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{{org_field_name}}

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Safe Care and Treatment Policy

1. Purpose

This policy sets out how {{org_field_name}} ensures the provision of safe care and treatment in line with the Fundamental Standards and, in particular, Regulation 12 (Safe care and treatment) of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014. It should also be read alongside related regulatory requirements that underpin safe delivery of care, including Regulation 11 (Need for consent), Regulation 13 (Safeguarding service users from abuse and improper treatment), Regulation 15 (Premises and equipment), Regulation 17 (Good governance), Regulation 18 (Staffing) and Regulation 20 (Duty of candour), as well as the Care Quality Commission (Registration) Regulations 2009 requirements for statutory notifications to CQC where relevant.

The policy is also designed to support evidence collection against CQC’s current assessment approach (including the Single Assessment Framework quality statements) by describing the systems, training, reporting, learning and governance arrangements that demonstrate safe care is delivered consistently, risks are controlled, and learning leads to improvement.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, and contractors providing care or managing services within {{org_field_name}}. It covers all aspects of safe care and treatment, including risk management, medication safety, infection prevention, staff competency, and emergency preparedness.

3. Principles of Safe Care and Treatment

{{org_field_name}} is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of the people we support by adhering to the following principles:

Risk Assessment and Management

• Each person we support has an individualised risk assessment to identify and mitigate potential hazards related to their care and support needs.
• Risk assessments are regularly reviewed and updated in response to changes in the individual’s condition or environment.
• Staff are trained in risk management and are required to report and act upon any identified risks immediately.
• We encourage a proactive, rather than reactive, approach to risk mitigation by identifying trends and implementing preventative measures.

Safe Medication Management

• We follow strict procedures for the safe administration, storage, and disposal of medications to prevent errors and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Staff administering medication are fully trained and assessed for competency before handling medications.
• Regular medication audits are conducted to identify and rectify discrepancies or risks associated with medication management.
• Where possible, people we support are encouraged to manage their own medication, with support provided in line with their care plans and capacity assessments.

Preventing and Controlling Infection

• Infection prevention and control (IPC) measures are strictly adhered to in all care settings, with reference to current UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) adult social care IPC guidance (including guidance on managing acute respiratory infections and outbreak response), and any local Health Protection Team advice where applicable.
• Where there is a suspected or confirmed outbreak, {{org_field_name}} will follow current UKHSA/DHSC guidance and local Health Protection Team instructions, including appropriate isolation/cohorting, environmental cleaning, PPE use, risk assessment of visitors and shared activities, and timely escalation to relevant healthcare professionals to minimise harm while maintaining the person’s rights and least restrictive practice.
• Staff are trained in infection control protocols, including proper hand hygiene, use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and cleaning and decontamination procedures.
• We have clear policies in place for the isolation of infectious individuals where necessary, ensuring that risks are minimised without infringing on individuals’ rights.
• Regular environmental cleaning schedules are in place, with high-touch areas and shared spaces prioritised for disinfection.

Safe Use of Equipment and Premises

• All equipment used in care provision is regularly inspected, maintained, and replaced where necessary to ensure it remains safe and functional.
• Staff are trained to use medical and assistive equipment safely, ensuring it is operated in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions and best practice guidance.
• The premises are routinely inspected to ensure they are safe, secure, and suitable for delivering high-quality care.

Competency and Training of Staff

• All staff are required to undergo mandatory training in areas such as moving and handling, first aid, safeguarding, medication administration, and fire safety.
• Regular refresher training and competency assessments are conducted to ensure staff remain up to date with best practices in safe care and treatment.
• Supervision and appraisal systems are in place to support staff in developing their skills and addressing any areas of concern.

In addition, {{org_field_name}} will ensure staff receive training that meets the statutory requirements on learning disability and autism, in line with the relevant code of practice and CQC guidance. The organisation’s preferred approach is to use training aligned with The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism, with completion recorded, monitored through training matrices, and refreshed as required to maintain competency.

Incident Reporting and Learning from Errors

A robust incident reporting system is in place to record any safety concerns, near misses, adverse events, medication errors, safeguarding concerns, and environmental/equipment risks. All incidents are triaged promptly, escalated where required (including to external agencies when appropriate), investigated proportionately, and reviewed for root causes. Findings are translated into clear action plans, shared learning, and measurable improvements, with completion and effectiveness tracked through governance meetings and audits.

