1.1 Summarise standards and codes of practice relating to personal and professional behaviour in adult care – Care Learning (2025)

This guide will help you answer 1.1 Summarise standards and codes of practice relating to personal and professional behaviour in adult care.

Adult care workers in the UK follow set standards and codes of practice. These guide personal and professional behaviour. They safeguard the wellbeing of individuals and ensure high-quality care. Following these standards ensures consistent practice across the sector.

This guide covers the main care standards, codes of practice, and their implications for adult care workers.

The Care Certificate

The Care Certificate is the baseline for care workers new to the sector. Introduced by Skills for Care, Health Education England, and Skills for Health, it ensures that everyone has the same knowledge, skills, and behaviours. It covers topics like:

• Duty of Care
• Equality and Diversity
• Safeguarding
• Health and Safety

The certificate provides a foundation for safe and effective practice. It builds workers’ confidence while ensuring professionalism and accountability.

Code of Conduct for Healthcare Support Workers

The Code of Conduct sets out clear expectations for workers in health and social care roles, including adult care. It is issued by Skills for Care and outlines behaviours required for ethical and professional care. Key points include:

• Acting in the best interests of individuals
• Promoting dignity and respect
• Maintaining confidentiality
• Upholding professional boundaries
• Responding to concerns of abuse or neglect

This code ensures that care workers uphold a trusted and professional image. It also prioritises the safety and dignity of individuals receiving care.

Regulation by CQC

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulates and monitors care organisations. It evaluates services against the fundamental standards of care. These standards are legal requirements, and care must meet or exceed them to ensure safety and dignity. Examples of these fundamental standards include:

• Safe treatment and care
• Consent being gained before care is provided
• Dignity and respect for the individual
• Freedom from abuse and harm

CQC inspections ensure organisations and their staff maintain high levels of professionalism. Workers must follow these guidelines day-to-day as part of their role. Failure to meet standards can lead to serious consequences, including fines and closure of services.

The Health and Social Care Act 2008

This legislation underpins professional behaviour across adult care. Part of the Act includes the “Health and Social Care Regulations,” which outline clear standards for providing care. Key requirements include:

• Working collaboratively with other professionals
• Carrying out duties safely and competently
• Promoting the physical and emotional wellbeing of people in care
• Upholding equality and non-discrimination in service delivery

Care workers must ensure their actions align with the law. Breaches can affect their registration or employment and could lead to legal action.

Duty of Candour

The Duty of Candour, introduced as part of the Care Act 2014, requires honesty and transparency by care workers. If something goes wrong, staff must acknowledge it quickly. They must inform the service user or their family and apologise where necessary.

Being open about mistakes fosters trust in the care relationship. It also helps build a culture of learning and improvement. This duty is a legal obligation for individuals and organisations.

Equality Act 2010

The Equality Act protects individuals against discrimination. It applies directly to adult care settings. Its nine protected characteristics are:

1. Age
2. Disability
3. Gender reassignment
4. Marriage and civil partnership
5. Pregnancy and maternity
6. Race
7. Religion or belief
8. Sex
9. Sexual orientation

Adult care workers must treat all individuals equally, respecting them regardless of their characteristics. The Act promotes inclusion and reduces bias in care delivery. It also requires reasonable adjustments to accommodate individuals’ needs, such as providing accessible facilities or adapting communication methods.

Data Protection and Confidentiality

The Data Protection Act 2018 governs how personal information is handled. It is part of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) framework. In adult care, this means keeping sensitive data safe and private. Typical information protected includes:

• Health conditions
• Care plans
• Family details

Adult care workers must follow organisational protocols. This may involve using secure systems, gaining consent before sharing information, and disposing of data properly. Breaching confidentiality is serious and may lead to legal or regulatory consequences.

Respecting Dignity

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) outlines how care workers should respect dignity. This involves:

• Supporting individuals’ independence wherever possible
• Listening to their opinions and preferences
• Protecting their privacy

Listening and respecting people’s choices makes them feel valued. Workers must avoid actions that belittle or undervalue individuals receiving support.

Whistleblowing Practices

Whistleblowing involves reporting unsafe or unethical behaviour. The Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 protects workers who raise concerns about wrongdoing in their organisation. This includes:

• Abuse or neglect
• Unsafe working practices
• Financial malpractice

Following whistleblowing procedures shows commitment to maintaining high standards. Workers must never fear retaliation for speaking up about safety concerns. Training and clear policies ensure workers can report safely.

Safeguarding Adults

The Care Act 2014 also strengthens adult safeguarding duties. It outlines six principles that guide safeguarding practice:

• Empowerment
• Prevention
• Proportionality
• Protection
• Partnership
• Accountability

Workers must act if they suspect abuse or neglect. Procedures include reporting incidents to managers, safeguarding leads, or local authorities. Responding responsibly prevents harm and ensures the wellbeing of vulnerable adults.

Professional Boundaries

Maintaining professional boundaries is key to the role. Workers should avoid personal relationships with the individuals they support. Actions to avoid include:

• Offering or accepting personal gifts
• Sharing personal contact details
• Forming emotional or physical attachments

Boundaries protect both the worker and the individual. They prevent accusations of exploitation or inappropriate behaviour.

Handling Complaints

All organisations have complaint procedures in place. Workers should listen calmly if a service user, family member, or colleague raises a concern. Recording and escalating complaints follow organisational systems. Resolving complaints promptly builds trust and improves service delivery.

Health and Safety Legislation

Health and safety laws protect care workers and individuals. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, workers must:

• Follow safe working practices
• Report risks or hazards
• Wear any protective equipment provided

Adhering to health and safety reduces the risk of accidents in the workplace. It prevents harm to both workers and the people they care for.

Final Thoughts

Standards and codes of practice define adult care work. They uphold professional behaviour and protect those using services. Workers must be familiar with national guidelines, laws, and organisational policies to deliver safe, person-centred care. Following these standards creates a culture of dignity, respect, and trust. These are the foundations of high-quality adult care.