Clients’ Protected Characteristics Policy

Aim

The aim of Cavendish Homecare is to ensure that our clients are always treated fairly and with dignity and equality, free from discrimination and prejudice.

In accordance with the Care Quality Commission’s Quality Statement under Equality in Access we make sure that everyone can access the care, support and treatment they need when they need it.

Policy

In this organisation:

• The ethos of care will always be based upon inclusion, equality, diversity and compassion.
• The race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, skin colour, language, disability, faith or belief of clients will never be used in making decisions about who should be offered a service by the organisation or as a reason for excluding someone from receiving a service.
• No client will be provided with inferior or superior care, treatment or services because of their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, skin colour, language, disability, or on any other grounds on which discrimination can occur.
• The diversity of the organisation’s client population, as well as its staff population, will be celebrated as bringing a richness of background, history and experience that, the organisation believes, can only benefit everyone working in the organisation.
• Every client has a right to be treated fairly, equally, and with respect as an individual regardless of their race, ethnic background, language, culture, faith, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability or any other aspect that could result in their being discriminated against purely because they have such protected characteristics.
• Cavendish Homecare Professionals will not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind directed towards its clients by staff. This includes abusiveness, insults, name calling, ‘jokes’, suggestive comments, and the use of racial or culturally insulting nicknames.
• All incidences of discrimination, bias, prejudice or favouritism on the part of staff will be challenged and addressed through training and supervision wherever possible. Where relevant these may amount to misconduct or even abuse and will lead to disciplinary action.
• We will ensure that all staff are aware of, understand and recognise how the social and cultural diversity, values and beliefs of our clients may influence their decisions and how they want to receive care, treatment and support.
• People who use our services, or others acting on their behalf, will be given encouragement, support and opportunities to raise specific needs or to express concerns relating to equality, diversity and human rights. This may include support via an advocate or advocacy service.
• Staff will provide care and reduce the risk of clients’ receiving unsafe or inappropriate care, treatment and support by making reasonable adjustments, wherever required, to reflect their needs, values and diversity.
• Training about protected characteristics will be provided as a mandatory topic for all new staff during induction. All existing staff will be expected to have attended at least one training session on equality and diversity and to attend updates annually. Training will be designed to address a range of issues around discrimination and prejudice including attitudes of staff.
• Any complaints from clients or their families of discrimination on the part of staff will be thoroughly investigated and acted upon without exception.

Management duties

Managers in the organisation have a duty to:

• Demonstrate effective direction and leadership in this area, acting as a role model for other staff by at all times acting in a non-discriminatory, fair and respectful manner.
• Ensure that this policy is implemented in all areas of the organisation at all times.
• Ensure that this policy is regularly reviewed and updated.
• Monitor the incidence of complaints and reports of discrimination or harassment to look for trends and patterns and to take the appropriate action based on that analysis.

Date: February 2025

Version: 9 (Reviewed)

Source: Expert Care Manager