This code has been drawn up to set standards of personal and professional conduct which will establish and sustain the highest reputation of Carers Choices.
The code of conduct applies to all employees and forms part of the contractual relationship between Carers Choices and its employees.
I will deal fairly and honestly with my colleagues, my employers, carers and people with care needs, our funders and the public.
I will be loyal and positively promote the reputation, integrity and aims of Carers Choices, avoiding any act which may bring the organisation into disrepute.
I will act within the law and within any statutory or regulatory codes relevant to our work practices, including the General Social Care Council (England) / Care Council for Wales code of practice for social workers, if applicable.
I will act in accordance within Carers Choices policies, procedures and guidance.
I will declare any personal interest that might conflict with or be seen by others to affect my ability to perform my duties fairly and impartially.
I will not accept any money or gift that has been proffered as a result of my position in Carers Choices, unless they are donations to the organisation. I will not knowingly enter into financial transactions or be a signatory or beneficiary of a will or legal document (including cheques) for people using services of Carers Choices (save for instances where the person is a close family member or partner, in which case I will declare my involvement to a Carers Choices manager). I will not accept any money or benefits in kind left to me as a result of being a beneficiary of a will or legal document by people using services of Carers Choices (save for instances where the person is a close family member or partner, in which case I will declare my involvement to a Carers Choices manager).
I will not borrow from or lend anything to a carer, person with care needs or a family member of a person receiving services from Carers Choices.
I will treat all information relating to service users, staff, volunteers, trustees and the organisation as strictly private and confidential.
I will treat all carers and people with care needs with respect and sensitivity, recognising the dignity and value of each person we provide a service for. The right of the person with care needs to self-determination, in so far as they are able to exercise choice responsibly, must be upheld.
I will respect the privacy and personal choice of lifetyles, customs, values and spiritual beliefs of those to whom Carers Choices provides a service and will respect their property and residence. This will include: not smoking when providing a service to a client, not drinking alcohol prior to or whilst on duty, not using the carer or person with care needs telephone except in emergency or by prior agreement with Carers Choices, not using a computer in the home of the carer or person with care needs except by prior agreement with Carers Choices and not taking children, pets or any individual not connected with Carers Choices into their home.
I will ensure that all health and safety rules are adopted and will take reasonable care to ensure the health and safety at work of myself and those with whom I am working. This will include not taking people with care needs, especially children, into my own home, without prior approval of, and risk assessment by, the senior staff member and consent of the insurers.
I am committed to the principle of equal opportunity regardless of race, gender, marital status / civil partnership, sexual orientation, gender re-assignment, age, ethnic origin, disability, religion or belief, status of a carer or offending background both in the provision of our services and in employment practices.
I will perform my duties as directed by the appropriate manager, undertaking such training as may be required.
I will not undertake any task or duty I do not feel competent to perform.
I am aware that any conduct contrary to the code will be dealt with in accordance with the disciplinary policy and procedure.
I agree to abide by the code of conduct as set out above.