Crossroads Care Security of the Home Policy

Crossroads Care Security of the home policy

D09a

Security of the home policy

This document is provided as part of a suite of policy, procedure and guidance documents to (name of scheme) (now referred to as ‘the scheme’) as a Network Partner of Carers Trust.

1.0 SCOPE

1.1 This policy and accompanying procedure, guidance for staff and guidance for volunteers (D.09b, D.09c and D.09d) set out the approach of Carers Trust to the security of service users’ homes.

1.2 The intended outcome of this set of documents is that service users remain safe and secure in their own homes whilst receiving services from a scheme.

1.3 Where reference is made to ‘staff’ within this policy, the term will include volunteers as appropriate to the context and their use within individual schemes. For further information regarding the use of volunteers and the difference between them and paid members of staff, please refer to the guidance available at HT.01

2.0 TRUSTEE RESPONSIBILITIES

2.1Trustees are required to familiarise themselves with the content of the security of the home procedure, guidance for staff and guidance for volunteers (D.09b, D.09c and D.09d) that accompany this policy. This task may be carried out by a nominated member of the board of trustees or may be delegated by the board to an appropriate member of the management team.

2.2 Trustees are responsible for ensuring that managers have systems in place to meet the requirements listed below.

Staff work according to the security of the home policy, procedure and guidance when planning or providing care and support.
Staff adhere to the requirements of the Care Standards Act (2000), the Domiciliary Care Agencies Regulations (2002) and the Health and Social Care Act (2008) regarding the safety and security of carers and people with care needs within their own homes.

3.0 Entering and leaving the home

3.1 When a service is requested, a designated staff member trained in risk assessment and care planning (referred to as a care planner) will carry out an initial assessment of access and exit arrangements before care begins.

4.0 safe keeping of keys

4.1 It is the policy of Carers Trust to not hold service users’ keys. However, where access problems preclude the provision of a service, the care planner will discuss alternative arrangements and may, in exceptional circumstances, consider whether there is a need to hold keys. Further details are documented in the accompanying procedure (D.09b).

5.0 Identity (ID) badges

5.1 Staff will be instructed to carry their ID badges at all times when working. Further details (including the specification of ID badges and the action required should a badge be lost or stolen) are documented in the accompanying procedure (D.09b).

6.0 emergency SITUATIONS

6.1 At induction staff will be issued with and work to the requirements of the security of the home guidance (D.09c or D.09d). These detail the action staff are required to take if they are unable to gain entry to a service user’s home, including in apparent emergency situations.

7.0 LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT

7.1 General learning and development requirements relating to the security of the home policy, procedure and guidance for staff are contained in the learning and development policy, procedure and guidance (E.13a, E13b and E.13c).

7.2 Managers are responsible for assessing the roles undertaken by volunteers within their scheme and the level of briefing / induction / training those volunteers require in relation to the security of the home guidance for volunteers (D.09d).

8.0 REVIEW AND ADOPTION

8.1 The scheme’s board of trustees is required to formally adopt this policy and to ensure that a documented record is kept of their decision to do so.

8.2 Full details of the policy (namely its title and reference number) and the date it was adopted will be documented in the minutes of the appropriate trustee board meeting as evidence of the decision taken. The minutes will be signed by the chair of the trustees on behalf of the board.

1 of 2

Policy/Securityofthehome/2013/02/APd009aLast updated February 2015