Is it a legal or CQC requirement to have an activity coordinator in a care home?

Answered by Abi Spence

The Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014: Regulation 18 sets out the need for suitably skilled and trained staff in the right numbers.  CQC say ‘suitably qualified, competent and experienced staff to enable them to meet all other regulatory requirements described in this part of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014. To meet the regulation, providers must provide sufficient numbers of suitably qualified, competent, skilled and experienced staff to meet the needs of the people using the service at all times and the other regulatory requirements set out in this part of the above regulations. Staff must receive the support, training, professional development, supervision and appraisals that are necessary for them to carry out their role and responsibilities. They should be supported to obtain further qualifications and provide evidence, where required, to the appropriate regulator to show that they meet the professional standards needed to continue to practise.’

So, although there is no legal requirement to have an ‘activities coordinator’ in a care home, after assessing the needs of the individuals at the home, you have a duty to provide the staff that they require to meet their needs.

With or without one, you will need to organise activities to meet the assessed social wellbeing needs of the individual. Activities should be well organised, varied, risk assessed, set at the right level of the individual (to stimulate and be achievable), and be appropriately documented. The individuals at the home should have their say and be given choice.

If you have assessed and documented that you do not need a coordinator, a member or members of staff should be designated to hold this responsibility and receive suitable training to fulfil the role.