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{{org_field_name}}

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Staff Dress Code and Uniform Policy

1. Purpose and Scope

The purpose of this Staff Dress Code and Uniform Policy is to establish clear guidelines for the appearance and attire of employees within {{org_field_name}}. This policy ensures that staff present a professional image while maintaining safety, comfort, and respect for service users. A consistent dress code promotes trust, reflects organisational values, and ensures compliance with health and safety standards.

This policy applies to all employees, including care workers, administrative staff, managers, and volunteers. It covers uniform requirements, personal presentation, hygiene standards, and guidelines for addressing cultural, religious, and medical considerations.

2. Policy Statement

{{org_field_name}} is committed to:

• Promoting a professional and respectful appearance among staff.
• Ensuring uniforms support safety, hygiene, and comfort.
• Accommodating cultural, religious, and medical needs.
• Upholding dignity and respect for service users.
• Maintaining compliance with health and safety regulations.

3. Legal and Regulatory Framework

This policy aligns with the following legislation and guidelines:

• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
• Equality Act 2010
• Care Quality Commission (CQC) Fundamental Standards
• Infection Prevention and Control Guidelines
• Data Protection Act 2018 (GDPR)

Compliance with these regulations ensures that staff dress appropriately while respecting individual rights and promoting safety in care environments.

4. General Dress Code Expectations

All staff must adhere to the following general dress code principles:

• Professional Appearance: Clothing must be clean, tidy, and in good condition.
• Modesty and Respect: Attire should be appropriate for the care environment.
• Hygiene: Staff must maintain high personal hygiene standards.
• Safety: Clothing and accessories must not pose safety risks.
• Identification: Staff must wear identification badges while on duty.

5. Uniform Requirements

To promote consistency and professionalism, our company provides uniforms for all care staff. Uniform expectations include:

5.1 Issuance and Maintenance:

• Staff receive company-branded uniforms upon employment.
• Uniforms must be kept clean, ironed, and free from damage.
• Staff are responsible for laundering uniforms unless otherwise specified.

5.2 Daily Wear:

• Uniforms must be worn during all care visits and company-related activities.
• Replacement uniforms are provided if wear and tear occur.

5.3 Footwear:

• Closed-toe, non-slip shoes are mandatory.
• Shoes must be clean, comfortable, and supportive.

5.4 Outerwear:

• Company-issued jackets may be worn during outdoor duties.
• Personal outerwear must be removed during indoor care activities.

6. Personal Presentation and Hygiene

Maintaining personal hygiene and presentation is essential for health, safety, and professionalism. Staff must:

• Shower or bathe daily and wear deodorant.
• Keep hair clean, tied back if long, and away from the face.
• Maintain clean, trimmed nails without artificial enhancements.
• Avoid excessive perfume or cologne.

7. Accessories and Jewellery

To prevent safety risks and maintain professionalism:

• Minimal jewellery is permitted (e.g., wedding bands, small stud earrings).
• Dangling jewellery, large rings, and bracelets are prohibited.
• Watches are permitted if they do not interfere with care tasks.

8. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Staff must wear appropriate PPE when required, including gloves, aprons, and masks. PPE must be worn according to infection control guidelines and disposed of safely after use.

9. Cultural, Religious, and Medical Considerations

We respect cultural, religious, and medical needs regarding attire. Adjustments include:

• Allowing head coverings, such as hijabs or turbans, in company colours.
• Accommodating medical needs with suitable uniform adaptations.
• Ensuring accommodations do not compromise safety or hygiene.

10. Uniform Exceptions for Office and Remote Staff

Administrative and remote staff must adhere to a smart-casual dress code. Expectations include:

• Clean, professional attire without offensive logos or slogans.
• Closed-toe shoes for office-based staff.
• Avoiding overly casual clothing, such as ripped jeans or flip-flops.

11. Uniform Care and Replacement

Staff are responsible for uniform upkeep. Guidelines include:

• Regular washing at recommended temperatures.
• Prompt reporting of damaged uniforms.
• Replacement provided by the company if damage occurs during work.

12. Uniform Return Upon Employment Termination

Upon ending employment, staff must return all company-issued uniforms. Failure to return uniforms may result in deductions from the final salary.

13. Addressing Dress Code Non-Compliance

Failure to adhere to the dress code may result in:

• First Instance: Verbal reminder from the line manager.
• Second Instance: Written warning with guidance for improvement.
• Repeated Non-Compliance: Formal disciplinary action in line with company procedures.

14. Training and Awareness

All staff receive dress code training during induction, including:

• Uniform requirements and personal presentation standards.
• Cultural sensitivity and accommodation of individual needs.
• Health and safety considerations related to attire.

15. Monitoring and Quality Assurance

We maintain high dress code standards through:

• Regular spot checks by line managers.
• Service user feedback regarding staff presentation.
• Audits of uniform issuance and replacement records.

16. Data Protection and Confidentiality

All uniform-related records are handled according to GDPR:

• Secure Storage: Uniform issuance and return records are stored securely.
• Limited Access: Only authorised personnel access records.
• Safe Disposal: Outdated records are securely disposed of.

17. Complaints and Concerns

Staff or service users can raise dress code concerns through:

1. Informal discussion with line managers.
2. Formal complaints submitted in writing.
3. Investigation and resolution by the HR department.

18. Policy Review and Continuous Improvement

This policy is reviewed annually or sooner if regulations, best practices, or company procedures change. The review process includes:

• Assessing compliance with uniform standards.
• Gathering feedback from staff and service users.
• Implementing updates and ensuring staff training on changes.

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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.