Policy on Delivering Services with Dignity and Respecting Personal Privacy

Like Family is committed to providing high-quality support services that respect the dignity, privacy, and individual needs of everyone.

Our organisation is committed to providing high-quality support services that respect the dignity, privacy, and individual needs of all clients. This policy outlines the key principles and guidelines for our Social Carers to consistently deliver services in a way that reflects these values.

Respect for Dignity:

• Treat all clients with respect, regardless of their age, background, abilities, beliefs, or personal circumstances.
• Communicate clearly and respectfully, actively listening to and understanding clients' needs and preferences.
• Respect clients' physical boundaries and personal space.
• Promote clients' sense of autonomy and independence, supporting them to make informed choices.
• Be mindful of clients' cultural and religious values and beliefs.
• Avoid making discriminatory or offensive remarks or engaging in any form of harassment or abuse.

Protecting Personal Privacy:

• Only collect, store, and use personal information about clients that is necessary to provide the agreed-upon services.
• Obtain informed consent from clients before collecting and using their personal information.
• Keep all personal information confidential and secure, taking appropriate measures to protect it from unauthorised access, disclosure, or loss.
• Only share personal information with authorised personnel on a need-to-know basis.
• Do not discuss clients' personal information in public places or with unauthorized individuals.
• Respect clients' right to access and update their personal information.

Specific Guidelines for Support Workers:

• Always identify yourself and your role to clients clearly.
• Obtain verbal consent before providing any type of support service.
• Ask permission before entering clients' homes or personal spaces.
• Knock and announce yourself before entering rooms.
• Be mindful of your body language and maintain professional boundaries.
• Use respectful language and avoid making personal comments or inquiries.
• Do not share clients' personal information with anyone outside of the organization without their consent, except as required by law.
• Report any suspected breaches of privacy or confidentiality immediately.

Training and Support:

• All support workers will receive training on this policy and its implications for their practice.
• Support workers will have access to ongoing training and resources to help them maintain their knowledge and skills in relation to dignity and privacy.
• Support workers are encouraged to ask questions and seek clarification if they are unsure about how to apply this policy in a particular situation.

Monitoring and Enforcement:

• This policy will be reviewed and updated regularly to reflect any changes in legislation or best practices.
• The organisation will monitor compliance with this policy and take appropriate disciplinary action for any breaches.

Conclusion:

By adhering to this policy, our support workers can help to create a safe, respectful, and empowering environment for all clients. By upholding the principles of dignity and privacy, we can ensure that our clients receive the highest quality of support while their personal information is protected.