People & conduct
Equality, Diversity & Human Rights
Version 1.0 · draft for approval
Rights-based care under the Health and Social Care Standards, the Equality Act 2010, and zero tolerance of discrimination — in both directions.
Draft for approval — awaiting formal adoption by the registered manager; not yet in force.
The standard
Scotland's Health and Social Care Standards are built on dignity, respect, compassion and human rights. Every person we support is entitled to care that respects who they are — their culture, faith, language, sexuality, gender identity, relationships and choices.
The Equality Act 2010 protects nine characteristics: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. Discrimination, harassment or victimisation on any of these grounds — towards clients or colleagues — is gross misconduct.
In practice
- Follow each person's support plan on food, dress, worship, personal care preferences and who may provide intimate care — these are rights, not favours.
- Challenge or report discriminatory remarks and 'banter', whoever makes them.
- Support communication needs: interpreters, hearing aids in and working, glasses clean, time to respond. Never talk over or about a person as if they weren't there.
When it goes the other way
- You are protected too. No member of staff has to accept racist, sexist, homophobic or other abusive treatment from clients or families. Report it — we will address it with the client or family, change the rota where needed, and support you. Withdrawing from an abusive situation is always permitted (see Lone Working).