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ST-000 : Employee Code of Conduct

Introduction

At Topline Care Solutions Ltd., our commitment to delivering safe, effective, compassionate, and high-quality care is underpinned by adherence to the Care Quality Commission (CQC) Fundamental Standards and UK employment law. This Code of Conduct outlines your responsibilities as an employee to ensure we meet these standards. By following this Code, you uphold our values of dignity, respect, and integrity, while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

This document aligns with:

CQC Regulation 9: Person-Centred Care
CQC Regulation 10: Dignity and Respect
CQC Regulation 12: Safe Care and Treatment
CQC Regulation 13: Safeguarding Service Users from Abuse
UK GDPR (2018) and Data Protection Act (2018)
Equality Act (2010)

Accountability

CQC Regulation 17: Good Governance

As an employee, you are accountable for your actions, decisions, and omissions.

- Take Responsibility:
  - Acknowledge errors promptly and report them to your line manager. For example, if a medication error occurs, follow the Incident Reporting Policy to document and address it.
  - Ensure all tasks (e.g., administering medication, moving and handling) are performed within your competence and scope of practice.
- Work Within Competence:
  - Do not undertake tasks (e.g., clinical procedures) without proper training. If unsure, escalate to your supervisor.
  - Complete mandatory training (e.g., safeguarding, infection control) as per CQC Regulation 18: Staffing.
- Report Concerns:
  - Use the Whistleblowing Policy to raise concerns about unsafe practices, misconduct, or breaches of CQC standards.
  - Collaborate with colleagues to address risks, in line with CQC Regulation 16: Receiving and Acting on Complaints.

Respect and Dignity

CQC Regulation 9: Person-Centred Care | Regulation 10: Dignity and Respect

- Promote Independence:
  - Support clients to make informed choices (e.g., meal preferences, daily routines) under the Mental Capacity Act (2005).
  - Use assistive technologies (e.g., mobility aids) to empower clients to perform tasks independently.
- Respect Personal Preferences:
  - Adapt care plans to accommodate cultural, religious, or dietary needs (e.g., Halal meals, prayer times).
  - Avoid assumptions about preferences; ask clients directly and document their choices.
- Maintain Professional Boundaries:
  - Do not accept gifts, loans, or personal favors from clients or families.
  - Avoid dual relationships (e.g., providing care to close friends) to prevent conflicts of interest.

Confidentiality and Data Protection

CQC Regulation 17: Good Governance | UK GDPR (2018)

- Comply with UK GDPR:
  - Store client records securely (e.g., encrypted digital systems or locked filing cabinets).
  - Share information only with authorised personnel (e.g., GP, social worker) using secure channels (NHS Mail, encrypted email).
- Maintain Confidentiality:
  - Never discuss client details in public areas or on social media.
  - Report data breaches immediately to the Data Protection Officer.

Safeguarding and Well-being

CQC Regulation 13: Safeguarding Service Users from Abuse

- Protect Clients from Harm:
  - Recognize signs of abuse (e.g., unexplained bruises, withdrawal) and follow the Safeguarding Adults Policy.
  - Report financial exploitation (e.g., unauthorised use of a client’s funds) to the Safeguarding Lead.
- Deliver Safe Care:
  - Conduct dynamic risk assessments (e.g., trip hazards in a client’s home) before providing care.
  - Use PPE and infection control measures as per CQC Regulation 12.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

CQC Regulation 18: Staffing

- Participate in Training:
  - Complete annual refreshers in Manual Handling, First Aid, and Safeguarding.
  - Attend workshops on dementia care or end-of-life support to enhance skills.
- Contribute to Improvement:
  - Share feedback during team meetings to improve care plans.
  - Engage in reflective practice to identify areas for growth.

1. Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Equality Act (2010) | CQC Key Question: Responsive

- Respect Individuality:
  - Use inclusive language (e.g., "partner" instead of "husband/wife") and respect pronouns.
  - Challenge discriminatory remarks or behaviors immediately.
- Promote Inclusion:
  - Adapt communication methods for clients with sensory impairments (e.g., large-print materials, BSL interpreters).
  - Ensure care plans reflect clients’ cultural needs (e.g., faith-based dietary requirements).

Glossary of Key Terms (Expanded for CQC Compliance)

Valid Consent:
- Obtain consent before care delivery, ensuring the client understands the intervention. For clients lacking capacity, follow Mental Capacity Act (2005) principles.
Whistleblowing:
- Report concerns via the Freedom to Speak Up Guardian without fear of retaliation, per CQC Regulation 16.
Agreed Ways of Working:
- Follow company policies (e.g., Medication Policy) and CQC-mandated procedures (e.g., Infection Prevention Control).

This Code of Conduct ensures Topline Care Solutions Ltd. meets CQC’s "Outstanding" standards and fosters a culture of safety, dignity, and respect. By adhering to these principles, you contribute to our mission of delivering person-centred, high-quality care.

For further guidance, refer to: