CH225-Shaving People Policy
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Shaving People Policy
1. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all shaving tasks undertaken by {{org_field_name}} staff within this care home service are performed safely, hygienically, and in a way that promotes the dignity, comfort, and personal preferences of the individual. This policy supports compliance with the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 (as amended), including Regulation 9 (Person-centred care), Regulation 10 (Dignity and respect), Regulation 11 (Need for consent), Regulation 12 (Safe care and treatment), Regulation 13 (Safeguarding service users from abuse and improper treatment), Regulation 15 (Premises and equipment), Regulation 17 (Good governance), Regulation 18 (Staffing), Regulation 19 (Fit and proper persons employed), and Regulation 20 (Duty of candour).
2. Scope
This policy applies to all care staff and support workers employed or contracted by {{org_field_name}} who assist with, supervise, or perform shaving tasks as part of personal care in this regulated service. It covers both facial and body shaving, including the use of electric razors and disposable/safety razors, and applies to shaving carried out in residents’ rooms, bathrooms, or other appropriate private areas of the home.
3. Related Policies
- CH07-Person-Centred Care Policy
- CH10-Visiting and Accompanying in Care Homes and Hospitals Policy
- CH11-Safe Care and Treatment Policy
- CH13-Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy
- CH17-Infection Prevention and Control Policy
- CH40-Assisting with Personal Care Policy
4. Policy Statement
{{org_field_name}} is committed to providing person-centred, dignified, and hygienic shaving support to individuals as part of their agreed care plan. We ensure that shaving is only carried out where consent has been given, staff have been trained and deemed competent, and appropriate equipment is used. The health, safety, comfort, and preferences of the individual are always the priority.
5. Key Procedures and Guidance
a. Consent and Personal Preferences
Before providing shaving assistance, staff must confirm that the individual has given informed consent and that shaving is included in the agreed care plan. If the individual lacks capacity, decisions are made in accordance with the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and documented using a best interests process. The individual’s preferences regarding shaving style, tools, and frequency must always be followed.
Staff must ensure consent is informed and documented: explain what will happen, check understanding, and confirm agreement immediately before shaving starts. Where the individual lacks capacity to consent to shaving for this specific decision, staff must record a decision-specific mental capacity assessment and a best-interests decision, including the least restrictive option and how the person’s wishes and feelings were considered. Consent (or the best-interests rationale) must be recorded in the care plan and daily records in line with Regulation 11 (Need for consent).
b. Risk Assessment
A risk assessment is carried out for each person requiring shaving assistance, identifying any health conditions or skin sensitivities that may affect shaving. Individuals with conditions such as diabetes, bleeding disorders, or those on anticoagulants are not to be shaved using wet razors. Any cuts, wounds, rashes, or signs of infection must be documented and reported before proceeding.
Staff must stop and seek senior/clinical advice (and record actions taken) if there is: unexplained bruising, fragile skin/skin tears, active bleeding, signs of infection, new swelling, or any concern that shaving could cause avoidable harm. Where nursing support is available, staff must follow the home’s escalation pathway (e.g., nurse in charge, GP, NHS 111) before proceeding.
c. Use of Equipment
Only electric razors or safety razors may be used by staff. The use of open blades or cut-throat razors is strictly prohibited. Razors must be in good working order, clean, and suitable for the person’s skin type and shaving area. Each person must have their own dedicated shaving equipment to prevent cross-contamination. Shared use of razors is not permitted under any circumstances.
