policies, procedures, regulations

• purpose of policies and procedures:

  • needs and interests of at risk adults and children are always respected and upheld
  • human rights of people at risk are respected and upheld
  • interventions and responses are appropriate, timely, professional, ethical
  • all decisions and actions are taken in line with legislation which is active at the time
• regulations


  laws issued by the government
• codes of practice


  guidelines which explain how members of a profession have to behave
• guidelines


  advice from regulatory bodies about how to follow codes of practice in the workplacr
• policies


  service provider's statements of intent followed by a description of procedures to be followed to ensure codes of practice and regulations are adhered to
• procedures


  step by step instructions that employees must follow when completing a particular task to the standard required by an organisation
• regulation requires staff to follow codes of practice, guidelines, policies and procedures which are designed to ensure SU are protected and safe
• implementation of regulations ensures staff:

  • work together to prevent and protect SU from abuse
  • empower and support people to make their own choices
  • investigate actual or suspected abuse and neglect
  • provide services to people who are experiencing abuse, neglect and exploitation
• policies and procedures protect managers, professionals, volunteers and staff working in public, voluntary and private sector organisations
• when HSC workers follow policies and procedures they are:

  • implementing best practice to meet needs
  • using the relevant skills required to work in their area
  • working effectively with colleagues
  • working within the law
  • adhering to guidelines that are designed to keep them safe at work
  • minimising risk both
  • more protected if something goes wrong