1.2. Explain how professional relationships are built and maintained between: • individuals • health and social care practitioners • parents/carers • colleagues • external partners

This guide will help you answer 1.2. Explain how professional relationships are built and maintained between: • individuals • health and social care practitioners • parents/carers • colleagues • external partners.

Building and maintaining professional relationships is a key part of health and social care work. These relationships involve clear boundaries, good communication, and respect. They help create an environment where people feel safe, valued, and supported. The way you build and keep these relationships varies slightly depending on who you are working with—individuals, other practitioners, parents or carers, colleagues, or external partners.

In this guide, we will look at how professional relationships are developed and sustained with each group.

Professional Relationships with Individuals

Individuals are the people receiving care or support—sometimes called service users. A strong professional relationship helps them feel comfortable and able to express their needs.

Ways to build professional relationships with individuals:

• Greet each person by name and with a friendly, respectful manner
• Listen carefully to what they say, showing genuine interest
• Use positive body language—smile, nod, and make eye contact if appropriate
• Respect their choices, beliefs, and culture
• Give information clearly, and check for understanding
• Encourage them to take part in their own care or support
• Always keep boundaries—do not overshare personal information or act like a friend
• Follow through on promises or plans, building trust over time
• Keep information private, unless someone’s safety is at risk

Ways to maintain these professional relationships:

• Communicate regularly and openly
• Treat each meeting or interaction as an opportunity to build trust
• Remain consistent in your approach, so people know what to expect
• Respond to feedback or complaints sensitively
• Notice and respond to changes in behaviour, mood, or needs
• Support their independence, while being there when help is needed
• Ensure paperwork and records are kept up to date and accurate

A professional relationship with individuals is about being reliable, sensitive, and approachable while keeping clear boundaries.

Professional Relationships with Health and Social Care Practitioners

Health and social care practitioners include nurses, social workers, therapists, doctors, support workers, and others involved in a person’s care.

Ways to build professional relationships with practitioners:

• Introduce yourself clearly and explain your role
• Show respect for their skills and knowledge
• Share relevant information using secure and appropriate methods
• Ask questions or seek advice when unsure, showing openness to learn
• Attend meetings or briefings and take an active part
• Be honest and clear when discussing care or concerns
• Follow organisational policies and professional codes of conduct
• Support joint decisions and shared goals

Ways to maintain these relationships:

• Keep communication respectful, even when there are disagreements
• Respond promptly to requests or questions
• Share updates or changes in a person’s condition or needs
• Give constructive feedback if needed, and be open to receiving it
• Value each person’s strengths and contributions
• Respect confidentiality at all times
• Work together to solve problems for the benefit of the person receiving care

Professional relationships with practitioners are based on teamwork, a shared aim to support individuals, and a willingness to communicate clearly and honestly.

Professional Relationships with Parents and Carers

Parents and carers often have crucial insights and play a vital role in supporting someone. Respecting their position and involving them in ways that suit the individual is important.

Ways to build relationships with parents and carers:

• Greet them politely and use their preferred names or titles
• Listen to their knowledge of the person’s needs, preferences, and history
• Show empathy and understanding towards their concerns
• Offer information in simple, jargon-free language
• Ask for their input in planning and decisions, with the individual’s consent
• Explain policies, procedures, or changes clearly
• Respect their cultural beliefs and family traditions

Ways to keep relationships strong:

• Keep them updated on progress, changes, or incidents (with permission)
• Be open to hearing worries and respond calmly
• Remain professional during disagreements—focus on the person’s best interests
• Offer support where appropriate, such as signposting to additional services
• Set clear boundaries to avoid becoming personally involved
• Recognise their knowledge and experience
• Thank them for their support and feedback

Maintaining a positive, professional relationship with parents and carers requires patience, appreciation, and a consistent, respectful approach.

Professional Relationships with Colleagues

Colleagues include people you work with directly in your team or organisation. Healthy relationships with colleagues create a positive workplace and improve care standards.

Building relationships with colleagues:

• Introduce yourself properly and take time to get to know new team members
• Show politeness, courtesy, and appreciation for their work
• Help and support each other with tasks or advice
• Share important information promptly
• Respect different skills, backgrounds, and job roles
• Offer a listening ear and be approachable
• Avoid gossip or negative behaviours

Maintaining relationships with colleagues:

• Communicate regularly through meetings, supervision, or informal chats
• Support each other during busy or stressful periods
• Resolve disagreements respectfully through open discussions or using workplace procedures
• Take responsibility for mistakes and help find solutions
• Recognise achievements and offer positive feedback
• Share learning or training opportunities
• Maintain professional boundaries—do not become over-involved in each other’s personal lives, unless appropriate

A positive relationship with colleagues creates a team spirit and helps everyone work towards shared goals.

Professional Relationships with External Partners

External partners are organisations or professionals outside of your immediate team or service. This might include GPs, pharmacists, specialist nurses, local councils, housing, or voluntary groups.

Ways to build relationships with external partners:

• Make formal introductions and clarify your role
• Use agreed communication methods, such as secure email or meetings
• Share only relevant and necessary information, following data protection laws
• Be respectful of their time and workload
• Be prepared for meetings—bring notes or documents needed
• Agree on goals or outcomes for joint working
• Respect their areas of expertise and authority

Ways to maintain these relationships:

• Keep in touch regularly and share updates
• Attend multi-agency meetings or reviews as required
• Stick to deadlines and commitments
• Raise any concerns clearly and politely
• Keep records of decisions and actions from meetings
• Thank partners for their input or support
• Follow up on agreed actions or referrals promptly

A professional approach when working with external partners helps build trust between organisations, making support for individuals more joined up and effective.

Final Thoughts

Building and maintaining professional relationships requires time, effort, and skill. Success relies on respect, clear boundaries, and open, honest communication. Whether working with individuals, health and social care practitioners, parents or carers, colleagues, or external partners, the aim is always to support the best outcomes and uphold high standards.

By listening well, respecting each person’s role, and keeping information safe, you help create strong professional relationships across every area of your work. These positive connections make your work more rewarding and improve the experience for everyone receiving care or support.