ProQual Level 2 Certificate in Healthcare and Social Care Support Skills

The ProQual Level 2 Certificate in Healthcare and Social Care Support Skills provides a comprehensive foundation for individuals seeking to begin or progress within the care sector. This nationally recognised programme equips learners with the essential theoretical knowledge and practical understanding required to deliver safe, effective, and compassionate support. The curriculum covers core areas such as communication, duty of care, safeguarding, equality and inclusion, as well as the fundamental principles of person-centred practice. Successful completion confirms that an individual possesses the baseline competencies necessary to work under supervision within a range of health and social care settings, forming a solid platform for professional development.

This qualification emphasises the development of transferable skills that are highly valued across the care continuum. Participants will explore topics including mental health awareness, learning disability support, and the promotion of dignity in care. The content is designed to be both accessible and rigorous, enabling learners to build confidence in their abilities while understanding the importance of regulatory compliance and ethical practice. Assessment is conducted through portfolio building, allowing candidates to demonstrate their understanding through written tasks and reflective accounts, ensuring the qualification remains relevant to real-world working environments and current industry standards.

The ProQual Level 2 Certificate in Healthcare and Social Care Support Skills is an ideal choice for those wishing to formalise their experience or change career paths within the caring professions. Upon achievement, learners may choose to pursue further certifications in specialised areas such as dementia care, palliative care, or adult support services, as well as more advanced diplomas that explore leadership and management functions. This qualification stands alone as a meaningful marker of commitment and capability, opening doors to enhanced employment opportunities while ensuring that the highest standards of care are consistently maintained across all service delivery areas.

Program Highlights

Study Units

To achieve the ProQual Level 2 Award in Healthcare and Social Care Support Skills qualification candidates must achieve 6 credits from any combination of units.

Sr#	Unit Title	Credit Value	GLH
1	Implement person centred approaches in health and social care	5	33
2	Principles of safeguarding and protection in health and social care	3	26
3	Assist in the administration of medication	4	25
4	Carry out personal hygiene for individuals unable to care for themselves	3	23
5	Support individuals with speech and language disorders to develop their communication skills	4	28
6	Perform the non-scrubbed circulating role for perioperative procedures	3	23
7	Minimise the risk of infection when transporting and storing healthcare waste	3	20
8	Assist in the issuing of prescribed items	3	15
9	Assist in the manufacture and assembly of medicinal products	7	20
10	Assist in the preparation of documentation, materials and other items for manufacture and assembly of medicinal products	10	40
11	Support individuals to carry out their own health care procedures	2	15
12	Provide support for therapy sessions	2	14
13	Contribute to the discharge of individuals to carers	2	14
14	Paediatric Emergency First Aid	1	10
15	Introduction to communication in health, social care or children’s and young people’s settings	3	23
16	Support individuals to meet personal care needs	2	16
17	Contribute to the safe use of medical devices in the perioperative environment	4	29
18	Causes and Spread of Infection	2	20
19	Prepare documentation, materials, components and other items for the preparation of aseptic products	6	10
20	Introduction to duty of care in health, social care or children’s and young people’s settings	1	9
21	Provide support for mobility	2	14
22	Assist others to plan presentations	2	16
23	Order Routine Pharmaceutical Stock	3	11
24	Dementia Awareness	2	17
25	Move and position individuals in accordance with their plan of care	4	26
26	Support individuals to manage continence	3	19
27	Handle information in health and social care settings	1	10
28	The role of the health and social care worker	2	14
29	Obtain and test specimens from individuals	2	12
30	Prepare individuals for healthcare activities	3	17
31	Assist in planning and evaluating learning activities	3	22
32	Assist the practitioner to carry out health care activities	2	13
33	Minimise the risk of infection during the removal of used linen	2	15
34	Inform an individual of discharge arrangements	2	13
35	Understand the context of supporting individuals with learning disabilities	4	35
36	Select and wear appropriate personal protective equipment for work in health care settings	2	15
37	Monitor and maintain the environment and resources during and after clinical / therapeutic activities	3	20
38	Prepare and dress for scrubbed clinical roles	4	28
39	Care for individuals with naso-gastric tubes	3	20
40	The principles of Infection Prevention and Contro	3	30
41	Assist with the provision of a pharmacy service to meet individuals’ needs	3	10
42	Contribute to the effectiveness of teams	3	5
43	Introduction to personal development in health, social care or children’s and young people’s settings	3	23
44	Support individuals who are distressed	3	21
45	Support individuals undergoing healthcare activities	3	22
46	Prepare equipment for intraoperative cell salvage blood processing	4	26
47	Assist in receiving, handling and dispatching clinical specimens	2	17
48	Assist in the sale of medicines and products	8	50
49	Receive Pharmaceutical Stock	3	9
50	Prepare aseptic products	10	40
51	Prepare and apply dressings and drains to individuals in the perioperative environment	2	18
52	Planning and Monitoring Work	2	8
53	Cleaning, Decontamination and Waste Management	2	20
54	Ensure your own Actions Reduce risks to Health and Safety	2	8
55	Introduction to equality and inclusion in health, social care or children’s and young people’s settings	2	20
56	Provide agreed support for foot care	3	23
57	Contribute to health and safety in health and social care	4	33
58	Support independence in the tasks of daily living	5	33
59	Prepare equipment for intraoperative cell salvage blood collection	2	17
60	Maintaining quality standards in the health sector	1	8
61	Emergency First Aid Skills	1	10
62	Assemble prescribed items	3	15
63	Support participation in learning and development activities	3	23
64	Provide support for sleep	2	13
65	Remove wound closure materials	3	24
66	Support individuals to eat and drink	2	15
67	Undertake agreed pressure area care	4	30
68	Meet food safety requirements when providing food and drink for individuals	2	15
69	Understand loss and grief in end of life care	3	22
70	Understand how to work in end of life care	3	28
71	Service improvements in the health sector	2	15

