Safeguarding children: the case for mandatory training.

The case for safeguarding children and child protection training for all staff working in the health services is compelling. This paper examines the legislation and guidance underpinning the statutory status of this training, and offers an insight into integrating the NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework into a safeguarding children training strategy for health service employees. The paper identifies what level of training is appropriate for all health staff, including clinical staff, non-clinical staff and volunteers. It further explores the introduction of the strategy within primary care trust, foundation trust and primary care (general practice, dental staff and other commissioned services).