Policy Updates
Supported Living - operator owned accommodation
Capability Policy and Procedure
The name of the policy has been changed to Capability Policy and Procedure to avoid any overlap with the Disciplinary Policy and Procedure as poor performance can sometimes be a misconduct issue. It was previously titled Poor Performance and Capability Policy and Procedure.
The policy now sets out a clear step-by-step process for dealing with capability issues (i.e. where an employee ‘can’t’ do the job either because of a lack of skill, knowledge or medical capability) and references the Sickness Absence Policy where the capability issue is caused by ill health.
Management should understand that the Discipline Policy and Procedure is to be used for misconduct issues i.e. where someone can do something but won’t whereas this policy deals with cases where a person can’t do a particular job or task properly due to a lack of skill, knowledge, experience or on health grounds.
Harassment Policy and Procedure
Converted to new policy format. Clarification added to the procedure to make it clear that this policy applies to all protected characteristics, not just race and sex. The protected characteristics have been fully outlined. The amendments also provide a clear structure to follow should a complaint of bullying or harassment be raised.
Confidentiality Policy and Procedure
Converted to new format. Updated to reflect Caldicott Requirements and Guide to Confidentiality in Health and Social Care.
Grievances Policy and Procedure
Changes to ensure clear, distinct three-stage process to ensure compliance with the ACAS Code of Practice.
Infection Control Policy and Procedure
Changes made to ensure the policy and procedure meets the requirements of the Health and Social Care Act 2008; Code of Practice on the prevention and control of infection for domiciliary care services.
Whistleblowing Policy and Procedure
Updated policy into new format. Additional section regarding investigation, updated legislation with Criminal Courts Act 2015 and additional references.
DBS/Disclosure Policy and Procedure
Complete redraft and update to take into account the changes to the DBS scheme. New definition of Regulated Activity, inclusion of the update service and full policy for rehabilitation of offenders.
Anti-Bullying Policy and Procedure
Conversion to new policy format. Outlining clearer procedure including formal and informal process for raising issues. Reference to discipline policy where relevant.
Discipline Policy and Procedure
Changes made to set out clearly the times when this policy should be used, the structure of a disciplinary process and the importance of following the ACAS Code of Practice.
Safeguarding Policy and Procedure
Addition of emphasis on well-being and edit of content including addition of preventative steps, update of protected Characteristics and deletion of ISA reference. Update with Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 information. This policy has been converted to the new QCS format.