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Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Maintaining Professional Boundaries Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that {{org_field_name}} maintains clear professional boundaries between staff and the people we support, their families, and colleagues. Establishing and upholding these boundaries is essential for providing safe, person-centred, and ethical care while preventing conflicts of interest, safeguarding risks, and professional misconduct.

This policy ensures:

• Staff conduct themselves professionally and ethically in all interactions.
• Person-centred care is delivered with dignity, respect, and impartiality.
• The risk of abuse, exploitation, and inappropriate relationships is minimised.
• Compliance with CQC regulations, employment law, and safeguarding policies.
• Trust and transparency between people we support, their families, and staff.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All employees, including full-time, part-time, agency, and voluntary workers.
• Managers and senior leaders, responsible for overseeing compliance.
• People we support, ensuring their safety and well-being.
• Families, advocates, and visitors, ensuring appropriate interactions with staff.

3. Legal and Regulatory Compliance

This policy aligns with:

CQC Regulations (Health and Social Care Act 2008, Regulated Activities Regulations 2014)

• Regulation 9 (Person-Centred Care) – Ensures care is delivered impartially and without personal bias​.
• Regulation 10 (Dignity and Respect) – Requires staff to act professionally and uphold the dignity of people we support​.
• Regulation 12 (Safe Care and Treatment) – Protects individuals from harm caused by unprofessional conduct​.
• Regulation 13 (Safeguarding Service Users from Abuse and Improper Treatment) – Ensures that professional boundaries prevent safeguarding risks​.
• Regulation 17 (Good Governance) – Requires effective policies and oversight of professional conduct​.

Other Relevant Laws and Guidance

• The Care Act 2014 – Defines professional responsibilities in safeguarding adults.
• The Mental Capacity Act 2005 – Ensures decisions are made in the best interests of people we support.
• Equality Act 2010 – Ensures all individuals are treated fairly, without bias or discrimination.
• General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) & Data Protection Act 2018 – Ensures confidentiality in professional relationships.
• Social Media Guidelines (Skills for Care & CQC) – Regulates online interactions between staff and people we support.

4. Defining Professional Boundaries

Professional boundaries are clear guidelines that define appropriate interactions between staff and the people we support. Boundaries help ensure ethical, safe, and effective care. Key areas include:

4.1. Maintaining a Professional Relationship

Staff must:

• Treat all people we support with equal care, respect, and dignity.
• Avoid personal, financial, or social relationships that compromise professional integrity.
• Maintain confidentiality and avoid discussing personal matters unrelated to care.
• Not share personal contact details (e.g., phone number, email, social media).
• Avoid favouritism and ensure all people we support receive equal attention and care.

4.2. Personal Relationships with People We Support and Their Families

• Staff must not engage in romantic, sexual, or overly familiar relationships with people we support or their relatives.
• Gifts, loans, or favours must be declined, except in cases where small tokens (e.g., a thank-you card) are appropriate.
• Staff must not accept money or gifts beyond small gestures (e.g., chocolates) that do not create conflicts of interest.

4.3. Physical Contact and Personal Space

• Physical contact must be appropriate to care needs (e.g., assisting with mobility).
• Staff should avoid unnecessary touch that could be misinterpreted.
• When providing intimate or personal care, staff must always:
  • Seek verbal consent before proceeding.
  • Explain actions clearly and respect cultural and personal preferences.
  • Ensure a chaperone is present where necessary.

4.4. Financial and Legal Boundaries

Staff must not:

• Accept loans, money, or gifts from people we support or their families.
• Be involved in managing finances unless this is part of a documented care plan.
• Witness legal documents (e.g., wills) or act as an executor or power of attorney.
• Make financial decisions on behalf of a person we support.

4.5. Social Media and Online Communication

• Staff must not connect with people we support or their families via social media.
• No photographs, videos, or personal information should be shared without explicit, documented consent.
• Staff must not discuss work-related matters on social media, maintaining confidentiality.
• Complaints or grievances must be reported internally, not posted online.

4.6. Lone Working and One-to-One Care

• Lone working must be risk assessed, and clear procedures followed.
• Staff providing one-to-one care should always:
  • Maintain professional behaviour.
  • Keep records of care interactions.
  • Report any concerns regarding inappropriate expectations or requests.

4.7. Safeguarding and Reporting Boundary Violations

If a staff member suspects a colleague has crossed professional boundaries, they must:

• Report concerns immediately to the Safeguarding Lead or Registered Manager.
• Follow the Whistleblowing Policy if a boundary breach affects the safety of people we support.
• Document concerns factually and professionally.

Staff must also be aware of situations where individuals may attempt to form inappropriate relationships and escalate concerns accordingly.

5. Staff Training and Awareness

To reinforce professional boundaries, all staff must receive:

• Mandatory training on professional boundaries, safeguarding, and ethics.
• Annual refresher courses covering changes in CQC guidelines and legal responsibilities.
• Scenario-based training, helping staff recognise and respond to boundary challenges.
• Regular supervision and one-to-one meetings, ensuring ongoing guidance and support.

6. Managing and Preventing Boundary Violations

6.1. Addressing Unintentional Boundary Issues

If a staff member unknowingly crosses a boundary, managers must:

• Provide verbal or written guidance on maintaining professional standards.
• Offer additional training or mentoring if necessary.

6.2. Addressing Serious Boundary Violations

If a staff member knowingly breaches professional boundaries:

• Formal disciplinary action will be taken, in line with the Staff Conduct Policy.
• CQC, safeguarding teams, or external authorities may be informed if necessary.
• Dismissal and legal action may occur in cases of serious misconduct.

7. Monitoring and Compliance

To ensure compliance with this policy:

• Regular staff supervisions will address professional boundaries.
• Random audits and feedback surveys will assess adherence to best practices.
• Incident reports related to professional boundary concerns will be reviewed quarterly.
• CQC audits will include staff conduct and professional boundary adherence.

8. Related Policies

This policy should be read alongside:

• CH13 – Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy​.
• CH27 – Staff Supervision, Training, and Development Policy​.
• CH28 – Staff Conduct and Code of Ethics Policy​.
• CH34 – Confidentiality and Data Protection (GDPR) Policy​.
• CH10 – Using Social Media Platforms Policy​.

9. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if:

• CQC regulations change.
• Staff feedback suggests improvements.
• Serious incidents require updates.

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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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