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Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Night Shift Management Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that {{org_field_name}} delivers safe, person-centred, and high-quality care throughout the night for individuals receiving support in their own homes. Night shifts must be managed with the same professionalism, diligence, and regulatory compliance as daytime operations. This policy supports compliance with Regulation 12 (Safe Care and Treatment), Regulation 17 (Good Governance), Regulation 18 (Staffing), and Regulation 9 (Person-Centred Care) under the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all care staff, team leaders, and management personnel responsible for planning, delivering, supervising, or supporting care during night hours (typically defined as between 10:00 pm and 7:00 am). It includes live-in carers, waking night staff, and sleeping night staff, and applies to all service users who require overnight care, monitoring, or reassurance.

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
• CH24 – Management of Accidents, Incidents, and Near Misses Policy
• CH27 – Staff Supervision, Training, and Development Policy
• CH33 – Staff Leave and Absence Policy

4. Policy Statement and Principles

{{org_field_name}} recognises that night-time care requires sensitivity, vigilance, and consistent standards to maintain the safety, dignity, and well-being of the people we support. This policy ensures that night shifts are staffed by trained and competent personnel, appropriately monitored, and supported by robust procedures that maintain effective care delivery and meet regulatory expectations at all times.

4.1 Staffing and Competency
All night shifts must be staffed by appropriately trained and vetted care workers who have completed full induction and competency checks. Staff must be familiar with the care plans and specific night-time needs of the individuals they support. Waking night staff are expected to remain alert and responsive throughout their shift. Sleeping night staff must be readily available if woken and must respond promptly to requests for support or emergency situations. Staffing levels are reviewed regularly by the Deputy Manager {{org_field_deputy_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_deputy_manager_last_name}} to ensure they reflect the assessed needs of each service user.

4.2 Shift Planning and Handover Procedures
Effective communication is essential at shift changeover. Staff must receive a full verbal and written handover before the start of the night shift, detailing any changes to health conditions, incidents, medication updates, or emotional support needs. Handover forms must be completed and signed by both incoming and outgoing staff. The Registered Manager {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}} ensures oversight of handover quality through regular audits.

4.3 Night-Time Risk Assessments
Each person supported by {{org_field_name}} must have a personalised night-time risk assessment within their care plan. This includes: frequency of monitoring, falls risks, continence needs, epilepsy management, use of assistive technology (e.g. sensor mats), and any behaviours that require support. Risk assessments are reviewed at least quarterly or after any change in need. Staff are trained to respond to emergencies such as falls, breathing difficulties, or unexpected absence.

4.4 Medication and Clinical Tasks
Any medication administered at night must be documented clearly in the Medication Administration Record (MAR). Staff must be trained and assessed as competent before administering medication during night shifts. PRN (as-needed) medications must have clear protocols in place, and any administration must be recorded and justified. Clinical tasks such as catheter care, turning to prevent pressure ulcers, or nutritional support must be documented and reviewed regularly.

4.5 Record-Keeping and Reporting
Staff must maintain accurate and timely documentation during the night shift, including care logs, repositioning charts, fluid intake, checks, and any concerns noted. All entries must be factual, signed, and dated. Any significant events or safeguarding concerns must be reported immediately via our on-call system and documented using the incident reporting process outlined in CH24.

4.6 Lone Working and Staff Safety
Night staff working alone are supported by the Lone Working Policy (CH23). Measures in place include:

• Use of a check-in/check-out procedure with managers or on-call
• Personal alarms or phones for lone workers
• Clear protocols for emergency response
• 24/7 on-call access for guidance and support
  Staff must not place themselves at risk and must escalate concerns about unsafe environments or aggressive behaviour immediately.

4.7 Sleep-In Arrangements
Where sleep-in staff are used, arrangements must ensure that the person is able to rest but is available and alert when needed. They must sleep in designated areas with appropriate facilities and have access to service user information and emergency procedures. Sleep-in hours and interruptions must be logged for auditing and payroll purposes.

4.8 On-Call and Emergency Response
A designated on-call manager is available during all night hours to provide support, advice, and decision-making assistance. Staff must be informed of the on-call contact details and escalation process. In an emergency, staff must prioritise the safety of the individual, contact emergency services where necessary, and inform on-call immediately.

4.9 Staff Wellbeing and Monitoring
Fatigue can affect judgement and performance during night shifts. {{org_field_name}} promotes the health and wellbeing of night staff by:

• Providing breaks during long shifts
• Conducting regular welfare checks
• Offering support for sleep hygiene and recovery
• Reviewing rotas to avoid excessive consecutive night shifts
• Monitoring workload and providing debrief sessions where needed

4.10 Quality Assurance and Auditing
Night shift records, handover forms, and care logs are audited weekly to ensure completeness and quality. Observational spot checks are conducted to ensure compliance with care standards. Feedback from individuals supported at night and their families is actively encouraged to identify improvements. All findings are reviewed by the Registered Manager and actions taken where necessary.

5. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if there are changes in legislation, guidance, or operational needs. The latest version will be available on {{org_field_website}} or by contacting {{org_field_email}}.

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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.