The first ever codes of practice for social care workers and employers were unveiled today (23 September 02) by the General Social Care Council, the new social care workforce regulator.
Seen as crucial part of raising standards in social care, the codes of practice set down what people can expect from registered social care workers and their employers.
Social care workers who fail to meet the code could be removed from the register, due to be set up next year.
Social workers, care workers, child protection staff, residential workers and care home managers are amongst an estimated million or more social care workers in the UK who will be expected to adhere to the new codes, which have been jointly developed by the General Social Care Council in England, the Care Council for Wales, the Northern Ireland Social Care Council and the Scottish Social Services Council.
Chair of the GSCC, Rodney Brooke, said: “Millions of people England use social care services every day and many vulnerable children, adults and older people rely on their professional skills, honesty and integrity to give support at times of difficulty.
“These codes are a clear statement of how registered social care workers and employers should behave. People who work in social care are in a position of great responsibility, doing work which has a direct impact on people’s lives, often at times of stress. Now, for the first time, we have set down clearly exactly what we the public can expect. I hope this will also lead to a better understanding from the public of what social care workers can and should do.
“These codes build on the sound shared values of the profession and the excellent foundation of good practice within social care. Alongside registration of the workforce, they will raise standards and increase public protection. They have been developed with the sole aim of promoting the best possible services.”
The GSCC held extensive consultations with employers, workers, service users and carers across public, private and voluntary sectors. The codes have been welcomed by the social care sector.
Michael Leadbetter, President of the Association of Directors of Social Services, said: “It is absolutely crucial that employers know what is expected of them when employing social care staff and that staff know, without a shadow of a doubt, what is expected of them when they take on their tasks.
“These codes are welcome in making that all the more likely. We need to celebrate their launch. They will enhance the standing of social care, further protect the public and, crucially, improve the status and morale of social care staff.”
The GSCC is the first independent bodies to regulate social care workers in England. As well as improving public protection, the codes will improve the status and standing of the profession and give equivalent status to other similar professions.
The codes will be available in a variety of accessible formats. People can download the codes from this website, or fill in an online form, or call 020 7397 5800.