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Course Description
This course teaches the importance of maintaining professional boundaries in the workplace. Participants will learn how to set, communicate, and respect boundaries to ensure a healthy, productive work environment.
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Who Should Attend
All professionals, particularly those in client-facing roles or those working in sensitive environments.
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Minimum Age
The certification is available to learners who are aged 16 and over. ​
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Course Validity
The certification does not expire. It is strongly recommended that the learner attends annual refresher training.
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Course learner ratio
Maximum number of students per course - 16
Course Delivery
This is a 1 day in person classroom course. The course is very interactive and participants must be prepared to be involved in the lessons.
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We are also in the process of making this an online course so learners have the choice in the near future.
Course Content
1. **What Are Professional Boundaries and Why Are They Important?**
- Definition of professional boundaries: Understanding the limits in professional relationships
- The difference between personal and professional boundaries
- The role of boundaries in maintaining ethical standards and professionalism
- The importance of boundaries in various settings: Healthcare, education, workplace, etc.
- How boundaries contribute to trust, respect, and healthy relationships
- The impact of maintaining vs. crossing professional boundaries
- Case studies illustrating the consequences of boundary violations
- The role of boundaries in preventing conflicts of interest and preserving integrity
2.**Power and Vulnerability**
- Understanding the power dynamics in professional relationships
- Recognizing the potential for exploitation or harm when boundaries are blurred
- The role of authority and influence in shaping power dynamics
- How to navigate power imbalances in professional settings
- Understanding the vulnerability of clients, patients, or subordinates in power relationships
- Ethical considerations when managing power and vulnerability
- Strategies for empowering others while maintaining professional boundaries
- Case studies exploring the misuse of power and its consequences
3. **Understand Potential Effects of Unclear Boundaries**
- Identifying the signs of unclear or crossed boundaries in professional relationships
- The emotional and psychological impact of boundary violations on both parties
- How unclear boundaries can lead to ethical dilemmas and conflicts
- The risk of burnout and compassion fatigue due to boundary issues
- The potential for role confusion and loss of professional identity
- Impact on team dynamics and workplace culture when boundaries are not respected
- Legal and professional consequences of boundary violations
- Strategies for recognizing and addressing boundary issues early
4.**Setting Clear Boundaries**
- Techniques for establishing and communicating professional boundaries effectively
- How to set boundaries with colleagues, clients, and supervisors
- The role of policies and guidelines in supporting boundary-setting
- Balancing approachability with professionalism
- How to handle situations where boundaries are tested or challenged
- The importance of consistency in maintaining boundaries
- Role-playing scenarios to practice boundary-setting in different contexts
- Developing a personal boundary plan: Identifying your limits and strategies
5.**Giving and Receiving Effective Feedback**
- The importance of feedback in maintaining professional boundaries
- Techniques for providing constructive and respectful feedback without crossing boundaries
- How to receive feedback gracefully and use it to reinforce boundaries
- The role of feedback in addressing boundary issues and preventing future problems
- Creating a feedback culture that supports clear and healthy boundaries
- Overcoming the discomfort of giving or receiving boundary-related feedback
- Using feedback to build stronger, more respectful professional relationships
- Practice exercises for delivering and accepting boundary-related feedback
How will I be assessed?
In this CPD certification course, our focus is on fostering your professional growth and ensuring you gain valuable, practical skills that you can immediately apply in your work. Instead of traditional pass/fail assessments, our approach is designed to support continuous learning and development.
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Throughout the course, you'll engage in various activities such as self-assessments, reflective exercises, role plays and practical assignments tailored to real-world scenarios. These are intended to help you track your progress, reflect on your learning, and identify areas for further development.
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Feedback will be provided regularly to guide your learning journey, offering insights and recommendations to enhance your understanding and application of the course material. The goal is to empower you to take ownership of your professional development, gaining confidence and competence in your chosen area of expertise.
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By the end of the course, you will have developed a personalised portfolio of work and reflections that demonstrate your progress and commitment to continuing professional development. This portfolio can serve as a valuable resource for your future career advancement.