• Staff are encouraged to report concerns without fear of reprisal in a culture of openness and continuous improvement.
• Findings from incident reviews are shared with staff and used to update policies and training as necessary.

Duty of Candour (Regulation 20)

{{org_field_name}} will act in an open and transparent way with people we support and/or their relevant persons in relation to care and treatment at all times. Where a notifiable safety incident occurs, we will comply with the statutory Duty of Candour by:

• informing the person (and relevant person where appropriate) as soon as reasonably practicable;
• providing a truthful account of what is known at the time, including the likely short- and long-term effects;
• offering a sincere apology;
• providing reasonable support and a clear explanation of next steps, including investigation and learning;
• confirming the discussion and apology in writing and keeping clear records of all actions taken.

Duty of Candour compliance will be monitored through incident audits, supervision, and governance review to ensure learning leads to improvement and recurrence is reduced.

Statutory notifications to CQC (Registration Regulations)

Where an incident, event, or change meets the criteria for statutory notification, {{org_field_name}} will notify CQC without delay and in line with the Care Quality Commission (Registration) Regulations 2009, including Regulation 18 (Notification of other incidents) and other relevant notification regulations as applicable. The Registered Manager (or delegated senior in their absence) is responsible for ensuring notifications are submitted accurately, on time, and supported by appropriate internal investigation, safeguarding referrals (where required), and learning actions.

Emergency Preparedness and Response

• Emergency plans are in place to deal with a range of potential situations, including fire, medical emergencies, adverse weather conditions, and major incidents.
• Staff receive training in emergency response procedures, including first aid, evacuation protocols, and managing deteriorating health conditions.
• Emergency drills are conducted regularly to ensure staff are prepared and can respond effectively in urgent situations.

Safe Care Planning and Person-Centred Approach

• Care plans are tailored to individual needs, ensuring that risks are considered while promoting autonomy and dignity.
• People we support, their families, and advocates are actively involved in decision-making regarding their care and treatment.
• Regular reviews ensure that care plans remain relevant, effective, and safe, taking into account changes in health or personal circumstances.

All care and treatment will be delivered with valid consent and in line with the person’s legal rights. Where a person may lack capacity for a specific decision, staff will follow the Mental Capacity Act principles and any best-interest decision-making processes, ensuring the least restrictive option is used and decisions are clearly recorded.

4. Roles and Responsibilities

• Registered Manager: Ensures compliance with CQC regulations and oversees the implementation of safe care practices.
• All Staff: Responsible for following safe care procedures, attending training, and reporting concerns or risks.
• Health and Safety Lead: Oversees risk assessments, safety audits, and emergency preparedness.
• Medication Lead: Ensures compliance with medication management protocols and conducts regular medication audits.
• Infection Control Lead: Monitors infection control practices, provides staff training, and ensures adherence to hygiene protocols.

5. Related Policies

This policy should be read in conjunction with:

• SL07 – Person-Centred Care Policy
• SL08 – Dignity and Respect Policy
• SL13 – Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy
• SL16 – Health and Safety at Work Policy
• SL17 – Infection Prevention and Control Policy
• SL21 – Medication Management and Administration Policy
• SL37 – Moving and Handling Policy

6. Governance, Monitoring and Assurance (Regulation 17)

{{org_field_name}} will maintain effective systems and processes to assess, monitor and improve the quality and safety of care and treatment. This includes:

• a documented programme of audits (e.g., medication, infection control, environment/equipment safety, care plan quality, incident themes, safeguarding practice);
• routine management checks and provider oversight of risk registers and action plans;
• trend analysis of incidents, near misses, accidents and complaints to identify recurring risks;
• clear escalation routes where risks indicate potential harm or deterioration;
• evidence that learning is implemented, communicated to staff, and reviewed for effectiveness.

Governance outputs (audit results, actions, learning, and assurance checks) will be recorded and reviewed at least monthly by the Registered Manager and at provider level through scheduled quality meetings.

7. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if legislative changes, CQC requirements, or organisational needs necessitate an update. Any changes will be communicated to all staff to ensure continued compliance with safe care and treatment practices.ted to all staff to ensure continued compliance with safe care and treatment practices.

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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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