Mandatory training is the training an organisation requires its employees to complete so they can work safely, effectively and in accordance with their role. It usually covers essential areas such as safeguarding, health and safety, infection prevention and control, fire safety, moving and handling, basic life support and medication awareness. The precise requirements will depend on the service, the employee’s responsibilities and the needs of the people they support.

Everyone working in health and social care will require some form of mandatory training, including care workers, nurses, support workers, managers and other employees. However, not every employee needs the same courses. Employers should identify the training required for each role by considering individual responsibilities, workplace risks, regulatory requirements and the needs of the people using the service.

Statutory training is required by legislation or because a statutory body has instructed an organisation to provide it. Mandatory training is training that an employer or commissioner considers essential for the safe and effective delivery of a service. In practice, an organisation’s mandatory training programme will often include both statutory requirements and additional subjects relevant to its workforce.

There is no single refresher period that applies to every mandatory training subject, we do recommend an annual refresher. The appropriate frequency will depend on legislation, recognised guidance, the employee’s role, the risks involved and the organisation’s own policies. Training should also be reviewed when people’s needs change, new equipment or activities are introduced, guidance is updated, or concerns arise about an employee’s knowledge or competence.