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Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Supporting Personal and Sexual Relationships Policy

1. Purpose This policy outlines {{org_field_name}}’s commitment to supporting the people we support in developing and maintaining personal and sexual relationships while ensuring their rights, dignity, and safety. It aligns with CQC regulations, the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014, and Regulation 9 – Person-Centred Care. The policy ensures that all individuals are treated with respect and that their personal relationships are supported in a way that upholds their rights, promotes choice, and protects them from harm.

2. Scope This policy applies to all employees at {{org_field_name}}, including care staff, nurses, support workers, volunteers, and management. It covers all aspects of personal and sexual relationships, including emotional relationships, intimacy, sexual expression, and marriage for individuals receiving care and support.

3. Legal and Regulatory Framework

• Regulation 9 – Person-Centred Care: Ensures care is tailored to the individual’s preferences, including relationships and sexuality.
• Regulation 10 – Dignity and Respect: Promotes individuals’ rights to privacy, choice, and control over personal relationships.
• Regulation 13 – Safeguarding Service Users from Abuse and Improper Treatment: Protects individuals from exploitation, abuse, or coercion.
• Equality Act 2010: Ensures non-discrimination based on gender, sexuality, or relationship status.
• Mental Capacity Act 2005: Provides guidance on assessing an individual’s capacity to consent to relationships and sexual activity.
• Human Rights Act 1998: Protects individuals’ rights to private and family life, marriage, and personal relationships.

4. Principles of Supporting Relationships

• Choice and Autonomy: The people we support have the right to form relationships and express their sexuality as long as they have the capacity to consent.
• Privacy and Dignity: Staff must respect individuals’ privacy when engaging in personal relationships.
• Safeguarding and Protection: Protection measures are in place to prevent exploitation, coercion, or abuse.
• Person-Centred Approach: Each individual’s needs, preferences, and beliefs must be acknowledged and respected.
• Non-Judgmental and Inclusive Care: Support should be free from discrimination or prejudice, ensuring respect for LGBTQ+ identities and relationships.

5. Supporting Individuals in Developing Personal Relationships

• Encouraging Social Interaction:
  • Supporting individuals in building friendships and romantic relationships within and outside the care setting.
  • Facilitating access to social events, dating services, and online communication where appropriate.
• Providing Information and Guidance:
  • Educating individuals about healthy relationships, boundaries, and personal safety.
  • Ensuring individuals understand their rights to consent, privacy, and safe sexual practices.

6. Sexual Expression and Intimacy

• Respecting Individual Needs:
  • Support must recognise that sexual expression is a fundamental aspect of human well-being.
  • Where appropriate, individuals should be supported in accessing sexual health services and education.
• Facilitating Privacy:
  • Individuals must have access to private spaces for personal and intimate relationships.
  • Staff should not enter private areas without permission unless there is an emergency or safeguarding concern.
• Support for LGBTQ+ Individuals:
  • Individuals identifying as LGBTQ+ must receive equal support in expressing their relationships and identity.
  • Any discrimination or prejudice from staff or other individuals will be addressed under the CH30-Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy.

7. Assessing Capacity and Consent in Relationships

• Assessing Mental Capacity:
  • If there are concerns about an individual’s ability to consent to a relationship, a Mental Capacity Assessment must be conducted.
  • The assessment must follow the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and be recorded in the individual’s care plan.
• Best Interest Decisions:
  • If an individual lacks capacity to consent to a relationship, decisions must be made in their best interests.
  • Family members, advocates, and healthcare professionals should be involved where appropriate.

8. Managing Safeguarding Concerns

• Identifying Abuse or Exploitation:
  • Staff must report any suspected signs of abuse, coercion, or inappropriate relationships.
  • Relationships involving undue influence, pressure, or control must be investigated.
• Reporting Procedures:
  • Concerns should be raised with the Registered Manager and Safeguarding Lead.
  • Any safeguarding concerns must be escalated to the Local Safeguarding Authority in line with CH13-Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy.

9. Supporting Sexual Health and Well-being

• Access to Sexual Health Services:
  • Individuals should be supported in accessing contraception, STI testing, and sexual health education.
  • Confidentiality must be maintained at all times.
• Sexual Health Awareness:
  • Training sessions may be provided for both individuals and staff to ensure awareness of safe sex practices and personal safety.
• Assisting Individuals with Physical Disabilities:
  • Support must be provided to help individuals with physical disabilities express their sexual needs in a dignified manner.
  • Where necessary, assistive equipment and specialist advice should be sought.

10. Supporting Marriage, Cohabitation, and Family Life

• Marriage and Civil Partnerships:
  • Individuals have the right to marry or enter a civil partnership if they have capacity to do so.
  • Staff should support individuals in making necessary arrangements and seeking legal advice if required.
• Maintaining Family Relationships:
  • Family visits and relationships must be encouraged and facilitated where appropriate.
  • Staff should help individuals maintain contact with partners and family members through visits, calls, and online communication.

11. Staff Training and Responsibilities

• Mandatory Training:
  • All staff must receive training on supporting relationships, capacity and consent, and safeguarding in personal relationships.
  • Refresher training will be provided annually or when legislation changes.
• Staff Responsibilities:
  • Promote a culture of openness where individuals feel comfortable discussing their relationships.
  • Report safeguarding concerns while maintaining confidentiality.
  • Ensure that professional boundaries are upheld at all times.

12. Documentation and Record-Keeping

• Recording Preferences and Support Needs:
  • Relationship support must be documented in the individual’s care plan.
  • Consent assessments and safeguarding concerns must be formally recorded.
• Confidentiality:
  • Personal information regarding relationships must be handled sensitively and in compliance with UK GDPR and Data Protection Laws.

13. Related Policies

• CH09-Person-Centred Care Policy
• CH10-Dignity and Respect Policy
• CH13-Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy
• CH17-Infection Prevention and Control Policy (Sexual Health Considerations)
• CH18-Risk Management and Assessment Policy
• CH30-Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy

14. Policy Review

• This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if updates in CQC regulations, safeguarding laws, or best practices arise.
• Amendments will be made to ensure continued compliance and respect for personal rights.

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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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