ProQual Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare and Social Care Support Skills

ProQual Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare and Social Care Support Skills is an ideal qualification to take your career to the next level. This recognized diploma provides essential knowledge and practical skills to support individuals across health and social care settings, opening up opportunities for progression and specialization.Whether you work in a hospital, residential care home, community setting, or domiciliary care, this qualification is tailored to real-life responsibilities and ensures you meet the growing demands of the care sector.

The ProQual Level 3 Diploma is a nationally regulated qualification designed for those working in healthcare and social care environments. It focuses on developing a deeper understanding of the core principles of care, person-centered support, and professional standards, preparing learners for more responsible roles in care teams.

Why Choose this Qualification

The ProQual Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare and Social Care Support Skills is a highly respected and practical qualification designed to meet the real-world needs of care professionals. Here’s why it’s the right choice for those looking to grow within the health and social care sector:

Gain Essential Safety Knowledge: Learn how to identify and control machinery risks to ensure safe operation.
Industry-Recognized Qualification: Boost your credibility with a widely recognized safety qualification.
Ensure Compliance: Stay up-to-date with health and safety regulations to avoid legal issues.
Practical Skills: Apply what you learn directly to real-world machinery operations and safety practices.
Reduce Operational Risks: Minimize accidents, downtime, and repair costs by following best safety practices.
Career Advancement: Open doors to new job opportunities and increase your earning potential.
Flexible Learning: Study at your own pace through online or classroom options that fit your schedule.
Accessible to All: No formal qualifications needed, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced operators.

Course Overview

Ofqual Regulated Qualification

Course Level: Level 3

Average Completion Time:
3-6 Months

minimum of 37 credits

Evidence & Assignment Based

Inspire Institute of Technologies is Approved Satellite Centre of ProQual

Qualification Structure

To achieve the ProQual Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare and Social Care Support Skills: Candidates must achieve a minimum of 37 credits: a minimum of 25 credits must be from the Level 3 units and the remaining 12 credits can be from any combination of units from the Level 2 or Level 3 or Level 4 units

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

Level 3 Units

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 therapie	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	3	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	Undertake an in-process accuracy check of assembled prescribed items prior to the final accuracy check	4	11
114	Promote equality and inclusion in health, social care or children’s and young people’s settings	2	8
115	Understand the impact of Acquired Brain Injury on individuals	3	28
116	Support individuals to live at home	4	25
117	Promote person centred approaches in health and social care	6	41
118	interact with and support individuals using telecommunications	5	36
119	Undertake tissue viability risk assessments	3	26
120	Manufacture equipment or medical devices for individuals within healthcare	4	30
121	Provide support for individuals with communication and interaction difficulties	5	39
122	Monitor individuals’ progress in relation to managing their body weight and nutrition	3	26
123	Assist in implementing treatment programmes for individuals with severely reduced movement/mobility	5	29
124	Assist in the delivery of perioperative care and support to individuals	4	31
125	Examine the feet of individuals with diabetes	4	32
126	Communicate with individuals about promoting their health and wellbeing while working as a Health Trainer	3	15
127	Understand How to Safeguard the Wellbeing of Children and Young People	3	25
128	Support Children and Young People’s Health and Safety	2	15
129	Develop Positive Relationship with Children, Young People and Others Involved in Their Care	1	8
130	Working Together for the Benefit of Children and Young People	2	15
131	Understand How to Support Positive Outcomes for Children and Young People	3	25
132	Assessment and planning with children and young people	5	35
133	Promote the wellbeing and resilience of children and young people	4	30
134	Professional practice in children and young people’s social care	4	30
135	Support individuals to prepare for and settle in to new home environments	3	23
136	Promote positive behaviour	6	44
137	Support use of medication in social care settings	5	40
138	Provide information and advice to children and young people	3	22
139	Support young people to move towards independence and manage their lives	3	20
140	Work with children and young people in a residential care setting	5	35
141	Support positive practice with children and young people with speech, language and communication needs	4	28
142	Support children or young people in their own home	4	30
143	Support positive attachments for children and young people	7	55
144	Support individuals with autistic spectrum conditions	4	33
145	Prepare, load and operate decontamination equipment	3	23
146	Carry out sterilisation and product release of reuseable medical devices	3	24
147	Understand how to monitor the decontamination process	2	19
148	Monitor and solve customer service problems	1	8
149	Plan, allocate and monitor work of a team	6	40
150	Understand Stroke Care Management	5	25
151	Conduct hearing assessments	4	36
152	Conduct External Ear Examinations	5	38
153	Carry out intravenous infusion	4	28
154	Carry out blood collection from fixed or central lines	4	30
155	Diabetes Awareness	4	30
156	Introduction to the role and responsibilities of a Health Trainer	6	46
157	Establishing and developing relationships with communities while working as a Health Trainer	4	20
158	Enable individuals to change their behaviour to improve their health and wellbeing while working as a Health Trainer	3	10
159	Clinical Imaging Support Worker: Anatomy and Terminology	5	25
160	Clinical Imaging Support Worker: Fundamentals of Care	3	24
161	Clinical Imaging Support Worker: Radiation Protection and Awareness	6	48
162	The Use of Contrast Media in Clinical Imaging	3	24
163	Speech and Language Support for 11-16s: From Theory into Practice	2	15
164	Speech and Language Support for 5-11s: From Theory into Practice	9	63
165	Communication Support for 0-25s with Severe and Complex Needs: From Theory into Practice	9	63
166	Speech and language support for under 5s: From theory into practice	9	63
167	Receive pharmaceutical stock	3	9

Level 4 Units

Sr#	Unit Title	Credit Value	GLH
1	Support disabled children and young people and those with specific requirements	6	45
2	Enable children and young people to understand their health and well-being	5	38
3	Develop and agree individualised care plans for babies and families	5	38
4	Understand the needs of children and young people who are vulnerable and experiencing poverty and disadvantage	5	40
5	Support individuals to access education, training or employment	4	31

About Trainer

Who Should Take This Course?

The ProQual Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare and Social Care Support Skills is designed for individuals who are already working or aspiring to work in care-related roles. It’s ideal for those who want to develop their skills, take on more responsibility, or progress within the health and social care sector.

This course is suitable for:

Healthcare Assistants
Individuals working in hospitals, clinics, or community healthcare settings who want to strengthen their support skills and pursue advanced roles.
Social Care Workers
Those providing personal or practical support to vulnerable individuals in residential or domiciliary settings.
Support Workers and Carers
Professionals assisting individuals with disabilities, mental health conditions, or long-term illnesses, who are looking to formalize their experience with a recognised qualification.
Home Care Providers
Workers offering care services in clients’ homes who want to improve the quality, safety, and professionalism of the care they deliver.
Care Coordinators or Supervisors (Aspiring or Current)
Those in or aiming for team leader or senior care roles who need formal training to progress.
Individuals Returning to the Care Sector
Those re-entering the workforce and looking to refresh their knowledge and meet updated care standards.
Entry-Level Staff Seeking Progression
Staff who have completed a Level 2 qualification or gained experience in the field and are now ready to move into a more advanced role.

This qualification is tailored for individuals who are passionate about providing high-quality care and are committed to growing their skills and responsibilities in a fast-growing and essential sector.

Course Benefits

Course Benefits of the ProQual Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare and Social Care Support Skills

Enhanced Career Opportunities
Gain the skills and recognition needed to advance into senior care roles such as care team leader, support supervisor, or specialist care worker.
Nationally Recognised Qualification
Awarded by ProQual and regulated by Ofqual, this diploma is widely respected across the UK care sector and valued by employers.
Practical, Work-Based Learning
The course is designed to fit around your existing job. You’ll develop and demonstrate your skills through real-life work activities, making your learning directly applicable.
Improved Quality of Care
Learn best practices in safeguarding, communication, person-centred care, and health & safety—enabling you to deliver better support to service users.
Pathway to Higher Education
This Level 3 diploma lays the foundation for further qualifications such as a Level 4 or 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management, helping you progress toward supervisory or managerial roles.
No Exams – Portfolio Assessment
Assessment is done through a portfolio of evidence, so there are no formal exams. Your everyday work supports your progress and demonstrates your competence.
Stronger Professional Confidence
Develop a deeper understanding of your role, responsibilities, and how to handle complex care situations—boosting your confidence and effectiveness at work.
Increased Employability
Whether you’re looking to change jobs, gain a promotion, or explore new care environments, this qualification strengthens your CV and showcases your commitment to excellence.
Support for Diverse Care Needs
Learn how to work with individuals from varied backgrounds, including those with disabilities, mental health needs, or long-term conditions.
Flexible Study Options
Many training providers offer online or blended learning, allowing you to study at your own pace while balancing work and life commitments.

Eligibility Criteria

Work Experience: While formal education is not required, candidates are expected to have some experience working in a healthcare or social care setting.
Current Role: Learners should ideally be currently employed or volunteering in a health or social care environment. The course requires the collection of real workplace evidence, so active involvement in a care-related role is essential.
Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 18 years old to register for this qualification.
Educational Background: There are no prior formal qualifications required to begin this diploma. The course is open to individuals with practical experience and a genuine desire to progress in the care sector.
Commitment: Applicants should demonstrate a strong interest and commitment to the healthcare and social care profession. A willingness to improve personal skills and contribute positively to the care of others is essential.
Basic Literacy and Numeracy: A reasonable level of literacy and numeracy skills is needed, as the course includes written assignments and practical record-keeping. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively and understand basic written instructions and numerical information.

The Qualification Process

Here is a step-by-step guide to help you understand the entire journey from pre registration to certification:

Self-Assessment:
Before beginning the course, candidates are encouraged to complete a self-assessment to evaluate their current knowledge, experience, and understanding of care practices.
Registration:
Candidates must register with an accredited training provider offering the ProQual qualification. During registration, personal details, work experience, and current role information are collected to confirm eligibility.
Induction:
Once registered, learners will undergo an induction process. This includes an overview of the course structure, assessment methods, required documentation, and expectations. It ensures that learners understand how the qualification will be delivered and supported.
Feedback and Revision:
Tutors and assessors will regularly review the submitted work and provide constructive feedback. If any evidence does not fully meet the standards, learners will be asked to revise or provide additional information to ensure full understanding and compliance.
Competence Evidence:
A key part of the process involves demonstrating practical competence in a real work setting. Assessors may observe learners on the job, or accept other forms of verified documentation showing how the learner applies knowledge and skills in their role.
Internal Quality Assurance (IQA):
All learner portfolios are reviewed by an Internal Quality Assurer (IQA) within the training provider. The IQA checks for consistency, fairness, and accuracy in assessment decisions to uphold ProQual’s standards.
External Verification:
Once internal checks are complete, an External Verifier from ProQual will review a sample of learner portfolios. This ensures the qualification is delivered and assessed in line with national standards and regulatory requirements.
Certification:
After successful completion of all required units and verification processes, learners are awarded the ProQual Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare and Social Care Support Skills. The certificate is issued by ProQual and officially recognises the learner’s competence and achievement.

This qualification process ensures that learners not only gain theoretical knowledge but also demonstrate practical competence in their current roles—making this diploma a valuable step forward in their health and social care careers.

FAQs

Yes, the ProQual Level 3 Diploma is an excellent starting point for individuals transitioning into the care sector.

The ProQual Level 3 Diploma focuses not just on generic care principles but also on support skills—emphasizing communication, dignity, and proactive assistance in a care environment. It’s particularly well-suited for those who wish to go beyond basic care delivery and build stronger professional capabilities.

Yes. Once completed, this diploma provides a foundation to specialise in areas such as dementia care, mental health support, learning disabilities, or palliative care.

Learners typically receive ongoing support from qualified assessors, mentors, or course coordinators. This includes guidance on gathering evidence, preparing assignments, and meeting assessment criteria.

While the qualification is commonly used in adult health and social care, it also applies to settings that support individuals with learning disabilities, mental health needs, or long-term conditions.

The assessment is portfolio-based and focuses on real-world evidence from your care role. You’ll submit written assignments, reflective accounts, workplace observations, and witness testimonies. There are no formal exams. Your portfolio is reviewed by an assessor, undergoes Internal Quality Assurance (IQA), and is verified by External Verifiers before you receive your ProQual Level 3 Diploma.

This qualification can support progression into roles such as Senior Care Assistant, Support Worker Supervisor, Healthcare Coordinator, or Specialist Care Assistant. It also builds a strong foundation for moving into leadership or further study in healthcare and social care management.