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{{org_field_name}}

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Maintaining Professional Boundaries Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all employees of {{org_field_name}} maintain professional boundaries with service users while delivering high-quality, person-centred care. This policy aligns with CQC regulations, the Health and Social Care Act 2008, and best practices in supported living services to ensure that interactions remain ethical, professional, and focused on service users’ best interests.

This policy aims to:

• Define professional boundaries and the importance of maintaining them.
• Protect service users and staff from inappropriate relationships or conflicts of interest.
• Ensure compliance with CQC fundamental standards regarding safeguarding, dignity, and respect.
• Provide guidance on recognising and managing boundary issues.
• Outline clear procedures for reporting breaches and implementing corrective actions.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All staff members, including permanent, temporary, agency, and volunteer workers.
• Service users receiving care within {{org_field_name}}.
• Families, advocates, and external professionals involved in service delivery.
• Third-party contractors and partner organisations working with our service.

It ensures that all individuals engaging with service users do so professionally, respectfully, and in compliance with ethical care standards.

3. Legal and Regulatory Compliance

This policy aligns with:

• Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014:
  • Regulation 9 – Person-Centred Care (ensuring services are tailored to individual needs).
  • Regulation 10 – Dignity and Respect (ensuring respectful and appropriate interactions).
  • Regulation 12 – Safe Care and Treatment (preventing harm through professional conduct).
  • Regulation 13 – Safeguarding Service Users from Abuse and Improper Treatment (preventing abuse through boundary maintenance).
  • Regulation 17 – Good Governance (ensuring robust policies and oversight).
• Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 – Protection against abuse and exploitation.
• Mental Capacity Act 2005 – Ensuring decision-making respects autonomy.
• Equality Act 2010 – Preventing discrimination and promoting fairness.
• The Social Care Code of Conduct – Ethical guidelines for social care professionals.

This policy ensures compliance with all relevant employment laws, ethical guidelines, and CQC requirements to safeguard service users and staff.

4. Defining Professional Boundaries

4.1 What are Professional Boundaries?

Professional boundaries are guidelines, rules, and limits that define the appropriate relationship between staff and service users. Maintaining boundaries ensures that interactions remain focused on service users’ well-being, free from bias, and uphold dignity and respect.

4.2 Examples of Professional Boundaries

• Acceptable Conduct:
  • Treating service users with dignity, respect, and kindness.
  • Maintaining a professional tone in all communications.
  • Keeping discussions focused on care-related topics.
  • Maintaining confidentiality and respecting privacy.
• Unacceptable Conduct:
  • Developing personal, social, or romantic relationships with service users.
  • Accepting or giving personal gifts, loans, or favours.
  • Sharing personal details, such as home address or phone number.
  • Engaging in financial transactions beyond work-related expenses.
  • Using social media to connect with service users in a personal capacity.
  • Favouritism or preferential treatment of certain service users.

These boundaries protect both service users and staff, ensuring that professional relationships remain ethical, appropriate, and free from exploitation.

5. Managing Professional Boundaries Effectively

5.1 Staff Responsibilities

All staff are responsible for:

• Understanding and upholding professional boundaries at all times.
• Engaging with service users in a manner that is respectful but not overly familiar.
• Recognising warning signs of boundary-crossing and addressing them appropriately.
• Reporting any concerns about boundary violations immediately.

5.2 Organisational Support

To ensure staff adhere to professional boundaries, {{org_field_name}} will:

• Provide mandatory training on professional boundaries, safeguarding, and ethical care.
• Ensure clear policies and guidelines are accessible to all employees.
• Encourage an open culture where staff can discuss concerns without fear of reprisal.
• Offer supervision and support to help staff manage challenging situations.

5.3 Managing Boundary Challenges

Some situations may present grey areas where professional boundaries become difficult to manage. Staff should:

• Seek guidance from senior colleagues or management when unsure.
• Record incidents or interactions that may indicate boundary concerns.
• Set clear expectations with service users regarding acceptable behaviour.
• Use professional judgement while ensuring all decisions align with organisational policy and safeguarding principles.

6. Safeguarding and Reporting Concerns

6.1 Recognising Boundary Violations

Boundary violations can range from minor breaches (e.g., oversharing personal details) to serious misconduct (e.g., financial exploitation or abuse). Examples include:

• Emotional dependence between staff and service users.
• Inappropriate physical contact beyond necessary care duties.
• Encouraging service users to keep secrets or personal confidences.
• Engaging in disputes or conflicts on behalf of a service user outside professional duties.

6.2 Reporting and Addressing Concerns

If a staff member witnesses or suspects a breach of professional boundaries, they must:

1. Report the concern to a line manager or safeguarding lead immediately.
2. Complete an incident report detailing the nature of the concern.
3. Follow the safeguarding procedures if the breach constitutes abuse or exploitation.
4. Cooperate with investigations and support corrective actions.

7. Social Media and Professional Boundaries

Social media use must align with {{org_field_name}}‘s confidentiality and professional boundaries policy. Staff must:

• Avoid connecting with service users on personal social media accounts.
• Refrain from discussing work-related matters online.
• Ensure that all online behaviour reflects professional standards.

Breaches involving social media misconduct will be treated as a serious disciplinary matter.

8. Training and Continuous Professional Development

8.1 Mandatory Training

All employees must complete annual professional boundaries training, covering:

• Understanding appropriate interactions with service users.
• Handling boundary challenges effectively.
• Safeguarding best practices and CQC compliance.

8.2 Supervision and Support

• Regular supervision sessions will allow staff to discuss professional boundary challenges.
• Team meetings will reinforce organisational expectations and encourage peer learning.
• Anonymous feedback mechanisms will be available for staff to report concerns.

9. Monitoring, Compliance, and Continuous Improvement

9.1 Internal Audits and Reviews

• Supervisors will conduct spot checks and audits to assess professional conduct.
• Feedback from service users will be reviewed to ensure staff uphold boundaries.
• Annual policy reviews will ensure compliance with CQC and employment standards.

10. Related Policies

• Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy
• Staff Conduct and Disciplinary Policy
• Confidentiality and Data Protection Policy
• Social Media and Communication Policy
• Incident Reporting and Investigation Policy

11. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if legal, regulatory, or operational changes require updates.

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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.