Consultation opens on Code of Conduct and Minimum Training Standards

News release 25 July 2012

Contributions are still being sought as part of an open consultation to assist and inform the development of a code of conduct and minimum training standards and to identify competences for healthcare support workers and adult social care workers in England.

Skills for Care and Skills for Health have been jointly commissioned by the Department of Health (DH) to create a 'fit for purpose' code and minimum training standards that will help ensure workers are supported in delivering safe and effective care.

The project aims to identify the standards of training and practice required for healthcare support workers that report to registered nurses and midwives and adult social care workers working in support of health and social care professionals, independently, for CQC registered residential care providers, or as domiciliary care workers in England.

Consultation on the proposed standards and minimum training requirements is taking place across both the health and social care sectors. Feedback is being sought from patients, the public and service users, support workers, carers, commissioners, employers, professional bodies and providers.

The feedback from the consultation may be used by a body (or bodies) wishing to establish a voluntary register(s) for healthcare support workers and adult social care workers in England as part of its standards for inclusion on a register.

Martin Green Chief Executive of English Community Care Association (ECCA), Chair of Care Providers Alliance and DH Independent Sector Dementia Champion commented, "The social care workforce needs more recognition and the development of minimum training standards and a code of conduct is an essential building block for improving the professional status of social care workers. I am really pleased that Skills for Care and Skills for Health are developing this project and I would urge all care providers to engage with it, and to voice their views on this important issue."

Professor Tricia Hart, Deputy CEO /Director of Nursing and Patient Safety at South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, says: "Healthcare support workers currently provide an ever increasing role in the fundamental aspects of care delivery. It is therefore imperative that there is a consistent approach to the achievement of competences, the development of skills and an agreed Code of Conduct that underpins the provision of a high standard of practice and delivery of compassionate care at all times.

"I am delighted that Skills for Health is developing this project in consultation with Skills for Care and would encourage colleagues across the NHS to engage with the process ensuring their voices are heard."

To view the consultation documents and have your say in confidence by September 7 then go to http://www.skillsforhealth.org.uk/about-us/consultations/minimum-standards-consultation/

Media enquiries:

Paul Clarke: 0113 2411297/ 07977519287. paul.clarke@skillsforcare.org.uk