1.1b – List the standards and codes of conduct and practice that relate to their role

Care Certificate Standard 1 Activity 1.1b ensures that you are familiar with the foundational standards of your profession as a care worker.

This guide covers the key standards and codes of conduct and practice relevant to health and social care workers in the UK. Each worker must be aware of which codes and standards apply. These set the expectations for behaviour, safety, and quality in daily practice.

What Are Standards and Codes of Conduct and Practice?

Standards and codes are statements that describe how workers should behave in their role. They provide clear rules for practice, explain responsibility, and set expectations for employers and staff. Paperwork, records, communication, and personal attitudes are all affected by these standards. They aim to keep people safe, promote respect, prevent neglect and abuse, and support high-quality care.

Why Standards and Codes Matter

Following the right standards protects service users’ rights, ensures safe and dignified care, and shows a commitment to quality. Employers often check these in supervision and appraisals. If standards are ignored, people can come to harm and workers could face disciplinary action or legal trouble.

Key National Standards and Codes in the UK

Workers in health and social care must follow national guidelines set by the government and professional bodies.

The Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014

These are legal rules that set basic requirements for safe and high-quality care. The regulations cover topics like person-centred care, dignity, consent, safety, safeguarding, and suitable staff. Inspectors from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) check services against these regulations.

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Fundamental Standards

The CQC is the independent regulator for health and social care in England. Their ‘fundamental standards’ must be met at all times, and these include:

• Person-centred care: Treat everyone as an individual.
• Dignity and respect: Value each person and their choices.
• Consent: Always ask for permission before starting care or treatment.
• Safety: Prevent unsafe care, injuries, and abuse.
• Safeguarding from abuse: Act to stop any neglect, harm, or improper treatment.
• Food and drink: Make sure people have enough to eat and drink.
• Premises and equipment: Use clean and safe environments.
• Complaints: Handle concerns promptly and openly.
• Good governance: Make sure leaders check quality and safety.
• Staffing: Have enough skilled staff on duty.
• Fit and proper staff: Check background and training.

These standards shape daily routines, policies, training, and care planning.

The Social Care Wales Code of Professional Practice

In Wales, social care workers follow the Social Care Wales Code of Professional Practice. This lists seven main duties:

• Respect the views and wishes of individuals.
• Maintain the dignity and privacy of individuals.
• Work in partnership with others.
• Promote and uphold the rights and well-being of people.
• Engage in continuing development and learning.
• Uphold public trust and confidence.
• Participate in supervision and reflect on practice.

Anyone registered with Social Care Wales commits to these standards.

Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC) Standards and Code of Conduct

Health and social care workers in Northern Ireland follow the NISCC Code of Conduct. Principles reflect similar themes:

• Respect individuals’ rights to dignity, privacy, and choice.
• Promote equality and diversity.
• Support individuals to meet their needs and goals.
• Maintain clear professional boundaries.
• Take responsibility for their actions and decisions.

Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) Codes of Practice

In Scotland, the SSSC issues Codes of Practice. These outline standards for workers and employers:

• Protect the rights and interests of people using services.
• Promote independence and choice.
• Seek consent and respect confidentiality.
• Use feedback to improve practice.
• Report unsafe or illegal practice.
• Take part in learning and development.

Employers must also support workers to meet these codes.

Codes from Professional Bodies

Professional bodies set extra rules or standards for registered roles, such as nurses or therapists.

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Code

Nurses and midwives must follow the NMC Code. Four main areas are:

• Prioritise people.
• Practise effectively.
• Preserve safety.
• Promote professionalism and trust.

Failure to follow the Code can lead to investigation and losing registration.

Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Standards of Conduct, Performance, and Ethics

Professions registered with the HCPC – such as occupational therapists and physiotherapists – must follow these standards. Key areas cover:

• Acting in the best interests of service users.
• Maintaining confidentiality.
• Communicating clearly and effectively.
• Maintaining fitness to practise (skills, knowledge, health).
• Reporting concerns about safety.

General Medical Council (GMC) Good Medical Practice

Doctors are registered with the GMC. The ‘Good Medical Practice’ guidance details:

• Patient safety and quality of care.
• Honesty and integrity.
• Clear documentation.
• Respect for patients’ dignity and rights.

Doctors who break this code may be investigated or removed from the register.

Relevant Social Care Codes

Support workers, care assistants, and other unregistered staff follow other codes.

Skills for Care and Skills for Health – Code of Conduct for Healthcare Support Workers and Adult Social Care Workers in England

This Code sets out behaviours for support workers (paid or voluntary). It says staff should:

• Put the people they support first.
• Respect the rights of individuals.
• Be trustworthy and honest.
• Provide high-quality, safe care.
• Communicate well.
• Respect privacy and confidentiality.
• Work with colleagues to deliver good care.

This code applies to many frontline workers.

The Care Certificate

The Care Certificate is a set of minimum standards in 15 areas for new health and social care workers in England. These are covered in induction and include:

• Duty of care
• Person-centred values
• Communication
• Privacy and dignity
• Fluids and nutrition
• Safeguarding adults and children
• Health and safety

Staff must show they understand and can apply these standards before working unsupervised.

Local Authority Codes

Some councils have their own standards for home care or day centre staff. These often build on national standards and stress respect, reliability, safe care, and ongoing training.

Laws that Shape Conduct

Some key laws set out what staff must do and how services should be provided.

• Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR: Set rules for keeping people’s information private.
• Equality Act 2010: Bans discrimination based on age, disability, gender, race, or other “protected characteristics”.
• Mental Capacity Act 2005 (England and Wales): Sets out how to make decisions if someone cannot decide for themselves.
• Safeguarding legislation: Protects adults and children from harm or abuse. Staff must know how to report concerns.
• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974: Places duties to work safely and keep risks low.

Following these is not optional. Breaking the law can lead to criminal charges or being struck off a register.

Codes from Employers

Each workplace will have its own written policies and codes. They often cover:

• Dress code and appearance
• Behaviour towards colleagues and service users
• Use of mobile phones and social media
• Handling complaints
• Absence and sickness reporting

These local codes should match the bigger national standards.

Putting Standards into Practice

Meeting standards is about everyday actions, not just knowing the rules.

Daily Practice Examples

• Knocking and waiting before entering a person’s room
• Explaining treatments and asking for permission
• Being patient and listening carefully
• Reporting hazards or unsafe practice at once
• Writing accurate, clear records in real time
• Respecting different cultures and beliefs
• Challenging unfair or abusive attitudes, even from colleagues

Reflective Practice

Workers are expected to learn from their experiences and feedback. Regular reflection helps staff improve, check if they are keeping to standards, and stay up to date.

Reporting Concerns (Whistleblowing)

If a worker sees poor care or dangerous practice, they must report it. This could mean telling a line manager, using the whistleblowing policy, or contacting CQC or another regulator if needed. Keeping quiet about unsafe care is not allowed under these codes.

Common Misunderstandings

Some people think codes are only for managers or specific professions, but they apply to everyone in the sector.

Others believe that following the code means ‘ticking boxes’, but true compliance means upholding values even if no one is watching.

Laws, Codes, and Standards Work Together

Every rule and code has a purpose. Laws set out what must be done by everyone. Professional codes set the standard for behaviour and practice quality. Employers’ policies translate these into local instructions and systems.

All overlap and influence each other. Workers must not pick and choose which parts to follow. All requirements – legal, professional, and organisational – must be met at the same time.

Helping You Keep Up to Date

All health and social care staff are expected to stay current with codes and standards. This includes:

• Attending training sessions
• Taking part in meetings
• Reading emails or notices from professional bodies or regulators
• Discussing updates in supervision

If someone is unsure, they can check with their manager or professional body.

Key Standards to Remember for Your Role

The exact standards that relate to your role will depend on where you work and your job title. Most direct care staff will follow:

• CQC Fundamental Standards (England)
• Skills for Care/Skills for Health Code of Conduct
• The Care Certificate (if new to care role)
• Employer’s policies
• Any profession-specific code (if you are registered)

Support staff, care assistants, activity co-ordinators, and others will usually work under these requirements as a minimum.

What Happens If These Are Not Followed?

Ignoring or breaking standards and codes can have serious effects. These could include:

• Harm or distress to service users or colleagues
• Loss of trust and respect among colleagues or the public
• Disciplinary action, including written warnings or dismissal
• Losing professional registration
• Prosecution or fines (especially where the law is broken)

Errors or misconduct should always be reported and investigated. This protects everyone.

Making Standards Part of Your Everyday Work

• Check and read standards and codes that apply to your job
• Ask questions in supervision
• Welcome feedback, and be open to learning
• Respect every individual you support or work with
• Report any risks or abuse immediately
• Record everything clearly and accurately

Being able to list, explain, and apply the right codes will help you in your role and meet the requirement for this unit.

Final Thoughts

Following the correct standards and codes in health and social care is about respect, dignity, and safety. These are not abstract policies. They directly affect the lives of people being supported and the workers delivering care. By knowing and applying the current standards and codes every day, you are promoting trust, excellent care, and your own professional reputation.

Take time to review which standards and codes apply to your specific role. Check for any changes or updates each year. Make good record-keeping and respectful behaviour a habit. Not only will this keep you in line with your employer’s expectations, but it will show that you are serious about providing skilled, safe, and compassionate care. This approach forms the core of quality health and social care work in the UK.