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Compliance with the Care Act 2014 Policy

1. Introduction

Our Home Care business is committed to delivering high-quality, person-centred care that fully complies with the Care Act 2014 and aligns with CIW regulations in Wales. This policy outlines how we ensure legal and regulatory compliance, protect the rights of individuals using our service, and promote their well-being, independence, and dignity.

This policy applies to all employees, including Care Assistants, Senior Carers, Coordinators, Managers, and Directors. It also serves as a reference for CIW inspectors assessing our compliance with the Act.

2. Key Principles of the Care Act 2014

We adhere to the following principles, ensuring that they are embedded in our daily practice:

1. Promoting Well-being
   • Our care planning process ensures that service users’ well-being is at the forefront of all decisions.
   • Well-being includes personal dignity, control over day-to-day life, physical and mental health, emotional well-being, and protection from abuse and neglect.
   • We conduct well-being assessments (WBAs) before developing care plans and review them regularly to ensure evolving needs are met.
2. Preventing, Reducing, and Delaying Needs
   • Our care model is preventative, helping individuals maintain independence and avoid deterioration of health and well-being.
   • We signpost individuals to additional support services, such as community-based organisations, local support groups, and NHS services, where appropriate.
   • Staff receive training on early intervention strategies, including fall prevention, nutritional support, and mental health awareness.
3. Person-Centred and Outcome-Focused Approach
   • All care plans are co-produced with service users and their families to reflect their wishes and aspirations.
   • We use Active Support principles, empowering individuals to take part in their own care decisions.
   • Regular Service Reviews (SRs) ensure that care plans remain responsive to evolving needs.
4. Duty of Care and Safeguarding
   • All staff must complete safeguarding training in line with the All Wales Safeguarding Procedures.
   • We follow robust recruitment procedures, including Enhanced DBS checks, right-to-work verification, and reference checks.
   • Any safeguarding concerns are reported immediately in accordance with Section 42 of the Care Act 2014 and our Safeguarding Policy.

3. How We Manage Compliance Efficiently

A. Assessment of Needs & Care Planning

What We Do:

• Conduct comprehensive needs assessments before care commences, considering physical, mental, and emotional health.
• Create care plans that reflect the individual’s wishes, cultural preferences, and goals.
• Use Dynamic Risk Assessments (DRA) to identify potential hazards and adapt care accordingly.
• Review care plans every 6 months or sooner if there is a change in need.

For Staff:

• Always involve the individual and their representative in care planning.
• Keep detailed, accurate, and real-time records of any changes in a service user’s condition.
• Escalate concerns promptly using our Report an Incident (RAI) tool.

For CIW Inspectors:

• Our Care Management System (CMS) provides digital access to assessments and reviews.
• Care plan audits are conducted quarterly to ensure regulatory compliance.

B. Safeguarding & Protection from Abuse

What We Do:

• Train staff to recognise signs of financial, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse.
• Maintain a Whistleblowing Policy, allowing staff to report concerns safely.
• Work closely with local safeguarding boards and follow the Wales Safeguarding Procedures.

For Staff:

• Report any safeguarding concerns immediately via our Safeguarding Referral Process (SRP).
• Never ignore or downplay a service user’s disclosure of abuse.
• Ensure all interactions uphold the individual’s dignity and choice.

For CIW Inspectors:

• Our safeguarding incident logs are stored securely and regularly reviewed to identify trends.
• Training records confirm that all staff have completed safeguarding training.

C. Staff Recruitment & Training

What We Do:

• Follow Safer Recruitment practices, ensuring staff suitability.
• Require Enhanced DBS checks and references before employment.
• Deliver ongoing training in medication administration, dementia care, and moving & handling.

For Staff:

• Keep professional knowledge updated by attending mandatory refresher training.
• Adhere to the Code of Conduct for Healthcare Support Workers and Adult Social Care in Wales.

For CIW Inspectors:

• Our HR records include recruitment checks, training logs, and appraisals.
• We conduct staff competency assessments at least once a year.

D. Continuity of Care & Risk Management

What We Do:

• Maintain a Business Continuity Plan (BCP) to ensure care delivery during crises (e.g., pandemics, extreme weather).
• Ensure staff are allocated consistent service users to build trust and rapport.
• Use real-time monitoring software to track visits and flag any missed calls.

For Staff:

• Follow the Lone Working Policy for safety when working in isolated environments.
• Report risks such as hazardous living conditions or medical deterioration using the Incident Reporting System (IRS).

For CIW Inspectors:

• Business continuity plans are tested annually and updated based on risk assessments.
• Our digital system flags missed or late visits, ensuring immediate follow-up.

4. Governance & Continuous Improvement

What We Do:

• Hold quarterly Quality Assurance Meetings (QAMs) to review policies and practices.
• Seek feedback from service users through surveys and face-to-face reviews.
• Audit care records and staff performance to ensure high standards are maintained.

For Staff:

• Encourage service users to complete Satisfaction Surveys (SSs).
• Take part in Reflective Practice sessions to improve care delivery.

For CIW Inspectors:

• We provide access to audit reports, complaints logs, and improvement plans.
• We are transparent in reporting any notifiable incidents to CIW within required timeframes.

5. Compliance Monitoring & Audit Procedures

• Internal Audits: Conducted every 3 months by senior management.
• Annual Reviews: Full compliance check against the Care Act 2014 and CIW regulations.
• Staff Supervisions & Appraisals: Carried out every 6 months to ensure adherence to best practices.

6. Conclusion

Our commitment to full compliance with the Care Act 2014 ensures that we deliver safe, effective, and high-quality domiciliary care services. This policy serves as a guide for staff and CIW inspectors, demonstrating our dedication to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement.

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