Sr#	Unit Title	Credit Value	GLH
1	Work with babies and young children to promote their development and learning	6	45
2	Engage in personal development in health, social care or children’s and young people’s settings	3	10
3	Support individuals with multiple conditions and/or disabilities	4	31
4	Support individuals who are bereaved	4	30
5	Prepare for and carry out extended feeding techniques	4	27
6	Provide support to continue recommended therapies	3	20
7	Insert and secure nasogastric tubes	4	30
8	Develop positive relationships with children and young people	4	30
9	Provide advice and information to enable parents to promote the health and well-being of their newborn babies	3	22
10	Facilitate and monitor housing and accommodation services to support individuals with mental health needs	5	32
11	Collaborate in the assessment of environmental and social support in the community	4	23
12	Influencing Others at Work	1	6
13	Care for the physical and nutritional needs of babies and young children	6	45
14	Support families who have a child with a disability	3	23
15	Support individuals to manage their finances	3	20
16	Obtain venous blood samples	3	24
17	Implement therapeutic group activities	4	25
18	Collate and communicate health information to individuals	3	20
19	Provide information and advice to individuals on eating to maintain optimum nutritional status	5	38
20	Assist in the implementation of programmes to increase mobility, movement and functional independence	4	28
21	Receive and handle clinical specimens within the sterile field	4	30
22	Prepare anaesthetic environment and provide support for pre and post-operative anaesthesia and recovery	5	38
23	Make recommendations for the use of physical resources in a health setting	5	33
24	Maintaining quality standards in the health sector	2	13
25	Understand Models of Disability	3	26
26	Support individuals to access and use services and facilities	4	25
27	Promote and implement health and safety in health and social care	6	43
28	Support young people with a disability to make the transition into adulthood	5	40
29	Understand mental well-being and mental health promotion	3	14
30	Carry out vision screening	4	27
31	Assist professionals to support individuals from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds to access speech and language therapy services	5	35
32	Implement hydrotherapy programmes for individuals and groups	5	35
33	Deliver exercise sessions to improve individuals’ health and wellbeing	5	32
34	Provide support to the surgical team when preparing individuals for operative and invasive procedures	4	32
35	Facilitate person centred assessment, planning, implementation and review	6	45
36	Work in partnership with families to support individuals	4	27
37	Support individuals to develop and run support groups	3	24
38	Monitor own work practice in health, social care or children’s and young people’s settings	3	20
39	Perform first line calibration on clinical equipment to ensure it is fit for use	3	20
40	Monitor and review individuals progress in relation to maintaining optimum nutritional status	3	26
41	Give presentations to groups	4	26
42	Support individuals in undertaking their chosen activities	4	24
43	Control the use of physical resources in a health setting	3	25
44	Support children and young people experiencing transitions	3	28
45	Promote communication in health, social care or children’s and young people’s settings	3	10
46	Contribute to the prevention of aggressive and abusive behaviour of people	4	26
47	Service improvement in the health sector	3	20
48	Understand the process and experience of dementia	3	22
49	Understand Physical Disability	3	22
50	Support individuals with a learning disability to access healthcare	3	25
51	Undertake urethral catheterisation processes	4	28
52	Promote good practice in handling information in health and social care settings	2	16
53	Understand mental health problems	3	14
54	Perform routine Electrocardiograph ECG Procedures	4	30
55	Undertake treatments and dressings of lesions and wounds	4	25
56	Adapt and fit healthcare equipment, medical devices, assistive technology, or products, to meet individuals’ needs	6	37
57	Administer oral nutritional products to individuals	5	35
58	Promote effective communication with individuals with sensory loss	4	30
59	Work with other professionals and agencies to support individuals with physical disability	3	23
60	Support individuals to access housing and accommodation services	4	24
61	Identify information requirements in a health context	4	30
62	Prepare and reproduce permanent radiographic images	4	23
