1.2 List the standards, codes of conduct and practices that relate to own role

This guide will help you answer 1.2 List the standards, codes of conduct and practices that relate to own role.

Working in adult social care means you must follow specific standards, codes of conduct, and practices. These help you complete your role professionally, lawfully, and safely. They define how you should act when supporting individuals, working with colleagues, and following organisational policies.

This guide will cover some of the key standards, codes, and practices you should know about.

Care Certificate Standards

The Care Certificate is a national set of standards for health and social care workers. It’s typically completed as part of your induction into a care role. It sets the foundation for good practices and ensures you perform your role effectively.

The Care Certificate consists of 15 standards, including:

• Understanding Your Role
• Duty of Care
• Equality and Diversity
• Safeguarding (adults and children)
• Communication
• Handling Personal Information

Each standard addresses a key area you need to know about. For instance, the “Duty of Care” standard explains your responsibility to act in the best interests of service users and avoid harm through carelessness or neglect.

Code of Conduct for Healthcare Support Workers and Adult Social Care Workers

The Code of Conduct provides clear guidance on how you must behave at work. It was written by Skills for Care and Skills for Health. While it is not a legal document, most employers use it to assess your performance.

Key principles of the Code of Conduct include:

• Respecting the rights and dignity of individuals.
• Working in the best interests of those needing care.
• Upholding public trust in the care sector by being honest and trustworthy.
• Taking responsibility for your professional development.

For example, this may mean asking for support when you feel unprepared or using feedback from others to improve your practices.

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

This legislation sets the standards for care providers and their staff. It is enforced by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the body responsible for inspecting and regulating care services in England.

Key regulations relevant to your role include:

• Regulation 9: Person-Centred Care
• Regulation 10: Dignity and Respect
• Regulation 11: Need for Consent
• Regulation 12: Safe Care and Treatment
• Regulation 13: Safeguarding from Abuse

For example, Regulation 13 explains that you must protect individuals from physical, emotional, financial, or any other type of harm. This involves recognising signs of abuse and reporting concerns through the correct channels.

The Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR

When handling individuals’ information, you must follow the Data Protection Act (DPA) 2018. This law updates previous data protection rules with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Key principles of the DPA/GDPR include:

• Collecting personal data only for a specific purpose.
• Keeping information accurate and updated.
• Storing data securely to prevent misuse.
• Deleting data when it is no longer needed.

As someone in adult social care, you’ll often handle sensitive data, like medical records or care plans. You must keep this information confidential and share it only with authorised individuals, such as healthcare professionals.

Equality Act 2010

The Equality Act 2010 ensures everyone has equal rights and is protected from discrimination. This applies in every workplace and is especially significant in care.

Protected characteristics under the act include:

• Age
• Disability
• Gender reassignment
• Race
• Religion or belief
• Sexual orientation

This means you must treat everyone fairly. For example, if a service user has a disability, you must make reasonable adjustments to meet their needs.

Safeguarding Policies and Procedures

Each organisation will have safeguarding policies and procedures that you must follow. These ensure service users are protected from harm. Safeguarding applies to both adults and children in certain care settings.

You will need to:

• Be aware of the signs of abuse or neglect.
• Understand the role of your Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
• Know how to report concerns without delay.

Following these protocols helps to protect individuals and ensures any risks are dealt with efficiently.

Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992

Caring for individuals often involves helping them with physical tasks, such as moving between a bed and a chair. The Manual Handling Regulations were created to reduce injuries.

Your responsibilities include:

• Using proper techniques when lifting, pushing, or pulling.
• Following the individual’s risk assessments or care plan.
• Using specialist equipment like hoists when required.

By following these regulations, you can avoid causing injuries to yourself or the person you are caring for.

Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

This act outlines your responsibilities and rights concerning health and safety at work. It applies to all employees, including care workers.

Key duties include:

• Taking care of your own safety, as well as the safety of others.
• Using equipment, such as personal protective equipment (PPE), appropriately.
• Reporting hazards to managers or supervisors.

For example, if you discover a wet floor that poses a slip risk, you should act immediately to reduce harm, such as using a warning sign or reporting the hazard.

Infection Prevention and Control Guidance

Preventing infection is crucial in care, especially when working with vulnerable individuals. Many organisations follow guidelines provided by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

Common methods to reduce infection include:

• Washing hands regularly and properly.
• Wearing appropriate PPE.
• Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces.

By practising good hygiene, you can help prevent outbreaks of illnesses, such as flu or norovirus.

Whistleblowing Policy

Whistleblowing is reporting wrongdoing within your organisation. Every care setting should have a whistleblowing policy to protect workers who raise concerns.

Examples of wrongful practices include:

• Abuse of service users.
• Poor working conditions.
• Health and safety risks being ignored.

Your employer must take your concerns seriously and investigate them. You should never be penalised for speaking up in good faith.

Mental Capacity Act 2005

This act protects individuals who may lack the ability to make decisions themselves. It also provides guidance for care workers and others when acting on behalf of these individuals.

Key principles include:

• Assume an individual has capacity unless it is proven otherwise.
• Support individuals to make their own decisions wherever possible.
• Make decisions in the person’s best interests if they lack capacity.

By understanding this act, you can ensure service users are treated with respect, even when they need extra support.

Organisation’s Policies and Procedures

Every care provider will have its own set of policies and procedures. These provide specific instructions for completing tasks and handling situations.

Common policies might include:

• Medication management procedures.
• Emergency response protocols.
• Professional behaviour guidelines.
• Record-keeping requirements.

These documents aim to standardise practices, making sure all employees know how to act in different scenarios.

Reflecting on Your Role

Following these standards, codes, and practices ensures you work ethically and effectively in adult social care. It also protects the rights and wellbeing of the individuals you support. Taking time to reflect on your role and responsibilities will help you continue to improve and provide the best care possible.