This guide will help you answer The Care Certificate Standard 4.2a Identify which legislation and codes of practice relating to equality, diversity and discrimination apply to their own role.
As a health and social care worker in England, it’s essential to know the laws and guidelines about equality, diversity, and discrimination.
These rules help shape your duties and how you behave at work. There are several important laws and codes of practice that apply to your job. They make sure you provide safe, inclusive, and fair care to everyone.
Equality Act 2010
This act protects people from being discriminated against based on certain characteristics like age, disability, gender change, marriage status, pregnancy, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. As a care worker, you must understand how this act impacts how you offer your services and interact with colleagues as well as those under your care. It’s crucial to ensure no one is treated less favourably.
Human Rights Act 1998
This Act is crucial for protecting the human rights of people, including those in care environments. It covers rights such as the right to life, protection from torture and degrading treatment, liberty and security, and respect for private and family life. In practical terms, this means delivering care that honours each person’s dignity and choices.
Care Act 2014
This Act mainly updates the laws about adult care and support and carer support, but also addresses safeguarding individuals from abuse and neglect. It ensures that decisions regarding care involve the individual considerately, considering their preferences, beliefs, and values.
Mental Capacity Act 2005
This Act sets out how to act and make decisions for people who cannot make specific decisions themselves. The code of practice under this Act is vital for care workers, especially when dealing with individuals who may not fully understand or decide about their own care.
Accessible Information Standard
Set by NHS England, this standard requires healthcare providers to ensure that individuals with disabilities, impairments, or sensory losses receive information they can understand and the support needed for effective communication. Implementing this involves identifying, recording, flagging, sharing, and meeting patients’ and clients’ communication needs.
NHS Constitution for England
This document outlines the principles and values of the NHS in England. It guides the rights entitled to patients, the public, and staff; it also details commitments made by the NHS, including a commitment to non-discrimination.
Understanding and applying these laws and codes of practice in your role ensures that your actions and decisions as a care worker meet legal and ethical standards. This promotes an environment of respect, dignity, and equality for everyone in your care.
Following these guidelines helps you provide professional care and support while protecting both your legal rights and those of your clients.