This NVQ is aimed primarily at Health Care Officers and their equivalents working to provide health care to individuals in secure custodial establishments.
Individuals working in custodial settings, particularly in health care, are working with people who are especially vulnerable. They are likely to be faced with challenging moral and ethical issues related to the management of violent behaviour, the restriction of individuals' liberty, the prevention of aggressive behaviour, the protection of rights and the protection of individuals from abuse. The qualification also addresses the maintenance of a healthy and hygienic environment for individuals in a custodial setting. The additional units available allow learners to extend their competence and develop further into their roles in meeting the health care needs of individuals in custodial settings.

This qualification aims to meet the specific training and development requirements for these Health Care Officers, and describes the essential competences which everyone working at this level and delivering nursing care within a custodial environment should possess.