The difference between policy and procedure is subtle but important. Put simply, policies are rules to follow, and procedures are step-by-step instructions on how to follow those rules. Policies and procedures ensure that everyone in your organisation is on the same page and understands what is expected of them.
At The Access Group we work with thousands of providers in health and social care for whom their policies and procedures form the backbone of their service. Policies and procedures each play a distinct but vital role in shaping organisational culture and codifying good practice.
Where policies and procedures are not properly defined and promoted, organisations may incur risks to staff and clients, regulatory breaches, loss of reputation and even enforcement action (including fines) from the regulator. Furthermore, policies and procedures need to be continually evolving to keep pace with the ever-changing regulatory landscape.
In this article I will explore the difference between policies and procedures in the context of health and social care. By understanding the difference, you will be able to improve the policy and procedure management of your organisation to ensure you provide safe and high-quality services.
CQC Regulation 17 is central to leadership and standards for health and care providers in England. People can underestimate the significance governance in health and social care has when it comes to ensuring quality services, safeguarding individuals and meeting regulatory standards.
The health and social care sector are constantly changing. Whether it’s the care standards, inspection framework or the health and safety procedures, this sector needs to be able to adapt in order to thrive. The CQC (Care Quality Commission) plays a pivotal role in overseeing regulatory sectors in England, with Regulation 17 standing as the foundation for governance excellence.
To help you understand the intricacies of CQC Regulation 17, we at The Access Group have created this article offering insights into its significance, its role in fostering good governance and the broader implications for health and social care. With over 30 years of experience working with health and social care services, we know how to support this sector, maintain compliance and help care services thrive.
Confidentiality in health and social care is essential to forming trust within the sector. It forms an ethical foundation that respects the dignity and privacy of individuals receiving care. Whether it involves respecting someone’s privacy or another person’s preferences, the duty of sharing information is just as important as the duty to protect confidentiality.
We at The Access Group understand the importance of sharing information and managing confidentiality in health and social care. We have been working with care services for over 30 years and with help from our experts, have put together a guide to confidentiality in health and social care so you can understand the complexities surrounding this vital concept.
Knowing how to start a supported living business is important for the provision of supported accommodation. Many homes available to rent aren’t suitable for people with disabilities or the elderly, which is why special provision must be made for them.
Without them people are unable to enjoy independence and the freedoms they deserve, which is why setting up supported living accommodation can be such a positive business pursuit. This isn’t ignoring the fact that it’s a business venture, and as such there are ways to balance benevolence and good deeds with financial sustainability.
In this article we cover that balance – explaining what a supported living business is, how to set up supported living accommodation, the requirements surrounding housing for people with disabilities, and crucially how technology can benefit supported living businesses. This last part is obviously where our expertise at Access comes into play, but it’s also an interesting insight into the nature of modern health and care tech, and how it’s easier than ever to provide a high-quality service.
Supported Living Business
Commissioning cycles for social care can vary across different local authorities. The social care needs of a local authority can change continuously so it is vital procedures are in place to accommodate that so every individual gets the care they need when they need it.
But, what are the best ways to do this?
With the NHS pushing local authorities to use both population health management and strength-based approach, it can get complicated when figuring out how best to commission care in your local area to accommodate to your local community’s needs whilst following specific approaches, and aiming to reach national targets.
Whether you are a care provider or a care commissioner it is vital to understand the commissioning cycle definition and how to adapt it to meet the care needs of your local area. With budgets so limited it is crucial to have methods in place that re-evaluate the care delivered to ensure the best care quality at the best price is always delivered.
At The Access Group we have encountered many local authorities using cyclical models to define requirements, select providers, and evaluate their services.
This article will review what the commissioning cycle is in social care, why it is important, as well as breaking down the commissioning cycle stages and what the benefits are from using technology in every step of the commissioning cycle to enable better commissioning, better outcomes, and better quality of life for the residents in your local community.
The Care Certificate is everywhere in social care. But what is the Care Certificate? Many owners, managers, care workers and other stakeholders are still unclear on some aspects of it. In this blog we answer the key questions those groups have around the Care Certificate, including what is the Care Certificate? What kind of training is available? Where can I find a workbook? Can I find answers online? And more.
Equality and diversity in health and social care is incredibly important, but often overlooked. It should be an integral part of your service rather than a bonus or benefit.
Equality means that everyone in the care setting is given equal opportunities, regardless of their background, abilities or lifestyle.
On the other hand, diversity means that differences between people should be appreciated and people’s beliefs, cultures and values should be treated with respect.
CQC Quality Statements were introduced in 2023, by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) as part of a major update to its inspection framework. The Quality Statements replace the Key Lines of Enquiry (KLOEs). These quality statements play a crucial role in assessing and safeguarding the quality of care provided by health and social care services across the UK.
The CQC quality statements have been designed to address the core aspects of care delivery, incorporating a wide range of services and settings. These statements are crucial elements in the CQC inspection framework, serving as standards which providers are evaluated against. They also align with the CQC’s commitment to promoting transparency, accountability and continuous improvement within the health and social care sector.
We at The Access Group have been helping care services become more compliant for over 30 years. In this article, you’ll learn more about the various domains the CQC 34 quality statements cover, how they reflect the comprehensive nature of the assessment process and the structure, content and examples of these quality statements. By the end of this, we hope that you will understand their significance.
The CQC Key Lines of Enquiry are used by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), who regulate all health and social care providers in England. CQC inspectors use the Key Lines of Enquiry (KLOE) to guide and direct their inspections of care services. Established and new care providers alike will probably know something about the Key Lines of Enquiry, but few too many understand how the Key Lines of Enquiry fit within the CQC's approach and how they are used during inspections.
Whistleblowing in health and social care shares some common features with whistleblowing in other sectors. Generally speaking a whistleblower is a worker who reports a certain type of wrongdoing that they witness in the workplace. This could be anything from negligence, corruption or another form of malpractice that could put people within the business, whether they’re care providers or service users, at risk.
Whistleblowing is most commonly seen at work, but can also be carried out by concerned members of the public, customers or people using a service, and occurs across a wide range of different industries and sectors.
Whistleblowing in health and social care is extremely important but is still sometimes overlooked by leaders within the sector. Considering that it could protect people and prevent harm, it’s an essential practice to make provision for, that if necessary should be allowed to occur within all kinds of health and social care settings. Having policies and procedures in place is the first step to encouraging your team to blow the whistle when necessary. It is essential that your team know about them and how to make a disclosure.
If you’re still unsure about whistleblowing and why it is so important, we at Access are here to help. To learn more about whistleblowing in health and social care, this article has gone into detail to explain this occurrence, how it can benefit everyone involved and your rights as a whistleblower.
