NA31-Uniform and Dress Code Policy
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{{org_field_name}}
Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}
Uniform and Dress Code Policy
1. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to provide clear, consistent, and professional guidance on the uniform and dress code requirements for all staff supplied by {{org_field_name}}. The uniform and dress code are essential for promoting a professional image, ensuring safety and infection prevention, and supporting the dignity and comfort of both staff and service users. Staff working for {{org_field_name}} represent both the agency and the healthcare settings to which they are assigned, and therefore are expected to present themselves in a manner that promotes confidence, trust, and reassurance. This policy aims to ensure that all temporary nurses, healthcare assistants, and agency staff maintain a consistent and professional appearance in line with relevant legislation, including the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014, the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, and guidance from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and the UK Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) framework. Furthermore, this policy is designed to help reduce infection risks, protect health and safety, and comply with equality, diversity, and inclusion standards.
2. Scope
This policy applies to: All registered nurses, healthcare assistants, and other temporary staff employed or engaged by {{org_field_name}} on zero-hours or other contractual arrangements. All staff working in client placements including care homes, nursing homes, and other health or social care environments. All directors and office-based staff where applicable when visiting client sites. All interactions during placements, regardless of shift length, client location, or type of assignment. The policy applies equally to all genders, ages, and backgrounds.
3. Related Policies
- Infection Prevention and Control Policy – Health and Safety Policy – Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy – Code of Conduct – Disciplinary Policy – Safeguarding Adults Policy – Confidentiality and Data Protection Policy
4. Policy Statement
It is the policy of {{org_field_name}} that all staff maintain a professional appearance that reflects the standards of the organisation and the expectations of our clients and service users. All staff must comply fully with this policy, and failure to do so may result in disciplinary action. The uniform and dress code ensures staff: Present a professional image, Comply with health and safety requirements, Meet infection control standards, Respect the dignity of service users, Maintain the confidence of clients and the public.
5. Responsibilities
Directors As {{org_field_name}} does not have a registered manager, the directors take full responsibility for: Ensuring that this policy is regularly reviewed, updated, and communicated effectively to all staff. Ensuring that all staff receive uniform and dress code guidance during induction and refresher training. Investigating any breaches of the uniform and dress code policy and taking appropriate action. Monitoring compliance through feedback from clients, spot-checks, and audits. Providing guidance to staff where adjustments are required, including supporting reasonable adjustments for health, cultural, or religious reasons.
Temporary and Agency Staff All agency workers must: Adhere strictly to the uniform and dress code outlined in this policy. Understand the rationale for uniform standards, particularly regarding infection control and safety. Take responsibility for ensuring their uniform is clean, well-maintained, and suitable for work at all times. Seek advice from {{org_field_name}} if they have queries about uniform, dress code, or reasonable adjustments.
6. General Dress Code Principles
All staff must: Present a neat, tidy, and professional appearance at all times. Wear the appropriate uniform as specified for their role and the client setting. Adhere to placement-specific uniform policies where applicable, without contravening this policy. Ensure clothing is well-fitted, clean, and ironed. Avoid excessively tight, revealing, or casual clothing. Avoid clothing with offensive logos, slogans, or images. Use appropriate footwear as outlined below.
7. Uniform Requirements
Registered Nurses and Healthcare Assistants Staff must wear: Plain-coloured tunics or polo tops (typically navy blue, royal blue, or white) depending on role and placement requirements. Plain navy blue or black trousers. Black, blue, or white socks or tights. Clean, soft-soled, closed-toe, non-slip shoes appropriate for healthcare environments. ID badges supplied by {{org_field_name}} and, where required, additional placement-specific badges. Placement-specific uniform must be worn if supplied by the client, following the client’s policy and instructions. Scrubs may be worn where requested or required by the client.
Office and Visiting Staff Office staff visiting client premises must wear: Smart business or business-casual attire appropriate for healthcare settings. Clothing that is practical, professional, and respectful of the care environment. Flat or low-heeled shoes suitable for care settings.
8. Infection Control and Hygiene
Infection control must take precedence over personal preference. All staff must: Ensure uniforms are clean and changed daily, or more frequently if contaminated. Avoid wearing uniforms outside of work settings wherever possible. Cover uniforms when travelling to and from work. Wear short-sleeved tops or tunics or roll up sleeves for all direct care to allow proper handwashing and minimise cross-contamination. Remove hand and wrist jewellery except for a plain wedding band or medical alert bracelet. Keep fingernails clean, short, and free of nail polish, extensions, or artificial nails. Tie long hair back securely above the collar to prevent contamination.
9. Footwear
Footwear must be: Closed-toe, low-heeled, and slip-resistant to reduce the risk of trips, slips, and falls. Clean and well-maintained. Soft-soled to reduce noise and disruption. Trainers may be worn if plain, clean, and suitable for a healthcare setting.
10. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Where required, staff must: Comply fully with the placement’s PPE policy. Wear PPE provided by the placement, which may include gloves, aprons, face masks, eye protection, or other equipment. Report any concerns regarding the availability or suitability of PPE to the placement manager and {{org_field_name}} immediately. Undertake PPE training as part of induction and refresher training.
11. Identification Badges
All staff must wear their {{org_field_name}} photo identification badge at all times while on duty. ID badges must be: Visible and worn above waist level. Current and not defaced or damaged. Surrendered to {{org_field_name}} when employment ends.
12. Religious and Cultural Requirements
{{org_field_name}} is committed to equality, diversity, and respecting religious beliefs. Modifications to the dress code may be permitted, provided they do not compromise infection control, health, and safety. For example: Headscarves or religious headwear may be worn if securely fitted and do not impede safe practice. Long-sleeved garments may be permitted but must be able to be rolled up or secured during clinical care to facilitate effective hand hygiene. Requests for reasonable adjustments should be made to {{org_field_name}} in writing and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
13. Tattoos and Body Piercings
Visible tattoos are permitted provided they are not offensive, discriminatory, or inappropriate for a professional setting. Facial piercings are discouraged in clinical areas due to infection control risks. Simple ear piercings may be permitted but should not exceed one small stud per ear. All piercings must comply with health and safety and infection prevention guidance.
14. Uniform Maintenance
Staff are responsible for: Laundering their own uniforms unless provided otherwise by the placement. Ensuring that uniforms are washed separately from household laundry at appropriate temperatures in line with infection prevention guidance. Replacing worn, damaged, or faded uniforms to maintain a professional appearance. Informing {{org_field_name}} if they require replacement ID badges.
15. Non-Compliance
Failure to adhere to this policy may result in: Staff being refused entry to placements until suitably attired. Disciplinary action under the {{org_field_name}} Disciplinary Policy. Removal from the agency’s active staff list for persistent non-compliance.
16. Training
All staff will receive training on: Uniform and dress code expectations as part of induction. Infection prevention and control principles, including uniform hygiene. Health and safety as it relates to appearance and attire. Reasonable adjustments and equality principles.
17. Monitoring and Review
The directors of {{org_field_name}} are responsible for: Conducting spot checks and audits of staff appearance. Responding to concerns raised by clients regarding staff uniform or appearance. Providing guidance and reminders where necessary. Reviewing this policy annually or when changes to legislation, CQC guidance, or best practice occur.
18. Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed at least annually by the directors of {{org_field_name}} or earlier if: There are changes in legislation or CQC regulations. Feedback from clients, staff, or service users indicates a need. Lessons learned from incidents or complaints suggest revision is required.
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.