The codes set out for the first time what people can expect from social care workers.
Chair of the GSCC, Rodney Brooke, said: “We published the codes last September and in less than six months, have sent out 500,000 copies. The codes have been embraced by the social care sector, showing the enthusiasm of the social care workforce to promote the best possible service. The challenge now is to embed the codes in the practices of the workforce, and to ensure service users are aware of the standard of care they are entitled to expect.”
The codes are a central part of the General Social Care Council’s work to raise standards in the social care workforce, building on the good practice already being delivered. There are two codes: the first sets down the responsibilities of employers to support their workers; whilst the second sets out the standards of professional conduct and practice workers should deliver. They were developed following extensive consultation with service users and carers, the workforce and employers from across the public, private and voluntary sectors.
The half a millionth copy of the codes was requested by Mrs Jean Entwistle of the Tudor Court Care Home in Paignton, Devon, who said:
“We try to give our residents the same care we would give if it was our own family. The codes set out in black and white what standard is needed, and this is particularly important given how the care world is changing.
“As a registered nurse, I’m already familiar with the regulation of standards and conduct, so its very welcome that the codes set down standards similar to those that already exist in other caring professions. The codes demonstrate the responsibilities of caring staff. It is important there are the same consistent standards everywhere.”
The opening of the Social Care Register to qualified social workers on 1 April 2003 will be the next major step in the transformation of social care. It will promote training and high standards, and ultimately will enable unsuitable people to be removed from the profession. The first applicants will be invited to join the register, via selected employers across the country, from April.