CH195-Escorting Policy

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

Escorting Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that individuals supported by {{org_field_name}} are safely and appropriately escorted to and from appointments, activities, social outings, and other community settings, in line with their assessed needs and preferences. The policy outlines how we plan, risk assess, and implement escorting arrangements while upholding the principles of dignity, respect, person-centred care, and safeguarding. This policy supports our compliance with CQC regulations including Regulation 9 (Person-Centred Care), Regulation 12 (Safe Care and Treatment), and Regulation 13 (Safeguarding from Abuse and Improper Treatment).

2. Scope

This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, and representatives involved in escorting individuals as part of our home care services. It includes escorting individuals on foot, in vehicles, or while using public transport, and applies to all outings arranged or supported by {{org_field_name}}.

3. Related Policies

CH07-Person-Centred Care Policy
CH11-Safe Care and Treatment Policy
CH13-Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy
CH18-Risk Management and Assessment Policy
CH23-Lone Working and Staff Safety Policy
CH24-Management of Accidents, Incidents, and Near Misses Policy
CH43-Transportation and Accompanying Service Users Policy

4. Policy Statement

{{org_field_name}} is committed to supporting the independence, rights, and wellbeing of individuals by enabling safe access to community services and opportunities. We ensure that any escorting activity is risk assessed, planned in partnership with the person receiving care, and delivered by competent staff who understand the person’s health, mobility, communication, and behavioural needs.

5. Key Principles and Implementation

a. Consent and Person-Centred Planning
No person will be escorted without their clear and informed consent or that of their legal representative in accordance with the Mental Capacity Act 2005. Escorting arrangements are included in individual care plans and are based on the person’s preferences, cultural considerations, accessibility needs, and agreed outcomes. Changes to escorting arrangements are discussed with the person and updated in the care plan.

b. Risk Assessments
Before any escorting activity, a thorough risk assessment is completed that considers the environment, method of travel, communication needs, personal health conditions, mobility support, and any challenging behaviour. For regular outings (e.g. medical appointments, day centres), a general risk assessment is completed and reviewed quarterly. For one-off or high-risk activities, a specific dynamic risk assessment is carried out.

c. Escorting to Medical Appointments
When supporting individuals to health appointments, staff ensure they understand the purpose of the appointment, the venue’s accessibility, and any personal care or support needs during the visit. Staff will support individuals to communicate their wishes and, if authorised, can assist in sharing information with healthcare professionals and documenting outcomes in the care record.

d. Use of Vehicles and Public Transport
Where escorting involves travel by vehicle, only authorised drivers with appropriate insurance and valid driving licences are permitted. All vehicles used must be roadworthy and safe. When using public transport, staff support the individual to navigate stations, use tickets, and stay safe in unfamiliar environments. Wheelchairs or mobility aids are used as needed and managed safely.

e. Staff Roles and Conduct
Staff must remain vigilant, professional, and attentive during all escorting duties. They must never leave the person unattended unless this has been pre-agreed and documented. Staff are instructed to respect the individual’s dignity, maintain confidentiality, and provide reassurance and support throughout the escorting process.

f. Emergencies and Incident Reporting
In the event of an emergency (e.g. health deterioration, transport disruption, loss of contact), staff must follow the emergency protocol, contact the office immediately, and ensure the person’s safety. All incidents, near misses, or concerns during escorting must be reported using the organisation’s incident reporting procedure and investigated appropriately.

g. Safeguarding and Boundaries
Staff must remain aware of their duty to safeguard and protect vulnerable adults while escorting. Any safeguarding concerns identified while in the community are reported to the Safeguarding Lead and managed in line with {{org_field_name}}’s safeguarding procedures. Staff must not take individuals to unapproved locations or engage in personal errands during escorting.

h. Record-Keeping
All escorting arrangements must be clearly documented in the individual’s care plan, including purpose, frequency, method of travel, support needs, and consent. A record of the outing or appointment must be completed on return, noting any relevant observations or incidents.

i. Insurance and Liability
{{org_field_name}} ensures that its public liability insurance covers escorting duties. Staff using their own vehicles for escorting must provide evidence of valid business insurance and vehicle checks. Any transport arrangements involving external providers are vetted and must meet our safety standards.

6. Training and Competency

All staff undertaking escorting duties receive training on safeguarding, lone working, managing behaviour that challenges, risk assessment, and emergency procedures. Only staff deemed competent and assessed through supervision may undertake escorting independently.

7. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or earlier if there are changes in legislation, CQC guidance, or identified service needs. All staff will be informed of updates and provided with refresher training where necessary.

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.