63	Develop and prepare speech and language therapy resources for alternative and augmentative communication AAC use	4	25
64	Carry out wound drainage care	4	32
65	Prepare and provide surgical instrumentation and supplementary items for the surgical team	6	43
66	Care for a newly born baby when the mother is unable to do so	4	32
67	Understand Child and Young Person Development	4	30
68	Provide support to maintain and develop skills for everyday life	4	28
69	Facilitate learning and development activities to meet individual needs and preferences	5	35
70	Enable individuals with behavioural difficulties to develop strategies to change their behaviour	8	41
71	Reprocess endoscopy equipment	4	30
72	Support individuals with cognition and learning difficulties	5	34
73	Assist in testing individuals’ abilities prior to planning physical activities	5	38
74	Support individuals to manage dysphagia	5	35
75	Provide advice on foot care for individuals with diabetes	3	23
76	Transport, transfer and position individuals and equipment within the perioperative environment	5	32
77	Understand Sensory Loss	3	21
78	Support families who are affected by Acquired Brain Injury	3	30
79	Support individuals during a period of change	4	29
80	Perform intravenous cannulation	4	34
81	Care for individuals with urethral catheters	4	30
82	Conduct routine maintenance on clinical equipment	4	30
83	Assist and support individuals to use alternative and augmentative communication systems _AAC	5	35
84	Measure and record individuals’ body fluid balance in a perioperative environment	4	23
85	Support parents/carers to interact with and care for their newborn baby	4	30
86	Deliver training through demonstration and instruction	3	21
87	Principles for implementing duty of care in health, social care or children’s and young people’s settings	1	5
88	Promote Child and Young Person Development	3	25
89	Develop and sustain effective working relationships with staff in other agencies	4	24
90	Undertake physiological measurements	3	23
91	Undertake stoma care	4	30
92	Assure the effective functioning of radiographic image processing equipment	4	25
93	Operate equipment for intraoperative cell salvage blood collection	5	40
94	Advise and inform individuals on managing their condition	5	31
95	Assist others to monitor individuals’ progress in managing dysphagia	5	38
96	Support carers to meet the care needs of individuals	5	30
97	Maintain pharmaceutical stock	3	4
98	Anatomy and Physiology for Maternity Support Workers	2	20
99	Receive prescriptions from individuals	3	15
100	Understand how to support individuals with autistic spectrum conditions	3	28
101	Support Individuals with Specific Communication Needs	5	35
102	Obtain and test capillary blood samples	4	30
103	Support individuals at the end of life	7	53
104	Contribute to effective multidisciplinary team working	3	20
105	Analyse and present health related data and information	4	30
106	Remove wound drains	4	27
107	Develop activities and materials to enable individuals to reach specific communication goals	5	38
108	Operate equipment for intraoperative cell salvage blood processing and complete intraoperative cell salvage blood process	5	39
109	Support parents/carers and those in a parental role to care for babies during their first year	5	36
110	Obtain a client history	3	22
111	Manage the availability of physical resources to meet service delivery needs in a health setting	5	33
112	Administer medication to individuals, and monitor the effects	5	30
113	Assist in the Issuing of Pharmaceutical Stock	4	5
114	Undertake an in-process accuracy check of assembled prescribed items prior to the final accuracy check	4	11
115	Promote equality and inclusion in health, social care or children’s and young people’s settings	2	8
116	Understand the impact of Acquired Brain Injury on individuals	3	28
117	Support individuals to live at home	4	25
118	Promote person centred approaches in health and social care	6	41
119	Undertake tissue viability risk assessments	3	26
120	Interact with and support individuals using telecommunications	5	36
121	Manufacture equipment or medical devices for individuals within healthcare	4	30
122	Provide support for individuals with communication and interaction difficulties	5	39
123	Monitor individuals’ progress in relation to managing their body weight and nutrition	3	26
124	Assist in implementing treatment programmes for individuals with severely reduced movement/mobility	5	29
125	Assist in the delivery of perioperative care and support to individuals	4	31
126	Examine the feet of individuals with diabetes	4	32

Entry Requirements

There are no formal barriers to beginning this qualification, and the following requirements are designed to be inclusive whilst ensuring that all learners can successfully engage with the programme content and assessment methods.

Age Requirements: Learners must be at least 16 years of age. This ensures that individuals have the maturity and emotional resilience required to engage with topics relating to vulnerability, safeguarding, and the provision of dignified care.
Educational Background: While no specific prior qualifications are mandatory, learners may benefit from having completed foundational certifications such as the Level 1 Award in Introduction to Health and Social Care or basic first aid qualifications. Relevant diplomas at a comparable level, including those in customer service, childcare, or volunteering, also provide a helpful knowledge base. Achievement of the ProQual Level 2 Award in Healthcare and Social Care Support Skills is particularly advantageous and serves as a natural stepping stone into this Certificate.
Language Proficiency: Learners require a functional level of literacy in English, as the course involves written assignments, reflective accounts, and the interpretation of care documentation. A minimum equivalent to Entry Level 3 or GCSE grade D/3 in English is recommended, though reasonable adjustments and additional support can be made available where necessary.

These entry criteria are intended to be supportive rather than restrictive, ensuring that the qualification remains accessible to a wide range of individuals who share a common commitment to delivering high-quality care. Whether building upon previous certifications such as the Level 1 Diploma in Introduction to Health and Social Care or beginning a new professional journey with no prior qualifications, all learners are welcomed onto a programme that values dedication and potential above all else.

Learning Outcomes

The ProQual Level 2 Certificate in Healthcare and Social Care Support Skills is designed to provide learners with a comprehensive understanding of the essential knowledge and skills required to excel in the healthcare and social care support field. Upon successful completion of this certificate, learners will be able to demonstrate the following learning outcomes:

