform the senior clinician or manager, and escalate without delay.
• Recording: timely, accurate, objective notes; follow incident reporting and duty of candour where required.
Module 6: Inspection expectations and compliance evidence
Inspectors look for:
• A clear, current chaperone policy that staff can explain and apply.
• Visible information for patients in reception areas, clinical rooms, and on the website.
• Records that show the chaperone offer, whether accepted or declined, and the chaperone’s name and role.
• Evidence that safeguarding pathways are understood and used.
• Training logs and simple audits that show consistent documentation.



Learning outcomes
1. Define the role of a chaperone and explain how it protects patients and staff.
2. Decide when to offer, arrange, insist on, or postpone an examination until a trained chaperone is available.
3. Identify who is suitable to act as a chaperone and what training and checks they need.
4. Apply clear steps before, during, and after an examination, including consent, positioning, privacy, and documentation.
5. Recognise safeguarding concerns, record accurately, and escalate through local pathways using a person-centred approach.
6. Evidence compliance against inspection expectations within “Safe,” “Responsive,” and “Well-led.”


We hope you find this module informative and beneficial for your professional development in Chaperone Awareness (UK).

If you need more information about this course, please contact Train Healthcare directly at 0208 3266 704 or email contact@trainhealthcare.com.

Please note that refunds are not available for online training purchases.

Nursing and Midwife Council's (CPD Points).

Requirements:
It is necessary to complete 35 hours (35 Nursing CPD Points) of relevant CPD within the three-year period since your last registration renewal or since joining the register.
Of these 35 hours (35 Nursing CPD Points), a minimum of 20 hours (20 Nursing CPD Points), should be dedicated to participatory learning, which involves engaging in activities that facilitate interaction with other professionals.