Storage, Maintenance and Safety of Equipment (Regulation 15)
Shaving equipment must be stored safely, cleanly, and in a way that prevents accidental injury and cross-infection. Electric razors must be maintained in good working order, charged safely, and checked for damage before use. Any damaged equipment must be removed from use immediately and reported in line with the home’s maintenance procedures. Each person’s shaving equipment (where owned by the service or stored on their behalf) must be labelled or kept in a way that clearly identifies it as theirs.
d. Infection Prevention and Control
Staff must follow infection prevention and control procedures as outlined in CH17 – Infection Prevention and Control Policy and in accordance with the service’s IPC risk assessment and monitoring arrangements. This includes:
- performing hand hygiene before and after shaving and after glove removal;
- wearing gloves and aprons as required and changing PPE between people;
- using single-use disposable razors once only and disposing of them safely in line with the home’s clinical waste/sharps procedure (including use of a sharps container where required by the local waste contract or risk assessment);
- cleaning and disinfecting any reusable equipment (e.g., electric razors, guards) after each use in line with manufacturer instructions and the home’s cleaning protocol;
- storing each person’s shaving items separately and hygienically to prevent cross-contamination; and
- recording and acting on any infection risks (e.g., broken skin, suspected infection, outbreaks) in line with service procedures.
This approach supports compliance with Regulation 12 (Safe care and treatment) and the Health and Social Care Act 2008: Code of Practice on the prevention and control of infections.
e. Shaving Technique and Skin Care
Shaving must be carried out gently and with care, avoiding broken or irritated skin. Appropriate shaving cream or gel should be used where required, and the skin should be cleansed before and after. After shaving, soothing products may be applied if requested and approved by the individual. Any nicks or cuts must be treated immediately with a sterile dressing and reported.
f. Privacy and Dignity
Shaving must always be conducted in private, with doors closed or screens used as appropriate. Staff must speak to the individual throughout the process, ensuring they feel comfortable and respected. Preferences around gender of staff for personal care, including shaving, must be upheld where feasible and documented in the care plan.
g. Refusal and Choice
If an individual refuses to be shaved, staff must respect their decision and document the refusal in the daily notes. Repeated refusals may require a care plan review. Staff must never coerce or pressure individuals into shaving and must ensure the person understands they can change their mind at any time.
h. Reporting and Documentation
All shaving activities must be documented in the individual’s care records, including any issues encountered (e.g. skin irritation, bleeding, refusal). Concerns about skin condition, injuries, or abuse indicators must be escalated immediately to the line manager.
Where an incident related to shaving meets CQC notification requirements (for example, serious injury, a safeguarding incident, or other reportable event), the Registered Manager will ensure that the incident is reported in line with the service’s CQC notifications procedure and statutory requirements.
i. Duty of Candour (Regulation 20)
If shaving results in harm that meets the service’s duty of candour threshold (for example, a significant skin tear, injury requiring clinical treatment, or other notifiable harm), the Registered Manager must ensure the duty of candour process is followed: the person (and/or their representative) is informed openly and promptly, an apology is provided, and a written record of the conversation and actions taken is completed in line with the service policy.
6. Training and Competency
Staff must receive training in personal care, infection control, and skin integrity as part of their induction. They must be observed and assessed as competent before carrying out shaving tasks unsupervised. Ongoing supervision and refresher training are provided to ensure high standards are maintained.
Competency must be reassessed following any shaving-related incident (e.g., cuts/skin tears) or where poor practice is identified through audit, supervision, or complaint. Staff must not undertake shaving unsupervised until competence is reconfirmed.
7. Responsibilities
The Registered Manager {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}} is responsible for ensuring that all staff follow this policy, and that care plans are clear on when and how shaving should be performed. Staff are responsible for adhering to this policy, maintaining hygiene and safety standards, and reporting any concerns promptly.
The Registered Manager (or delegated lead) will ensure oversight and monitoring of safe shaving practice. This includes reviewing incidents (e.g., cuts, skin tears), complaints, and infection control concerns; ensuring actions are completed; and auditing care records where shaving support is provided to confirm consent, risk assessment, and outcomes are documented. This forms part of the service’s Regulation 17 (Good governance) quality assurance arrangements.
8. Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed annually or earlier if changes in legislation, CQC requirements, or best practices arise. Staff will be updated on any amendments and supported with training if needed.
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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