We have developed this Code of Practice to indicate our intention of ensuring that we offer you the highest possible standard of service and care.

In this document we outline the standards of professional conduct and practice which you may expect from us. This Code of Practice is intended to reflect existing good practice.

It is our aim to:

• Protect and respect your rights and interests
• Strive to build and maintain your trust and confidence
• Promote your independence
• Protect you from harm
• Be accountable for the quality of our work

To protect and respect your rights and interests

Insofar as we are able, we will strive to:

• Treat you as an individual
• Respect and, where appropriate, promote your views and wishes
• Support your right to control your life
• Support your right to make informed choices
• Respect and maintain your privacy and dignity
• Promote equality of opportunity and service
• Respect your culture and values
• Recognise that you have the right to take risks

To strive to build and maintain your trust and confidence

Insofar as we are able, we will strive to:

• Be honest and trustworthy
• Communicate clearly in an accurate and straightforward way
• Respect confidential information and explain our confidentiality policy
• Be reliable and dependable
• Honour commitments, agreements and arrangements
• Declare any conflicts of interest
• Adhere to our policies and procedures about receiving gifts and money

To promote your independence

Insofar as we are able, we will strive to:

• Promote your independence and assist you to understand and exercise your rights
• Report any dangerous, abusive, discriminatory or exploitative behaviour and practice, of which we become aware
• Comply with health and safety policies
• Help you to make complaints, take your complaints seriously, respond to your complaints

To protect you from harm

Insofar as we are able, we will strive to:

• Help you to identify and manage potential and actual risks to yourself or others
• Follow risk assessment policies and procedures
• Take steps to minimise the risk of you doing actual or potential harm to yourself or others
• Ensure that relevant agencies are informed about the outcomes and implications of risk assessments

To be accountable for the quality of our work

Insofar as we are able, we will strive to:

• Meet relevant standards of practice and work in a lawful, safe and effective way
• Maintain clear, accurate and confidential records