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{{org_field_name}}

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Supporting Personal and Sexual Relationships Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that residents at {{org_field_name}} are supported in developing and maintaining personal and sexual relationships in a way that respects their autonomy, dignity, and human rights. We are committed to ensuring that all individuals, regardless of age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, or cognitive ability, are given the freedom and privacy to form relationships, while ensuring their safety and well-being.

This policy aims to:

• Ensure that residents have the right to engage in personal and sexual relationships, in line with the Equality Act 2010 and Human Rights Act 1998
• Provide clear guidance for staff on how to support residents sensitively and ethically
• Ensure that capacity, consent, and safeguarding concerns are properly assessed
• Promote positive attitudes towards relationships, intimacy, and sexual health
• Maintain compliance with Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) regulations

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All residents, regardless of their age, gender, sexual orientation, or disability
• All care staff, ensuring they provide professional, non-judgmental support
• Management and safeguarding leads, ensuring policies are implemented effectively
• Families and external professionals, ensuring appropriate involvement where necessary

3. Related Policies

This policy aligns with:

• Dignity and Respect Policy (CHW08)
• Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy (CHW13)
• Mental Capacity and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards Policy (CHW39)
• Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy (CHW30)
• Confidentiality and Data Protection (GDPR) Policy (CHW34)

4. Principles of Supporting Relationships in the Care Home

At {{org_field_name}}, we recognise and respect the rights of residents to engage in meaningful relationships. This includes:

• The right to privacy and to form intimate relationships
• The right to express sexual orientation and gender identity
• The right to marry, form civil partnerships, or cohabit
• The right to access sexual health information and contraception
• The right to be free from exploitation, coercion, or abuse

5. Assessing Capacity and Consent in Relationships

5.1. Capacity and the Mental Capacity Act 2005

Residents must be able to make informed choices about relationships and intimacy. Staff must assess whether a resident has capacity to consent, ensuring:

• They understand the nature of the relationship
• They can weigh up risks and benefits
• They can communicate their decision clearly
• They are free from coercion or undue influence

If a resident lacks capacity, best interest decisions must be made following Mental Capacity Act 2005 guidelines, involving family members, advocates, and external professionals as necessary.

5.2. Consent in Relationships

Consent is essential in all relationships. Staff must ensure that:

• Both individuals freely agree to a relationship
• There is no evidence of coercion, grooming, or exploitation
• The relationship is mutually respectful and non-harmful

If a concern arises, it must be reported to the Safeguarding Lead immediately.

6. Privacy, Dignity, and the Right to a Personal Life

Residents have the right to private time and space to engage in relationships. Staff must:

• Respect residents’ privacy when spending time with a partner
• Provide private spaces where appropriate, while ensuring safety
• Offer discreet support for sexual health, contraception, or relationship advice
• Ensure that personal relationships do not compromise the well-being of others

7. Supporting LGBTQ+ Residents

{{org_field_name}} is committed to being inclusive of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Staff must:

• Provide non-judgmental support to LGBTQ+ residents
• Ensure same-sex relationships are treated with equal respect and privacy
• Support residents in expressing their gender identity, including access to gender-affirming care
• Challenge any discrimination or homophobia within the care home

8. Addressing Family and Cultural Expectations

Families may have concerns about relationships, particularly in cases involving cognitive impairment, religious beliefs, or cultural expectations. Staff must:

• Mediate respectfully between residents and families, ensuring that the resident’s wishes are prioritised
• Offer education and reassurance to families about relationships in care settings
• Ensure that cultural values are respected but not imposed in ways that restrict personal rights

9. Sexual Health, Education, and Access to Services

Residents have the right to access information and support regarding sexual health. Staff must:

• Provide information on safe sex, contraception, and STI prevention
• Support residents in accessing GP and sexual health services
• Respect individual choices regarding sexual activity while ensuring safety

10. Recognising and Preventing Exploitation or Abuse

10.1. Identifying Risk Factors

Staff must be vigilant for:

• Unequal power dynamics in relationships
• Signs of coercion, financial abuse, or emotional manipulation
• Residents engaging in unsafe online relationships
• Visitors or external individuals seeking to exploit vulnerable residents

10.2. Reporting Concerns

If any concerns arise about exploitation, abuse, or coercion, staff must:

1. Report the issue immediately to the Safeguarding Lead
2. Document concerns clearly and confidentially
3. Refer to external safeguarding agencies if necessary

11. Managing Staff-Resident Boundaries

Staff must always maintain professional boundaries when supporting residents with personal relationships. This means:

• No personal relationships between staff and residents
• No discussion of staff personal relationships with residents
• Offering professional guidance and signposting, not personal opinions

12. Supporting Residents in End-of-Life Relationships

For residents in palliative or end-of-life care, relationships remain a vital part of emotional well-being. Staff must:

• Support residents in maintaining close connections with partners
• Provide private time for intimacy and companionship
• Ensure that partners are involved in end-of-life care planning if the resident wishes

13. Staff Training and Awareness

All staff receive mandatory training on:

• Supporting personal and sexual relationships in care
• Mental capacity and consent
• LGBTQ+ inclusivity and diversity awareness
• Safeguarding in intimate relationships

Refresher training is provided annually, and staff can access additional training if required.

14. Compliance and Monitoring

To ensure compliance with CIW regulations and best practice:

• Regular audits are conducted to review relationship support policies
• Safeguarding reports are monitored for concerns related to relationships
• Resident feedback is gathered through surveys and care plan reviews
• CIW inspectors may review documentation to ensure rights are upheld

15. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if:

• CIW regulations change
• New research or best practice guidance emerges
• Staff or resident feedback highlights areas for improvement

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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}}
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