2.3 Explain where to get additional support and advice on how to resolve such dilemmas

This guide will help you answer 2.3 Explain where to get additional support and advice on how to resolve such dilemmas.

Dilemmas between your duty of care and other demands can be stressful and confusing. You should not deal with these situations alone. There are many sources of support and advice available to help you make responsible, safe, and lawful decisions. Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.

In this guide, we cover some of the places to seek guidance and additional support:

Line Manager or Supervisor

Your first and most immediate source of support is usually your line manager or supervisor. They have experience, authority, and a responsibility to help you solve problems.

Reasons to speak to your manager:

• They can clarify organisational policies
• They may offer practical solutions
• They can provide more resources or staff if needed
• They ensure you follow procedures correctly
• They may be able to intervene if employer demands are unsafe

If your own manager is not available, another senior staff member should be approached.

Workplace Policies and Procedures

Your employer should have clear policies for all common situations, such as:

• Safeguarding
• Medication administration
• Accident and incident reporting
• Whistleblowing
• Confidentiality
• Risk management

You can refer to these written guidelines when facing a dilemma. If you are unsure about how to interpret them, ask your manager for clarification.

Colleagues and Team Meetings

Other experienced staff members can give valuable advice. You can:

• Discuss dilemmas in team meetings
• Share experiences and possible solutions
• Learn from others who have dealt with similar issues

Sometimes, just talking with a trusted colleague can help you see a situation more clearly.

Whistleblowing Procedures

If you feel your immediate managers are not addressing dangerous or unethical practices, use your organisation’s whistleblowing policy. This makes it possible to report:

• Unsafe working conditions
• Abuse or neglect
• Unlawful or unethical behaviour

Whistleblowing raises concerns directly with organisations like the Care Quality Commission, the Local Safeguarding Adults Board, or your local authority. There is legal protection for staff who “blow the whistle” in good faith.

Trade Unions and Professional Bodies

If you are a member of a union, like UNISON, GMB, or the Royal College of Nursing, you have extra support. Unions and professional bodies can:

• Give legal and procedural advice
• Support you in meetings with management
• Help you protect your rights and your duty of care
• Guide you through complaints or disciplinary processes

Safeguarding Leads

Every health and social care organisation has a safeguarding lead, such as a safeguarding officer or champion. You can approach them directly if:

• You face situations involving abuse, neglect, or significant risk
• There are concerns for a person’s safety that are not being addressed

They have special training and authority to act on serious concerns.

Local Authority Safeguarding Teams

If the dilemma involves suspected abuse, neglect, or serious risk to a person and you do not feel your organisation is responding properly, you can contact your local authority safeguarding team directly. They investigate adult safeguarding concerns and can provide further advice.

Care Quality Commission (CQC) and Other Regulators

If unsafe or poor practice continues after you have raised concerns internally, the CQC, as England’s care regulator, can be contacted. Other specialist regulatory bodies are also available (for example, the Nursing and Midwifery Council).

National Bodies and Helplines

There are national organisations offering confidential advice and support, such as:

• ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service)
• NHS Whistleblowing Helpline
• The Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE)
• Citizens Advice
• Public Concern at Work (Protect)

These services can explain your rights, help you decide on next steps, and offer support if you feel unable to resolve a dilemma at work.

Online Resources and Training

Many reputable websites provide guidance, examples, and training materials about duty of care, safeguarding, and handling dilemmas in practice. Examples include:

• Skills for Care
• Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
• SCIE (Social Care Institute for Excellence)

E-learning, webinars, and downloadable guidance documents can answer specific questions and help you keep up to date.

Reflection, Supervision, and Record Keeping

Recording your concerns and actions can protect yourself and the people you support. Regular one-to-one supervision gives you a chance to discuss dilemmas, reflect on solutions, and learn for the future. Good record keeping can also help managers and regulators understand how you have tried to resolve issues.

Final Thoughts

Dilemmas between duty of care and other demands are common in health and social care. Help is always available. Speak to your line manager, refer to workplace policies, talk to colleagues, use safeguarding leads, and—if needed—contact trade unions or national helplines. Seeking advice and support not only keeps individuals safe, but also protects your own well-being and practice. Never feel you have to manage difficult situations alone—the right advice can help you make confident, legal, and ethical decisions.