CH28-Staff Conduct and Code of Ethics Policy

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

Staff Conduct and Code of Ethics Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all staff working within our care home maintain the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and ethical behaviour in line with CQC’s fundamental standards of care and Regulation 19 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014.

We are committed to ensuring that every member of staff:

Delivers safe, compassionate, and person-centred care at all times.
Maintains a professional and ethical approach to their duties.
Treats people we support, colleagues, and visitors with dignity and respect.
Adheres to all legal, ethical, and regulatory obligations governing social care.

This policy outlines the expected behaviour of all staff, ensuring a positive, safe, and supportive environment for both the people we support and our workforce. It also details the consequences of non-compliance, misconduct, or breaches of ethical conduct.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

All employees of the care home, including care staff, nurses, administrative staff, and managers.
Volunteers, agency workers, and temporary staff, ensuring consistency in ethical standards.
External professionals working within our care home, including contractors and healthcare providers.

It covers all aspects of conduct, professional behaviour, and ethical expectations, both inside and outside of the workplace when representing our organisation.

3. Related Policies

This policy is linked to:

CH07 – Person-Centred Care Policy, ensuring care is delivered with compassion.
CH08 – Dignity and Respect Policy, reinforcing the importance of treating individuals with dignity.
CH13 – Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy, ensuring protection against abuse.
CH16 – Health and Safety at Work Policy, maintaining a safe environment.
CH29 – Whistleblowing (Speaking Up) Policy, ensuring staff can report concerns safely.
CH30 – Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy, promoting a respectful and fair workplace.

4. Policy Statement

Our care home is committed to ensuring that all staff:

Act with honesty, integrity, and professionalism.
Maintain a high standard of conduct, ensuring that people we support receive dignified, respectful, and compassionate care.
Comply with all legal and regulatory requirements, including CQC’s fundamental standards and employment laws.
Report any concerns or misconduct, ensuring a transparent and accountable workplace.
Promote a culture of inclusivity and respect, ensuring all individuals are treated equally.

Failure to adhere to this policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal, depending on the severity of the breach.

5. Implementation – How We Manage Staff Conduct and Ethics Efficiently

5.1 Professional Behaviour and Ethical Standards

All staff must uphold the highest ethical and professional standards in their role. This includes:

5.1.1 Treating People with Dignity and Respect

Always treating people we support as individuals, respecting their preferences and needs.
Ensuring privacy, dignity, and independence are upheld in all interactions.
Avoiding any behaviour that could be seen as degrading, humiliating, or disrespectful.

5.1.2 Maintaining Confidentiality and Data Protection

Following GDPR guidelines and ensuring no unauthorised sharing of personal information.
Handling medical records, care plans, and personal details with the utmost discretion.
Only discussing information on a need-to-know basis with authorised personnel.

5.1.3 Professional Appearance and Hygiene

Wearing appropriate, clean, and professional attire, in line with infection control policies.
Maintaining high personal hygiene standards, reducing risks to the people we support.
Avoiding wearing strong scents, excessive jewellery, or inappropriate clothing.

5.1.4 Honest and Transparent Conduct

Always being truthful and open in communications with colleagues, people we support, and their families.
Reporting any mistakes, incidents, or near-misses immediately, following Regulation 20 – Duty of Candour.
Ensuring financial dealings and expenses claims are accurate and transparent.

5.2 Responsibilities to People We Support

Staff must:

Ensure that care is delivered in a person-centred way, respecting individual preferences.
Support informed decision-making, ensuring people we support understand their care options.
Always obtain valid consent before providing care or support, in line with Regulation 11 – Need for Consent.
Provide a safe and stimulating environment, promoting well-being.

Staff must never:

Engage in any form of abuse, neglect, or coercion.
Use inappropriate restraint or restrictions, except where lawfully justified.
Act in a way that puts people we support at risk.

5.3 Responsibilities to Colleagues

A positive workplace culture depends on mutual respect and teamwork. Staff must:

Treat colleagues with professionalism and courtesy at all times.
Encourage a supportive and inclusive work environment.
Report concerns about bullying, harassment, or discrimination.
Communicate effectively and respectfully, avoiding gossip or workplace conflict.

Failure to uphold these responsibilities may result in disciplinary action, following our Disciplinary and Grievance Policy.

5.4 Safeguarding Responsibilities

All staff have a legal and ethical duty to protect people we support from harm, abuse, or neglect. This means:

Recognising and reporting safeguarding concerns immediately.
Documenting and escalating concerns to the appropriate safeguarding lead.
Understanding the different types of abuse, including physical, emotional, financial, and sexual abuse.
Never ignoring signs of harm, even if they seem minor.

Failure to report a safeguarding concern is considered gross misconduct and may lead to immediate dismissal and legal action.

5.5 Social Media and Online Conduct

Staff must be mindful of their online presence and ensure they:

Do not share confidential or sensitive workplace information online.
Avoid negative discussions about colleagues, the organisation, or people we support.
Do not take or share photos of people we support, unless explicitly permitted.

5.6 Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing

If staff witness misconduct, unsafe practices, or unethical behaviour, they must report it immediately through:

Line managers or senior leadership.
The organisation’s whistleblowing policy, ensuring confidentiality and protection from retaliation.
External reporting to regulatory bodies, if internal reporting fails to resolve the concern.

We encourage a culture of openness, where staff feel safe to raise concerns without fear of victimisation.

6. Compliance with CQC Standards

This policy ensures compliance with:

Regulation 19 – Fit and Proper Persons Employed, ensuring ethical behaviour in the workplace.
Regulation 10 – Dignity and Respect, ensuring people we support are treated respectfully.
Regulation 13 – Safeguarding from Abuse, preventing harm or exploitation.
Regulation 20 – Duty of Candour, ensuring honesty in care delivery.

7. Monitoring and Review

This policy is reviewed annually, or sooner if:

New CQC regulations or employment laws are introduced.
Incidents highlight a need for revisions.
Staff raise concerns about existing procedures.

The Registered Manager is responsible for ensuring compliance and addressing any breaches of conduct.

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.