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{{org_field_name}}

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Supporting Personal and Sexual Relationships Policy

1. Introduction and Purpose

{{org_field_name}} recognises that personal and sexual relationships are an essential aspect of human life. These relationships contribute to emotional well-being, personal identity, and quality of life. Every individual, regardless of age, disability, or care needs, has the right to form meaningful relationships, provided they are consensual and free from harm. This policy outlines our approach to supporting service users in forming and maintaining personal and sexual relationships while safeguarding their well-being and ensuring their rights are respected.

This policy aligns with the Health and Social Care Act 2008, the Care Act 2014, the Equality Act 2010, and the CQC guidelines on promoting well-being and human rights. Our aim is to foster an inclusive and supportive environment where service users feel empowered to express themselves and build healthy relationships, with appropriate safeguards in place.

2. Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to all employees, contractors, volunteers, and service users within {{org_field_name}}. It encompasses all forms of personal and sexual relationships, including friendships, romantic partnerships, and intimate relationships. This includes individuals living independently, those residing with family members, and those receiving continuous domiciliary care.

The policy covers:

• Heterosexual, same-sex, and non-binary relationships.
• Relationships involving individuals with physical impairments, learning disabilities, or mental health conditions.
• Friendships and familial relationships that contribute to social well-being.

3. Principles of Supporting Relationships

Our approach to supporting personal and sexual relationships is guided by the following core principles:

• Respect for Autonomy: Service users have the right to make independent decisions regarding their relationships. Staff must respect these choices, provided the individual has the capacity to consent and the relationship does not pose harm.
• Privacy and Dignity: Personal and sexual matters are handled with discretion. Staff must ensure that service users can explore relationships in a safe, private environment without fear of judgment or intrusion.
• Safeguarding and Well-Being: While supporting relationships, staff must remain vigilant for signs of abuse, coercion, or exploitation. Any concerns must be reported immediately in accordance with the company’s safeguarding procedures.
• Non-Judgmental Approach: Staff must approach relationship matters without prejudice, respecting the diverse cultural, sexual, and personal identities of service users. Staff must receive training to overcome personal biases and maintain professionalism.

4. Capacity and Consent

The ability to consent is fundamental to supporting safe and respectful relationships. Under the Mental Capacity Act 2005, the following steps must be taken when assessing a service user’s capacity to engage in a relationship:

• Assessment of Capacity: Staff must assess whether the service user can understand, retain, and evaluate information related to relationships and consent. This includes understanding the risks and benefits involved.
• Best Interest Decisions: If a service user lacks capacity, any decisions regarding relationships must be made in their best interest. This involves collaboration with family members, advocates, healthcare professionals, and, when appropriate, an independent mental capacity advocate (IMCA).
• Documentation: All capacity assessments, decisions made, and actions taken must be clearly documented, ensuring transparency and accountability.

5. Supporting Safe Relationships

To promote safe, healthy, and fulfilling relationships, the following practices are implemented:

• Education and Awareness: Service users are provided with information about healthy relationships, consent, personal boundaries, and sexual health. This education is tailored to the individual’s needs and delivered in an accessible format.
• Access to Support Services: When necessary, service users are connected with external organisations that provide specialist advice, such as sexual health clinics, relationship counselling services, and advocacy groups.
• Safe Environment: Staff are responsible for ensuring that service users can engage in relationships without fear of discrimination, stigma, or harm. Any barriers to safe relationships are addressed through personalised care planning.
• Monitoring and Safeguarding: While respecting privacy, staff must remain observant for signs of unhealthy relationships, such as coercion, control, or emotional abuse. Any concerns must be documented and escalated according to safeguarding protocols.

6. Supporting LGBTQ+ Relationships

Our company embraces diversity and actively supports LGBTQ+ service users in expressing their identities and relationships. This includes:

• Inclusive Training: Staff receive training on LGBTQ+ issues to ensure they can provide sensitive, informed, and respectful support.
• Non-Discrimination: All service users are treated equally, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or relationship preferences.
• Confidentiality: Information about a service user’s sexual orientation or gender identity is treated with the utmost confidentiality and shared only with consent.

