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{{org_field_name}}

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Maintaining Professional Boundaries Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all employees of {{org_field_name}} maintain clear and appropriate professional boundaries with service users to safeguard their dignity, independence, and well-being, while also protecting staff from situations that may compromise their professional integrity.

Professional boundaries define acceptable behaviour between care workers and service users, ensuring a relationship that is based on trust, respect, and ethical standards. Breaching these boundaries can lead to exploitation, abuse, conflict of interest, or emotional dependency, which can compromise the quality of care provided.

This policy aligns with CIW regulations, the Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016, and the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014, ensuring care is delivered ethically, respectfully, and safely.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all employees, including care workers, managers, administrative staff, and volunteers. It covers all aspects of interactions with service users, their families, and representatives in both professional and personal contexts.

It applies to situations where employees:

• Provide direct care and support.
• Communicate with service users or their families.
• Manage financial or personal affairs on behalf of a service user.
• Are at risk of conflicts of interest or inappropriate relationships.

The policy ensures that professional relationships remain focused on delivering high-quality care and do not develop into friendships, financial transactions, or personal relationships that could be detrimental to the service user or staff member.

3. Defining Professional Boundaries

Maintaining professional boundaries means that:

• Staff should always act in a professional capacity. While care work is personal, interactions must be objective, respectful, and focused on the well-being of the service user.
• Employees should not develop personal friendships or relationships with service users beyond the professional scope of care.
• Financial boundaries must be upheld. Employees must not borrow, lend, or accept money or gifts from service users.
• Physical boundaries should be appropriate. While some physical contact (e.g., assisting with mobility or personal care) is necessary, staff must always seek consent and ensure touch is appropriate and non-intrusive.
• Emotional boundaries should be clear. Staff must be supportive but should not become emotionally involved in a way that compromises their judgment or professionalism.
• Communication boundaries must be maintained. Care workers must not share personal details (e.g., phone numbers, home addresses, or social media connections) with service users.

4. Managing Professional Boundaries in Domiciliary Care

Domiciliary care presents unique challenges in maintaining professional boundaries as staff work in the private homes of service users. The following measures are in place to ensure professionalism is upheld:

• Clear Guidelines on Relationships: Employees must not form personal relationships with service users outside of their professional duties. Any pre-existing relationships must be disclosed to the Registered Manager to avoid conflicts of interest.
• Appropriate Use of Language and Communication: Staff must communicate respectfully and avoid over-familiar language, inappropriate jokes, or comments that could be misinterpreted.
• Avoiding Favouritism or Special Treatment: Care workers must ensure that all service users receive equal attention and support without developing preferential treatment for certain individuals.
• Ensuring Transparency in Care Delivery: Staff must document all care provided, ensuring that records are clear and accurate to protect against any claims of misconduct.
• Responding to Emotional Attachments: If a service user becomes overly attached to a care worker, this should be reported to the Registered Manager, who will assess the situation and may reassign staff if necessary.

5. Financial and Gift Boundaries

One of the most critical professional boundaries in care work is financial integrity. To protect both staff and service users from financial abuse or conflicts of interest, the following rules apply:

• Staff must never accept money, loans, or gifts from service users or their families, except for small token items such as chocolates or a card at Christmas, which must be declared to the Registered Manager.
• Employees must not handle service users’ finances, except where there is a formal agreement in place, and such transactions must be logged and countersigned by another authorised staff member.
• Staff must not make purchases on behalf of service users unless it is explicitly agreed upon in their care plan, and receipts must be provided for every transaction.

Failure to comply with these financial guidelines may result in disciplinary action and potential CIW regulatory intervention.

6. Social Media and Digital Communication Boundaries

In the digital age, it is essential to ensure that professional boundaries extend to online interactions:

• Staff must not connect with service users on social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp).
• Personal phone numbers must not be shared. All communication with service users should take place through the organisation’s official channels.
• Photos or videos of service users must never be taken, even with consent, unless for official documentation within care records and in compliance with GDPR.
• Confidentiality must be respected at all times. Staff must not discuss service users or their care on social media, even in private conversations.

7. Addressing Boundary Violations

Boundary violations can negatively impact service users, create safeguarding concerns, and compromise CIW compliance. If a staff member breaches professional boundaries, the following steps must be taken:

• Reporting: Any concerns about boundary violations must be reported to the Registered Manager immediately.
• Investigation: A formal investigation will be conducted in line with the Disciplinary and Grievance Policy (DCW31) and the Safeguarding Policy (DCW13).
• Outcome: Depending on the severity of the breach, outcomes may include retraining, reassignment, disciplinary action, or dismissal.

If a service user is exploited or placed at risk, the Local Authority Adult Safeguarding Team and CIW will be informed.

8. Staff Training and Support

To ensure that all staff fully understand the importance of professional boundaries, {{org_field_name}} provides:

• Regular training sessions on professional conduct, safeguarding, and handling boundary-related challenges.
• Supervision and one-to-one discussions with the Registered Manager to address any concerns regarding professional boundaries.
• Clear reporting mechanisms for staff to seek guidance or report concerns without fear of retaliation.

Staff are encouraged to seek advice if they are unsure about any aspect of professional boundaries.

9. Related Policies

This policy should be read in conjunction with:

• Staff Conduct and Code of Ethics Policy (DCW28)
• Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy (DCW13)
• Confidentiality and Data Protection Policy (DCW34)
• Disciplinary and Grievance Policy (DCW31)

10. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if legislation changes or incidents arise that require updates. All staff will be informed of any revisions, and ongoing training will be provided to reinforce compliance with professional boundary standards.

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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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