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{{org_field_name}}

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Professional Boundaries Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide clear guidance to all employees of {{org_field_name}} on maintaining professional boundaries while delivering care and support services. Establishing and maintaining appropriate professional relationships is essential to protect the dignity, rights, and well-being of the people we support, as well as to uphold the integrity and reputation of {{org_field_name}}.

This policy ensures that all staff understand their professional responsibilities and the importance of ethical conduct, thereby preventing conflicts of interest, inappropriate relationships, and breaches of trust. This document also sets out how {{org_field_name}} manages professional boundaries efficiently and how any concerns regarding boundary violations will be addressed.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all employees, including care workers, support staff, supervisors, and management within {{org_field_name}}. It also applies to agency staff, volunteers, and contractors engaged in providing care services on behalf of the organisation.

3. Legal and Regulatory Framework

This policy aligns with the following legislation and best practice guidelines:

• Health and Social Care Standards (Scotland) – Emphasising dignity, respect, and professional conduct.
• Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) Codes of Practice – Setting out the expectations for social service workers.
• The Care Inspectorate’s Quality Framework for Care at Home Services – Ensuring high standards of care provision.
• The Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 – Governing decision-making for individuals lacking capacity.
• The Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 – Protecting vulnerable individuals from harm.
• Data Protection Act 2018 (GDPR Compliance) – Regulating confidentiality and appropriate handling of personal information.

4. Definition of Professional Boundaries

Professional boundaries define the limits and expectations of appropriate relationships between care staff and the people they support. These boundaries ensure that:

• A professional relationship remains objective, ethical, and focused on the well-being of the individual.
• Staff do not develop personal, financial, or social relationships with people they support that could lead to conflicts of interest or breaches of trust.
• Staff uphold the principles of dignity, respect, and fairness in all interactions.

5. Key Areas of Professional Boundaries

5.1 Personal Relationships

• Employees must not form personal, romantic, or sexual relationships with the people they support or their family members.
• Socialising outside of work with individuals receiving care is strongly discouraged to prevent dependency or inappropriate familiarity.
• Staff must report any pre-existing relationships with a person they support to their supervisor to avoid conflicts of interest.

5.2 Financial Boundaries

• Staff must not borrow money, lend money, or accept gifts of significant value from the people they support.
• Employees must not become involved in the financial affairs of an individual unless explicitly outlined in the care plan and with management oversight.
• If a gift is offered, staff must report it to their supervisor for guidance on whether it is appropriate to accept.

5.3 Physical Contact

• Staff must only use appropriate touch to provide personal care or comfort when required and in line with the individual’s care plan.
• Hugging, hand-holding, or other physical gestures must be considered in the context of professional appropriateness and the individual’s preferences.
• Any concerns about inappropriate physical contact must be reported immediately.

5.4 Confidentiality and Social Media

• Employees must uphold strict confidentiality regarding personal information about the people they support.
• Staff must never discuss work-related matters on social media or post pictures/videos of individuals receiving care.
• Employees must not connect with people they support on personal social media accounts (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp).

5.5 Gifts and Favours

• Staff should not accept expensive gifts or inheritances from people they support.
• Small tokens of appreciation (e.g., chocolates or thank-you cards) may be accepted but must be reported to a supervisor.
• Employees must not carry out personal errands or favours for people they support beyond their professional duties.

5.6 Boundaries in Communication

• All communication must remain professional and respectful, avoiding overly personal conversations.
• Employees must not share personal phone numbers, home addresses, or private contact details with individuals receiving care.
• All communication should take place through official work channels and within agreed-upon working hours.

5.7 Dual Relationships and Conflict of Interest

• Staff must avoid situations where a dual relationship exists, such as working with a family member, friend, or someone they have a prior personal relationship with.
• Employees must declare any potential conflicts of interest to management so appropriate action can be taken.
• Staff must not favour or disadvantage any individual based on personal relationships.

6. Reporting and Managing Boundary Violations

6.1 Identifying Boundary Violations

Boundary violations occur when an employee crosses the professional limits of their role. Examples include:

• Spending excessive personal time with an individual beyond work requirements.
• Engaging in inappropriate conversations or physical contact.
• Providing financial assistance or personal loans.
• Sharing personal contact details or engaging in private communication.

Where to report:

1) Verbally to the Registered Manager or Safeguarding Lead

2) Inform the Registered Manager by email: {{org_field_registered_manager_email}}

3) Call the office and inform the Registered Manager or Safeguarding Lead: {{org_field_phone_no}}

4) Out of hours phone number: {{out_of_hours}}

5) Online via our website: {{org_field_website}}

6.2 Reporting Concerns

• Staff who witness or suspect boundary violations must report the issue immediately to their supervisor or manager.
• Reports can also be made through the Whistleblowing Policy if an employee feels unable to report concerns directly to their supervisor.
• All reports will be taken seriously and handled in a confidential and fair manner.

6.3 Disciplinary Actions

• Any breach of professional boundaries may result in formal disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal.
• Serious breaches, such as financial exploitation or inappropriate relationships, may be referred to external regulatory bodies such as the SSSC or Care Inspectorate.
• Employees found in violation of this policy will be subject to an internal investigation, with outcomes documented in their personnel file.

7. Training and Support

To ensure compliance with this policy, {{org_field_name}} provides:

• Mandatory training on professional boundaries during staff induction.
• Ongoing refresher training to reinforce ethical conduct and boundary management.
• Supervision and appraisal sessions where staff can discuss any challenges or concerns related to professional boundaries.
• Support mechanisms, including access to senior staff and HR, for employees who need guidance on boundary-related issues.

8. Related Policies

This policy should be read alongside:

• Safeguarding and Protection Policy
• Whistleblowing Policy
• Confidentiality and Data Protection Policy
• Supervision and Appraisal Policy
• Code of Conduct Policy

9. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if there are changes in legislation, best practices, or organisational needs. Any amendments will be communicated to all staff and relevant stakeholders.

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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.