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{{org_field_name}}

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Compliance with the Care Act 2014 Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that {{org_field_name}} operates in full compliance with the Care Act 2014, which provides the legal framework for adult social care in England. This Act establishes the statutory responsibilities of care providers, ensuring that individuals receive care and support that maximises well-being, promotes independence, and protects individuals from harm.

This policy sets out how {{org_field_name}} upholds the key principles of the Care Act, including promoting well-being, safeguarding vulnerable adults, ensuring person-centred care, and working collaboratively with external partners such as the CQC, local authorities, and NHS services. It provides a framework for staff to follow, ensuring that all individuals receiving care experience safe, high-quality, and legally compliant services.

By implementing this policy, {{org_field_name}} guarantees that every aspect of care delivery aligns with best practices, current legislation, and CQC Fundamental Standards.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all staff, including permanent employees, temporary workers, agency staff, contractors, and volunteers working at {{org_field_name}}. It also extends to people we support (residents) and their families, as well as any external stakeholders involved in the provision, funding, or regulation of care services.

It is the responsibility of every staff member to familiarise themselves with this policy and ensure that their actions and decisions reflect the legal obligations outlined in the Care Act 2014.

3. Legal and Regulatory Framework

This policy aligns with:

• The Care Act 2014 – The primary legislation governing adult social care, including duties to promote well-being, prevent needs for care, and safeguard adults.
• The Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 – Establishes the CQC Fundamental Standards that all providers must adhere to.
• The Mental Capacity Act 2005 – Governs decision-making for individuals who may lack capacity, ensuring that decisions are made in their best interests.
• The Equality Act 2010 – Protects individuals from discrimination and promotes inclusion.
• The Data Protection Act 2018 & UK GDPR – Regulates how we handle personal data securely and lawfully.
• CQC Regulations, including Regulation 9 (Person-Centred Care), Regulation 13 (Safeguarding), and Regulation 14 (Nutritional Needs) – These ensure that services are delivered safely, equitably, and in a way that meets the needs of people we support.

Compliance with this policy ensures that {{org_field_name}} meets its regulatory responsibilities and provides legally compliant, high-quality care.

4. Key Principles of Compliance with the Care Act 2014

4.1 Promoting Well-being

The Care Act 2014 places a legal duty on care providers to promote the well-being of the people they support. At {{org_field_name}}, we ensure that all decisions regarding care delivery focus on enhancing well-being.

We define well-being as including, but not limited to:

• Respecting personal dignity and treating individuals with respect at all times.
• Ensuring physical and mental health support is accessible and tailored to individual needs.
• Providing protection from abuse and neglect, ensuring that safeguarding measures are in place.
• Supporting individuals to maintain independence, choice, and control over their care.
• Encouraging social inclusion and community participation, preventing social isolation.
• Considering economic and housing stability, helping individuals access appropriate support.

Staff at {{org_field_name}} receive regular training to ensure that well-being remains central to all care decisions and interactions.

4.2 Prevention and Early Intervention

A key principle of the Care Act 2014 is preventing the development of care needs or delaying the need for more intensive care.

At {{org_field_name}}, we implement proactive measures to:

• Conduct thorough needs assessments upon admission and regularly thereafter.
• Identify risks early and implement strategies such as falls prevention programmes, regular health monitoring, and early dementia interventions.
• Encourage mobility, physical exercise, and mental stimulation to maintain independence for as long as possible.
• Work closely with GPs, therapists, and mental health teams to provide preventive healthcare and lifestyle support.

By taking these steps, we reduce the likelihood of individuals needing higher levels of care, ensuring they can live as independently as possible.

4.3 Person-Centred Care Planning

Care at {{org_field_name}} is always individualised. Each person we support undergoes a detailed assessment, which considers their:

• Medical and health needs.
• Personal preferences, cultural background, and social history.
• Emotional well-being and mental health status.
• Lifestyle preferences, including diet, religious observances, and social activities.

This information is used to create a comprehensive care plan, which is reviewed regularly or whenever significant changes occur.

4.4 Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Neglect

At {{org_field_name}}, we operate a zero-tolerance approach to abuse in any form. Safeguarding measures include:

• Ensuring that all staff are trained in safeguarding procedures and know how to report concerns.
• Conducting thorough background checks on all employees and volunteers.
• Having clear reporting pathways for concerns, ensuring prompt action.
• Working with local safeguarding teams and CQC to investigate any safeguarding incidents.

Protecting vulnerable adults is a fundamental aspect of care provision, and we take all necessary steps to ensure a safe environment.

4.5 Mental Capacity and Informed Consent

All staff are trained in the Mental Capacity Act 2005, ensuring that decisions about care and treatment:

• Are made with the individual’s informed consent whenever possible.
• Follow a best interests framework when the person lacks capacity, ensuring their wishes, beliefs, and values are considered.
• Include input from families, advocates, or independent mental capacity advocates (IMCAs) when required.

No decisions about care are made without thorough assessments and compliance with legal requirements.

4.6 Complaints and Continuous Improvement

People we support, their families, and staff are encouraged to raise concerns without fear of retaliation.

• All complaints are taken seriously, fully investigated, and responded to within specified timeframes.
• We maintain a culture of transparency, ensuring that feedback leads to continuous improvement.
• Where necessary, we report concerns to external agencies, including CQC and local safeguarding teams.

By fostering open communication, {{org_field_name}} ensures that care standards remain high and that concerns are addressed promptly.

5. Related Policies

This policy works alongside key policies, including:

• CH07 – Person-Centred Care Policy
• CH08 – Dignity and Respect Policy
• CH11 – Safe Care and Treatment Policy
• CH13 – Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy
• CH35 – Duty of Candour Policy

6. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or earlier if changes in legislation, best practices, or organisational needs arise. The next scheduled review is {{current_date}}.

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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}}
Copyright © {{current_year}} – {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved.