DC06-Compliance with the Care Act 2014 Policy

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

Compliance with the Care Act 2014 Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that {{org_field_name}} fully complies with the Care Act 2014, which establishes the legal framework for adult social care in England. The Act sets out the responsibilities of local authorities and care providers in delivering person-centred, high-quality, and legally compliant care services. {{org_field_name}} is committed to upholding the principles of well-being, prevention, and safeguarding in all aspects of care delivery.

This policy outlines how we manage compliance with the Care Act 2014 efficiently, ensuring that service users receive care that is tailored to their needs, supports their independence, and protects them from harm.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

All employees, including care workers, managers, and administrative staff.
Service users and their families, ensuring they receive rights-based and high-quality care.
Local authorities and regulatory bodies, with whom we collaborate to maintain compliance.
External agencies and safeguarding teams, where joint working arrangements are necessary.

It covers:

The key principles of the Care Act 2014.
How {{org_field_name}} ensures compliance in care planning and service delivery.
Safeguarding and protection measures.
Staff training and professional development.
Data protection, confidentiality, and record-keeping.

3. Legal and Regulatory Framework

This policy aligns with the following legal and regulatory standards:

The Care Act 2014 – Governing adult social care provision.
Care Quality Commission (CQC) Fundamental Standards – Ensuring high-quality, safe, and effective care.
Mental Capacity Act 2005 – Supporting decision-making for individuals lacking capacity.
Equality Act 2010 – Preventing discrimination in care delivery.
Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 – Protecting at-risk individuals.
Data Protection Act 2018 (UK GDPR) – Ensuring confidentiality and secure handling of personal information.

4. Key Principles of the Care Act 2014

{{org_field_name}} adheres to the core principles of the Care Act 2014, ensuring that all service users receive care that is:

Person-centred and empowering – Service users are supported in making their own choices about care and well-being.
Prevention-focused – We prioritise early interventions to prevent the escalation of care needs.
Promoting well-being – Care plans are designed to enhance independence, dignity, and mental and physical health.
Safeguarding individuals – We implement robust protection measures for vulnerable adults.
Integrated and collaborative – We work closely with local authorities, health professionals, and safeguarding teams.

5. Ensuring Compliance in Care Planning and Service Delivery

To ensure compliance with the Care Act 2014, {{org_field_name}}:

Conducts comprehensive needs assessments for every service user, considering their personal circumstances and preferences.
Develops tailored care plans that align with the user’s desired outcomes and well-being goals.
Utilises strength-based approaches, focusing on what individuals can do rather than their limitations.
Works in partnership with local authorities, ensuring that care arrangements meet legal and ethical standards.
Reviews care plans regularly, adapting them as required to meet changing needs.

6. Safeguarding and Protection Measures

Our safeguarding procedures ensure that service users are protected from harm, neglect, and exploitation:

All staff receive safeguarding training, ensuring they can identify and respond to risks appropriately.
A Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) oversees all safeguarding concerns and liaises with local authorities.
We follow multi-agency safeguarding protocols, ensuring timely and coordinated responses to concerns.
Clear whistleblowing procedures encourage staff to report safeguarding risks without fear of reprisal.
Where necessary, we apply the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) to protect individuals lacking capacity.

7. Staff Training and Professional Development

To ensure all employees understand and apply the principles of the Care Act 2014, we provide:

Mandatory induction training covering legal responsibilities and person-centred care.
Annual refresher courses on safeguarding, consent, and care planning.
Specialist training for staff supporting individuals with complex care needs.
Regular competency assessments, ensuring best practices are maintained.
Supervision and mentoring, supporting professional growth and compliance with care regulations.

8. Data Protection, Confidentiality, and Record-Keeping

{{org_field_name}} ensures the secure handling of personal information by:

Adhering to UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018 regulations.
Maintaining accurate, up-to-date records of care plans, assessments, and safeguarding concerns.
Ensuring only authorised personnel have access to sensitive information.
Using secure digital systems for documentation and information-sharing.
Providing confidentiality training for all staff.

9. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Continuous Improvement

To maintain compliance with the Care Act 2014, we:

Conduct regular audits to assess adherence to legal and regulatory standards.
Seek service user feedback to improve care delivery.
Hold quarterly compliance reviews, identifying areas for improvement.
Implement action plans where gaps in compliance are identified.
Engage with CQC inspections and external audits to validate our compliance efforts.

10. Policy Review and Updates

This policy is reviewed annually or sooner if:

Legislative or regulatory changes impact its content.
CQC or local authority feedback requires adjustments.

Internal audits identify the need for policy improvements.

Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
Copyright © {{current_year}} – {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved.