NA41-Induction Policy

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

Induction Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all new staff employed or engaged by {{org_field_name}} receive a comprehensive, structured, and legally compliant induction programme, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and understanding required to perform their roles safely and effectively. {{org_field_name}} is committed to ensuring that all registered nurses, healthcare assistants, and other temporary workers placed in care homes or other healthcare settings are fully prepared for their responsibilities and are competent to deliver high-quality, person-centred care. This policy establishes clear procedures for the delivery of induction training in line with the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014, the Care Certificate Standards (where applicable), the Skills for Care guidelines, the Working Time Regulations 1998, the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, and other relevant legislation. Induction is also essential for promoting the values of {{org_field_name}}, safeguarding service users, and ensuring compliance with Care Quality Commission (CQC) fundamental standards.

2. Scope

This policy applies to: All registered nurses, healthcare assistants, and other temporary workers engaged by {{org_field_name}} on zero-hours, flexible, or other temporary arrangements. All agency staff prior to their first placement or assignment with a client. Any returning staff who have had a break from working for {{org_field_name}} of six months or more. Office staff, contractors, and others involved in the operation of the agency where appropriate. This policy covers both agency-led induction and any client-specific induction carried out at placement level.

3. Related Policies

Recruitment Policy – Code of Conduct – Staff Support and Wellbeing Policy – Training and Development Policy – Safeguarding Adults Policy – Health and Safety Policy – Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy – Whistleblowing Policy

4. Policy Statement

{{org_field_name}} recognises that a high-quality induction is crucial to ensuring that staff are competent, confident, and safe to begin delivering care to vulnerable service users. The induction process is mandatory and must be completed satisfactorily by all new agency workers prior to assignment. The induction will include all essential legal, regulatory, and operational information relevant to the worker’s role and responsibilities. All staff will be provided with the tools, resources, and supervision necessary to understand and apply the principles of safe, effective, and person-centred care.

5. Responsibilities

Directors In the absence of a registered manager, the directors of {{org_field_name}} will: Oversee the design, delivery, and review of the induction programme. Ensure that the induction is regularly updated in line with legislation, national guidance, and client requirements. Monitor the effectiveness of the induction through feedback, audits, and incident reviews. Ensure that only workers who have successfully completed induction are offered placements. Provide additional support or refresher training where required.

Temporary Workers and Agency Staff All agency staff must: Fully engage in and complete the induction programme prior to their first placement. Participate actively in training, supervision, and assessment during induction. Seek clarification or additional support where needed. Comply with all agency policies and procedures as outlined during induction. Demonstrate competence and understanding before being deployed to client placements.

6. Objectives of Induction

The objectives of the induction are to: Equip staff with knowledge of {{org_field_name}}’s values, policies, and procedures. Prepare staff to provide safe, compassionate, person-centred care. Promote awareness of legal and regulatory frameworks affecting care delivery. Ensure staff understand their roles and responsibilities within placements. Reduce the risk of harm to service users and staff. Promote professional development and confidence.

7. Content of Induction Programme

The induction will include the following core components: Introduction to {{org_field_name}} and its values, structure, and policies. Understanding agency staff roles and responsibilities. The Care Certificate (for unregistered workers) or refresher training for registered staff. Safeguarding Adults and Children (Level appropriate to role). Infection Prevention and Control. Health and Safety at Work including risk assessments, manual handling, and reporting procedures. Data Protection and Confidentiality including GDPR compliance. Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion. Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). Record Keeping, Documentation, and Incident Reporting. Professional Boundaries and Code of Conduct. Lone Working and Personal Safety. Duty of Candour and Whistleblowing. Introduction to Placement Information: understanding client policies, protocols, and expectations. Role-specific topics such as medication awareness, end-of-life care, or dementia awareness where applicable.

8. The Induction Process

The induction process consists of the following stages: 1) Pre-Induction Preparation: Candidates will be informed of the induction process during recruitment and will be provided with pre-reading materials where applicable. 2) Agency Induction Session: Delivered face-to-face or virtually by competent trainers or directors of {{org_field_name}}. Staff attendance will be recorded. 3) Assessment of Learning: Staff will complete knowledge checks, quizzes, or practical assessments to confirm understanding. 4) Issue of Induction Certificate: Only candidates who successfully complete the induction will be issued with an induction certificate and cleared for placement. 5) Placement-Specific Induction: Workers will receive additional induction at each new placement to familiarise them with the specific environment, policies, and service user needs. The agency will confirm with the placement that this has occurred.

9. Care Certificate

For healthcare assistants and other unregistered staff, {{org_field_name}} will align its induction content with the Care Certificate Standards, which are recognised by CQC and Skills for Care as essential for demonstrating competence in fundamental care skills. The Care Certificate is not required for registered nurses but elements will be covered during induction as best practice.

10. Supervision and Support During Induction

All staff undergoing induction will have access to: A named agency representative (usually a director) for advice and guidance. A comprehensive induction pack summarising key policies and procedures. The opportunity to ask questions and request further information. Ongoing supervision and support throughout induction and initial placement. Refresher sessions if the worker does not demonstrate satisfactory understanding initially.

11. Client and Placement Induction

In addition to the agency-led induction, all workers will: Receive a local induction at the placement site. Be introduced to key staff, emergency procedures, site-specific policies, and service user information. Understand how to report incidents, safeguarding concerns, or other issues within the placement. The directors of {{org_field_name}} will liaise with client organisations to confirm that appropriate site inductions are taking place and that workers are supported effectively during their first shifts.

12. Documentation and Records

{{org_field_name}} will maintain accurate records of: Attendance at induction sessions. Assessment results and evidence of learning. Induction certificates issued. Placement feedback regarding performance during the initial shifts. These records will be retained securely in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and agency policies.

13. Review and Evaluation

The directors will review the induction programme annually or sooner if: Feedback from staff or clients indicates areas for improvement. There are changes in legislation, regulatory requirements, or industry best practice. Incidents or complaints highlight induction-related gaps in knowledge or understanding.

14. Continuous Improvement

{{org_field_name}} will: Invite feedback from new starters regarding the induction process. Regularly consult with clients about staff preparedness following induction. Benchmark induction content against national standards including the Care Certificate and CQC Key Lines of Enquiry (KLOEs). Incorporate learning from audits, complaints, and incident investigations to enhance the induction programme.

13. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed at least annually by the directors of {{org_field_name}} or earlier if: Legislation or guidance changes. Feedback or monitoring identifies a need for revision. The Care Certificate or CQC standards are updated.

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.