In the RQF Level 2 Diploma in Care, Unit 1.2 specifically covers the understanding of the standards that influence the way care roles are carried out.
As a care worker, your role is fundamentally shaped by several formal standards and regulations intended to ensure that care is delivered safely, effectively, and ethically.
Standards that influence the way the role is carried out
1. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) Fundamental Standards:
The Care Quality Commission is the independent regulator of health and adult social care in England. They set out fundamental standards below which care must not fall. These include:
- Safety: You must not cause harm to people in your care.
- Effectiveness: Care and treatment must be based on the best available evidence.
- Caring: Staff must treat individuals with kindness, respect, and compassion.
- Responsiveness: Services must be organised so that they meet needs.
- Leadership: The leadership, management, and governance of the organisation must make sure it’s providing high-quality care that’s based around individual needs, that it encourages learning and innovation, and that it promotes an open and fair culture.
2. Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014:
This legislative framework includes several requirements that health care providers must adhere to, about the quality and safety of care. They align closely with the CQC’s fundamental standards to ensure providers deliver services that are safe, effective, compassionate, and high-quality. It includes regulations on issues like staffing and handling complaints.
3. Care Act 2014:
This Act outlines guidelines for local authorities on the delivery of care services. Key points include assessments for individuals’ and carers’ needs, the establishment of safeguarding boards, and managing providers’ care plans to ensure they meet individuals’ needs.
4. Equality Act 2010:
This Act helps a care worker understand the need to treat all individuals with fairness and respect regardless of their age, gender, disability, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic that could lead to discrimination. It promotes equality and addresses inequality and injustice in the care setting.
5. Code of Conduct:
Published by professional bodies such as Skills for Care, these codes provide care workers with the definitive guide on professional conduct and practice. Care workers are required to protect the rights and promote the interests of service users, strive to establish and maintain the trust and confidence of service users, promote the independence of service users while protecting them as far as possible from danger or harm, and respect the rights of service users whilst seeking to ensure that their behaviour does not harm themselves or other people.
6. Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation):
These legislations are critical in handling personal and sensitive information in health and social care settings. You must ensure confidentiality and security of the personal information, respecting the privacy of your service users, and using information for its intended purposes in accordance with legal guidelines.
By adhering to these standards, you ensure that your practice not only meets legal requirements but also aligns with ethical expectations and professional guidelines, thus enhancing the quality of care provided to service users. Understanding and integrating these standards into your day-to-day practice are essential for your role effectiveness and professional development in health and social care sectors.
Example Answers for Unit 1.2 Identify standards that influence the way the role is carried out
As required by Unit 1.2 of the RQF Level 2 Diploma in Care, below are example answers regarding how standards influence my role as a care worker:
Example Answer 1: Following the Care Quality Commission (CQC) Fundamental Standards
“In my daily responsibilities as a care worker, adhering to the Care Quality Commission (CQC) Fundamental Standards ensures the delivery of high-quality care. For instance, the safety standard mandates me to follow correct procedures when administering medication or moving individuals to prevent accidents. Regular training and audits are also conducted to ensure compliance. By championing the CQC’s standard on caring, I consciously engage with service users with kindness, ensuring their dignity is maintained during care activities like dressing and bathing, thereby promoting a respectful and comforting environment.”
Example Answer 2: Adhering to the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014
“Under the Health and Social Care Act 2008, I ensure safe and effective delivery of care services by keeping updated with all mandatory training on infection controls and safeguarding. Compliance with these regulations is critical in my role, as it directly impacts the health and wellbeing of those I care for. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, adhering to this legislation involved rigorous infection control procedures, using PPE properly, and following the guidelines for shielding vulnerable individuals.”
Example Answer 3: Implementing the Equality Act 2010
“As a care worker, the Equality Act 2010 guides me to provide personalised care that respects the diverse backgrounds of the people I support. For example, I ensure that dietary requirements respecting religious or cultural needs are met, and I facilitate access to community religious services where possible. Implementing this Act means actively preventing discrimination and promoting inclusivity, ensuring that every individual feels valued and respected in their care environment.”
Example Answer 4: Upholding the Codes of Practice for Social Care Workers
“My daily interactions are significantly shaped by the Codes of Practice for Social Care Workers. These codes encourage me to promote and safeguard the interests of service users and to maintain their dignity and privacy. For instance, in situations where a service user might not want to engage in a particular activity, I respect their decision, reinforce their autonomy, and provide alternative options that align with their interests, thus fostering a compassionate and trusting relationship.”
Example Answer 5: Applying Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR
“Handling sensitive information is a daily task in my role as a care worker. I ensure that all service user records are kept secure and only shared with individuals who have authorised access. This is in line with the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR. By doing so, I protect the privacy and personal information of individuals in my care. This might include secure storage of physical files and ensuring that digital records are accessed through password-protected devices.”
These examples reflect how standards directly guide and enhance the practices of care workers like me, ensuring that our approaches are safe, effective, equitable, and respectful of the individuals’ rights. This adherence not only improves the quality of care provided but also upholds the integrity and reputation of the caregiving profession.