Understand the Healthcare and Social Care Sector:
- Describe the key principles, values, and policies that underpin the healthcare and social care sector.
- Explain the roles and responsibilities of healthcare and social care professionals within different care settings.
Effective Communication Skills:
- Demonstrate effective communication techniques when interacting with service users, colleagues, and healthcare professionals.
- Show an understanding of the importance of confidentiality and privacy in healthcare and social care settings.
Promote Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion:
- Recognize and respect the diversity of service users and colleagues.
- Understand the importance of promoting equality and inclusion in healthcare and social care practice.
Health and Safety in Healthcare and Social Care Settings:
- Identify potential hazards and risks in the workplace and implement measures to ensure the safety of service users and themselves.
- Understand the importance of infection prevention and control.
Person-Centered Care and Support:
- Apply person-centered approaches to provide high-quality care and support to service users.
- Recognize the importance of maintaining the dignity and autonomy of service users.
Promote and Support Well-being:
- Assist service users in maintaining their physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
- Understand the importance of promoting a healthy lifestyle and supporting service users in their choices.
Safeguarding and Protecting Vulnerable Individuals:
- Recognize signs of abuse and neglect and know how to report concerns.
- Understand the legal and ethical responsibilities related to safeguarding vulnerable individuals.
Working Effectively in a Team:
- Collaborate effectively with colleagues and other professionals in healthcare and social care settings.
- Demonstrate effective teamwork and communication to provide coordinated care.
Personal and Professional Development:
- Identify opportunities for personal and professional development within the healthcare and social care sector.
- Reflect on personal practice and seek opportunities for improvement.
Promote Independence and Empowerment:
- Support service users in developing skills and confidence to live independently.
- Encourage service users to make informed choices and decisions about their care and support.
Documentation and Record Keeping:
- Maintain accurate and confidential records of care and support provided.
- Understand the importance of clear and concise documentation in healthcare and social care.
End of Life Care:
- Provide sensitive and compassionate care to individuals at the end of life.
- Understand the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of end-of-life care.

Successful completion of the ProQual Level 2 Certificate in Healthcare and Social Care Support Skills demonstrates competence in these key areas, equipping learners with the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career in healthcare and social care support.

Target Audiences

The ProQual Level 2 Certificate in Healthcare and Social Care Support Skills is designed for individuals who are either new to the care sector or already working in entry-level support roles and wish to formalise their knowledge and skills. This qualification is suitable for anyone committed to delivering compassionate, person-centred care and seeking to establish a recognised foundation for their professional development within health and social care environments. It offers a balanced blend of theoretical understanding and practical application, making it ideal for those who have completed an introductory Award and are now ready to expand their knowledge further.

New Entrants to the Care Sector – Individuals looking to begin a career in healthcare or social care who require a nationally recognised qualification to demonstrate their readiness for employment in support worker, care assistant, or domiciliary care roles.
Existing Support Workers and Care Assistants – Those already employed in roles such as residential care workers, home care assistants, or day service supporters who wish to gain a formal certificate that confirms their competence and enhances their professional confidence.
Volunteers in Care Settings – Unpaid carers or volunteers working in hospices, community groups, or charitable organisations who want to validate their practical experience and develop a deeper understanding of best practice in care provision.
School Leavers and Career Changers – Individuals aged 16 and above who are exploring the caring professions as a long-term career pathway and require an accessible, entry-level qualification that opens doors to employment and further certifications.
Holders of the ProQual Level 2 Award – Learners who have successfully completed the Award level and are now seeking to build upon that foundation with a more comprehensive Certificate that offers greater depth and broader coverage of care topics.
Individuals with Related Diplomas or Certificates – Learners who already hold qualifications in areas such as Level 1 Diploma in Introduction to Health and Social Care, basic safeguarding certifications, or diplomas in childcare, early years, or health-related subjects, and wish to build upon this foundation with a more comprehensive care-focused programme.

This qualification is for anyone who believes that quality care changes lives and is ready to take the next meaningful step towards making a difference. Whether you are just leaving school, returning to work, building upon an introductory Award, or seeking recognition for the vital work you already do, this Certificate welcomes your ambition and supports your growth every step of the way. It is for those who are ready to move beyond the basics and demonstrate a genuine commitment to excellence in care.

Frequently Asked Questions

The course covers a variety of topics, including communication skills, understanding and promoting the rights and well-being of individuals, principles of infection prevention and control, and health and safety in the workplace. It is designed to provide a comprehensive foundation for healthcare and social care roles.

Yes, many training providers offer online or blended learning options for this qualification, making it accessible to a wider range of learners.

The duration of the course can vary depending on factors such as the learner’s prior experience and the mode of study (full-time, part-time, or distance learning). Typically, it can be completed in six months to a year.

Yes, upon successful completion of this certificate, learners may choose to advance to higher-level qualifications in healthcare and social care, such as Level 3 or Level 4 diplomas. This qualification can be a stepping stone to career advancement within the sector.