Safer Moving & Handling of People Training
Develop safer, person-centred moving and handling skills with our one-day practical training course in Devon. Designed for care and healthcare staff, covering risk assessment, mobility assistance, safe transfers and handling equipment.
One-Day Health & Social Care Training
Course Overview
Helping someone to move safely requires more than a lifting technique. Staff need to consider the person's needs, abilities, preferences, care plan, the environment and the equipment available.
Our Safer Moving & Handling of People – Principles and Practice course introduces person-centred moving and handling, relevant legal duties, risk assessment and supervised practical techniques for staff supporting people in care and support settings.
This is a one-day, non-regulated course for workplace groups. Practical activities must reflect the employer's procedures and the equipment available.
Who Should Attend?
Designed for staff who assist people with mobility, repositioning and transfers as part of their role.
Suitable for new staff and those requiring structured refresher training.
The course does not automatically authorise staff to use every type of handling equipment.
Typical Settings
- Residential and nursing care
- Domiciliary and community care
- Supported living services
- Disability support services
- Healthcare and rehabilitation teams
- Other organisations supporting mobility
Learning Outcomes
What Does the Course Cover?
Principles & Responsibilities
- Relevant health and safety duties
- Manual handling risk factors
- Employer procedures and reporting concerns
- Staff responsibilities and limitations
- When to stop and seek assistance
Person-Centred Assessment
- Individual handling assessments and care plans
- Communication, consent and dignity
- Promoting independence and participation
- Changes in ability, pain or condition
- Environmental and equipment checks
Moving & Handling Equipment
- Appropriate handling aids and their limitations
- Slide sheets and repositioning principles
- Hoists and slings: selection and safety considerations
- Equipment inspection and reporting defects
- Following manufacturer instructions and care plans
Supervised Practical Activities
- Safe assistance with everyday mobility
- Bed repositioning and transfer scenarios
- Communication and team coordination
- Demonstration of relevant equipment where available
- Trainer observation and individual feedback
Important: Specific hoist, sling and transfer techniques will only be taught or assessed where suitable equipment, competent instruction, safe conditions and relevant workplace procedures are in place.
Course Information
Duration, Delivery & Certification
One Day
Face-to-face training with discussion, demonstrations and supervised practical scenarios.
Delivered at suitable care or healthcare premises or another appropriately equipped venue.
Certificate of Completion
Learners who meet course completion requirements receive an Optimal First Aid Ltd Safer Moving & Handling of People Certificate.
This is not an RQF or awarding-organisation regulated qualification.
The employer remains responsible for individual risk assessments, suitable equipment, local procedures and confirming that staff are competent in the specific tasks they undertake. Additional equipment-specific training and assessment may be needed.
Training at Your Premises
On-Site Moving & Handling Training
On-site training helps staff connect course principles with the needs of the people they support.
Before confirming a course, we will discuss your setting, the learners' roles, available equipment and practical training requirements.
We support organisations across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and the wider South West, subject to trainer and equipment availability.
For staff handling objects, stock or equipment rather than people, ask about our Principles and Practice of Manual Handling course.
Enquire About Workplace Manual Handling →Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Handling of People FAQs
How long is the course?
One day, combining essential principles with supervised practical scenarios.
Does the course include hoists and slings?
These are covered as part of equipment selection and safe-use principles. Hands-on training and assessment depend on the equipment available, the trainer's competence and the employer's procedures. We will agree the practical scope before booking.
Can training be delivered in our care home?
Yes, provided the premises offer a suitable and safe environment for the agreed practical activities.
Will staff be competent after one day?
The course develops knowledge and practical skills, but competence must be confirmed for the specific people, equipment and tasks staff encounter. Some staff may need further supervised practice or equipment-specific assessment.
Is the course accredited?
No. It is a non-regulated Optimal First Aid Ltd workplace training course with a certificate of completion.
Is this suitable for domiciliary care workers?
Yes, where the training scope reflects their roles, the people they support and the handling equipment they use.
How often should training be refreshed?
Frequency should be based on risk, competence, employer policy and changes in equipment, care needs or working methods. There is no single statutory refresher interval for all workers.
Does this cover lifting boxes and stock?
The focus is on moving and handling people. For objects and workplace loads, see our Principles and Practice of Manual Handling course.
Private Group Bookings
Book Safer Moving & Handling of People Training
Tell us about your care setting, the number of staff requiring training and the equipment and transfer tasks they use. We'll confirm the practical training scope before arranging your course.
Discuss Your Training Requirements →
Contact Us
Submit the contact form and we’ll get back to you promptly.
Our friendly team is available Monday to Friday, 8am–5pm.
