2.2 Show dependability in carrying out actions agreed with families

This guide will help you answer 2.2 Show dependability in carrying out actions agreed with families.

Dependability means being reliable, trustworthy, and consistent in your work. In health and social care, it is important that families can count on you to do what you say you will do. This builds trust, supports positive relationships, and helps everyone work together for the benefit of the individual receiving care.

Keeping Promises and Following Through

Once you and the family have agreed on an action—such as a care task, an appointment, or a specific request—it is essential to carry it out as planned.

This involves:

• Doing tasks at the times agreed
• Completing your duties to the expected standard
• Not forgetting or overlooking agreed actions
• Informing the family promptly if things have to change

For example, if you have agreed to help the person with a new routine in the morning, you should arrive on time and complete the tasks as discussed. If you are unable to attend, you should contact the family as soon as possible and arrange an alternative.

Consistency in Communication

Dependability includes being clear about what you will do and keeping the family updated.

Practical steps include:

• Confirming plans in writing if appropriate (such as notes in a care plan or communication book)
• Giving notice of any change to arrangements
• Explaining what has been done at the end of your shift or visit
• Making sure all messages left for family members are clear and accurate

Consistency reassures families that you take your responsibilities seriously.

Accurate Record Keeping

Recording actions taken is a vital part of being dependable. Good records show that you have carried out duties as agreed and allow others to follow up if needed.

This means:

• Writing brief, factual notes of completed tasks or key events
• Signing and dating entries
• Reporting concerns or any difficulties straight away

This helps ensure nothing is forgotten and creates a clear record of support.

Showing Respect for Family Choices

Families often play an active role in planning and reviewing care. Demonstrating dependability means respecting their choices and working as an equal partner.

You demonstrate this by:

• Listening carefully and noting requests
• Respecting agreed routines or cultural preferences
• Not changing plans without discussing with the family (unless there is an emergency)
• Acknowledging feedback and acting on it where you can

Families feel valued and reassured when they see their wishes acted upon reliably.

Adhering to Professional Standards and Policies

Dependability includes following your organisation’s policies, local procedures, and health and safety guidelines while carrying out actions.

You do this by:

• Checking care plans for instructions and updates
• Following safe practice in all activities
• Alerting your line manager if you cannot meet agreed commitments

By working within these boundaries, you help ensure actions are safe and appropriate.

Being Proactive

Dependable workers think ahead and take responsibility for the care they provide.

This could mean:

• Reminding families of upcoming reviews or appointments
• Checking that equipment or supplies are in place for agreed tasks
• Asking questions if plans are unclear before starting any new activity

Being proactive increases family trust and reduces the risk of mistakes or missed tasks.

Dealing Promptly With Problems

If a problem arises that affects your ability to carry out agreed actions—for example, unexpected illness or an emergency—you should:

• Inform the family as soon as possible
• Apologise for any inconvenience
• Help arrange a replacement or alternative support if needed
• Record what happened and who was informed

Transparency about problems shows that you take your commitments seriously and respect the impact on families.

Seeking Feedback and Reflecting

Dependability grows when you check how things are going and seek ways to improve.

You show this by:

• Asking families if they are satisfied with the support
• Being open to suggestions and constructive criticism
• Reflecting on what worked well and what could be better next time

This ongoing commitment to improvement shows you value reliability and partnership.

Trust as the Outcome

When you demonstrate dependability, families and individuals:

• Feel confident that tasks will be completed
• Know they can trust what you say
• Are more likely to engage openly and share concerns

Dependability supports positive outcomes for everyone and helps create a safe, supportive care environment.

Final Thoughts

Dependability is shown through consistent, reliable actions based on agreements with families. This means keeping promises, following plans, updating promptly about changes, keeping accurate records, and being proactive about tasks. Dependable support strengthens trust and partnership, making sure individuals and families get the care and reassurance they need.