7. Managing Risks and Safeguarding

While promoting personal and sexual relationships, our company prioritises safeguarding and risk management:

• Identifying Risks: Staff are trained to identify potential risks, such as coercion, exploitation, or emotional abuse. This includes monitoring relationships for signs of imbalance or harm.
• Reporting Concerns: Any concerns related to abuse or exploitation must be reported immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead. The situation will be investigated, and appropriate action will be taken.
• Protecting Vulnerable Individuals: If a service user is at risk, the company will conduct a formal risk assessment and implement a safeguarding plan. This may include additional supervision, education, or intervention from external safeguarding authorities.

8. Staff Responsibilities and Training

Staff play a crucial role in facilitating healthy relationships and ensuring that service users’ rights are respected. Their responsibilities include:

• Respecting Choices: Staff must respect service users’ relationship choices, ensuring that they are treated with dignity and without prejudice.
• Providing Information: Service users should be supported with information about sexual health, relationship rights, and safety. This includes access to contraception, STI prevention, and healthy relationship resources.
• Confidentiality: Any discussions about personal or sexual relationships must be handled with strict confidentiality, unless disclosure is necessary to protect someone from harm.
• Training and Development: Staff must participate in regular training sessions to stay informed about best practices in supporting relationships and understanding safeguarding procedures.

9. Handling Sensitive Situations

Staff may encounter sensitive situations related to personal and sexual relationships. In such cases:

• Disclosures of Sexual Activity: If a service user discloses intimate relationships, staff should respond supportively, ensuring that the individual feels heard and respected. Staff should provide appropriate information about safety and well-being without judgment.
• Conflicts with Family or Cultural Beliefs: In cases where family members or cultural beliefs conflict with the service user’s choices, staff must prioritise the rights and autonomy of the service user. Mediation may be facilitated if necessary.
• Relationship Breakdown: If a relationship ends, staff should provide emotional support and ensure the service user’s well-being is maintained during this challenging time.

10. Confidentiality and Record-Keeping

To protect the privacy of service users, all discussions and decisions related to personal and sexual relationships must be documented confidentially:

• Secure Documentation: Records are stored securely and accessible only to authorised staff. This ensures that sensitive information is protected from unauthorised access.
• Informed Consent: Before sharing any relationship-related information with family members or professionals, staff must obtain the service user’s informed consent unless there is a safeguarding concern.
• Regular Review: Care plans are reviewed regularly to ensure that the service user’s relationship needs and preferences are consistently supported.

11. Supporting Sexual Health

Promoting sexual health is integral to supporting safe and fulfilling relationships. Our company ensures that:

• Access to Services: Service users can access sexual health clinics, contraceptive services, and STI testing when needed. Staff assist with appointment scheduling and transportation if required.
• Education and Guidance: Service users receive clear, accessible information about safe sex practices, contraception, and the prevention of sexually transmitted infections.
• Confidential Support: Staff provide sexual health support in a confidential, non-judgmental manner, ensuring that service users feel comfortable discussing sensitive topics.

12. Responding to Abuse and Exploitation

If abuse, exploitation, or coercion is suspected, staff must act immediately:

• Immediate Action: Concerns must be reported to the Designated Safeguarding Lead without delay. An initial safeguarding assessment will determine the level of risk.
• Supporting the Individual: The service user must receive emotional support and protection. This may include referral to specialist support services or the involvement of safeguarding authorities.
• Collaboration with Authorities: If necessary, staff will work with social services, healthcare providers, and the police to ensure the safety of all parties involved.

13. Monitoring and Continuous Improvement

To ensure the effective implementation of this policy, the company undertakes the following measures:

• Regular Policy Reviews: The policy is reviewed annually and updated in line with changes to legislation, best practices, and feedback from service users and staff.
• Feedback and Engagement: Service users and staff are encouraged to provide feedback on how relationship support is delivered and identify areas for improvement.
• Ongoing Staff Training: Continuous training ensures staff remain informed about current practices and sensitive approaches to supporting relationships.

14. Conclusion

{{org_field_name}} is committed to promoting the rights of service users to form and maintain personal and sexual relationships safely and with dignity. Through education, safeguarding, and a non-judgmental approach, we empower individuals to enjoy fulfilling relationships while ensuring their well-being remains paramount. Our commitment to continuous improvement ensures that the support we provide evolves to meet the changing needs of our service users.

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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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