SL119-Supporting Personal and Sexual Relationships Policy

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

Supporting Personal and Sexual Relationships Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that the people we support are given the right to engage in personal and sexual relationships of their choosing, in a way that is safe, respectful, and supported within the legal framework. {{org_field_name}} is committed to promoting dignity, respect, independence, and informed choice while balancing individual rights with safeguarding responsibilities.

This policy is in line with the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014, particularly Regulation 9 (Person-Centred Care), Regulation 10 (Dignity and Respect), and Regulation 13 (Safeguarding Service Users from Abuse and Improper Treatment). It also aligns with the Care Act 2014, the Equality Act 2010, and the Mental Capacity Act 2005.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all employees, including full-time, part-time, agency, and voluntary staff working within {{org_field_name}}. It also applies to external stakeholders, including advocates, healthcare professionals, and family members who may be involved in discussions or decision-making regarding the personal and sexual relationships of the people we support.

3. Related Policies

SL07 – Person-Centred Care Policy
SL08 – Dignity and Respect Policy
SL13 – Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy
SL39 – Mental Capacity and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards Policy
SL42 – Communication and Engagement with People We Support and Families Policy

4. Principles of the Policy

This policy is based on the following key principles:

Right to Relationships – The people we support have the same rights as anyone else to form personal and sexual relationships.
Person-Centred Approach – Support must be tailored to each individual’s preferences, needs, and capacity.
Informed Choice – Individuals must be provided with accessible information to make informed decisions about their relationships.
Capacity and Consent – Staff must ensure individuals have the capacity to consent to relationships and provide appropriate support when required.
Safety and Protection – Safeguarding measures must be in place to prevent abuse or exploitation.
Privacy and Confidentiality – Personal relationships must be respected, and staff must ensure privacy is upheld.

5. Supporting Personal and Sexual Relationships

5.1 Providing Education and Guidance

Staff must provide people we support with accessible information about relationships, consent, sexual health, and their rights.
Training and resources on topics such as safe sex, healthy relationships, and personal boundaries must be available.
External professionals, such as sexual health nurses, psychologists, and advocacy groups, may be involved to provide specialist advice.

5.2 Person-Centred Support for Relationships

People we support must be encouraged to explore their relationships in a way that is meaningful to them.
Staff should facilitate opportunities for social interaction, including attending social events or using dating services, while ensuring that individuals understand their choices and the risks involved.
Relationships should be recognised as a vital part of emotional and psychological well-being.

5.3 Assessing Capacity to Consent

Staff must follow the Mental Capacity Act 2005 when assessing a person’s ability to consent to a relationship.
A person must be able to understand, retain, and communicate their decision regarding relationships and sexual activity.
If a person lacks capacity, a best interests decision must be made with input from relevant parties, including advocates and legal representatives.

5.4 Respecting Diversity and Individual Preferences

Staff must respect cultural, religious, and personal beliefs regarding relationships and sexuality.
LGBTQ+ individuals must be supported without discrimination and provided with appropriate guidance and advocacy services.
Everyone should be treated equally, and their rights to relationships must be upheld without prejudice.

6. Safeguarding and Protection

6.1 Preventing Exploitation and Abuse

Staff must be vigilant in identifying signs of abuse, coercion, or exploitative relationships.
Where there is a concern about a person’s safety, it must be reported immediately in line with the Safeguarding Adults Policy.
Any relationships involving a significant imbalance of power must be assessed to determine if exploitation is occurring.

6.2 Managing Risks

Risk assessments must be completed where relationships may pose challenges (e.g., significant age gaps, vulnerability to coercion).
Staff must balance duty of care with the right to make personal choices, ensuring that risks are managed proportionately.
In cases where relationships could lead to distress or harm, staff should work closely with multidisciplinary teams to determine appropriate interventions.

7. Privacy, Boundaries, and Confidentiality

7.1 Respecting Private Lives

People we support must be given the opportunity for privacy when engaging in relationships.
Staff must not impose personal views or interfere with private relationships unless safeguarding concerns arise.
Where a person lives in shared accommodation, reasonable adjustments must be made to allow for private meetings.

7.2 Maintaining Professional Boundaries

Staff must never engage in personal or sexual relationships with people they support.
Staff should not share personal details, discuss their own relationships, or engage in inappropriate conversations.
Any concerns regarding boundary issues must be reported to management immediately.

8. Supporting Relationships within a Supported Living Setting

8.1 Supporting Couples Who Wish to Live Together

Where two individuals wish to live together, the organisation must assess whether their needs can be met within the service.
A support plan must be created to address shared responsibilities, potential challenges, and ongoing support needs.
Couples must be supported to maintain their independence and make joint decisions about their lives.

8.2 Supporting People Who Are Parents or Expecting a Child

Staff must support parents in accessing parental education, healthcare, and social services.
Parenting capacity must be assessed where needed, ensuring that additional support is provided when required.
Where safeguarding concerns arise, appropriate action must be taken in line with the Children’s Safeguarding Policy.

9. Training and Staff Responsibilities

9.1 Staff Training

All staff must complete training on supporting personal and sexual relationships, including safeguarding, mental capacity, and communication skills.
Additional training must be provided on working with people with disabilities and supporting LGBTQ+ individuals.
Regular updates and refresher courses should be conducted to ensure staff remain knowledgeable on best practices.

9.2 Staff Responsibilities

Staff must always act in the best interests of the people they support.
Staff must remain non-judgmental and provide unbiased support.
All concerns must be documented and reported in line with the organisation’s safeguarding procedures.

10. Monitoring and Review

10.1 Compliance Monitoring

Management must conduct regular audits to ensure that policies regarding relationships are upheld.
Feedback must be sought from people we support to ensure their needs and rights are being met.
Reports of concerns, safeguarding issues, or complaints must be reviewed to inform future policy development.

10.2 Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required due to legislative changes, regulatory updates, or identified gaps in practice. Staff and people we support will be consulted on any significant changes.

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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