‘ReSOLVE’

Low House Residential Care Service

Dress Code Policy

Policy Statement

In view of the nature of social care practice, ‘ReSOLVE’ requires all employees to be mindful of their personal hygiene, grooming and manner of dressing and general presentation. We do not wear a uniform within ‘ReSOLVE’ as it may impose a barrier between employees and service users. Certain restrictions have been imposed as deemed necessary to reflect the considerations of working with service users to maintain professionalism.

Employees are required to present in clothing that is clean and appropriate for professional identity and safety. Clothing must be appropriate to the task or area of work and must reflect the professional image of ‘ReSOLVE’. Smart and casual is the accepted dress code. Smart jeans may be worn and trousers must be full length for gentlemen, not mid-calf. Tracksuits and jogging attire may only be worn during appropriate activities, e.g. training courses requiring physical activity, accompanying service users on leisure pursuits.

‘ReSOLVE’ does not condone the wearing of any inappropriate clothing or body jewellery in the work setting. Examples of inappropriate include restrictive clothing of any kind, or clothing that unnecessarily exposes parts of the body some people may find offensive. It is not acceptable to wear clothing with slogans, images or political beliefs that may be seen as offensive. Likewise, tattoos bearing similar content should be fully covered. Employees must retain on their person, at all times, the identification cards given on commencement of employment.

Health, Safety & Welfare

The following dress code requirements must also be complied with in order for employees to protect the health, safety and welfare of both themselves and service users whilst undertaking certain activities in the course of their work:

  1. Personal Protective Equipment

Specialist personal protective equipment is provided where required and should be worn appropriate to the task. This can include dealing with bodily fluids or preparing food in the kitchen.

  1. Jewellery

The wearing of jewellery should be limited to acknowledge issues of health and safety and should not be excessive nor put the staff member at risk. Caution should be exercised when wearing earrings and it is the responsibility of the employee to be aware of this. Suggested permitted jewellery includes a wedding ring and one set of ear studs, with one small stud in each ear lobe.

  1. Nails

Fingernails should be kept reasonably short and not pose a threat to service users, especially in areas where physical contact may be required.

  1. Footwear

Consideration should be given to the choice of footwear. Ideally, shoes/sandals should have low heels and be appropriate to the tasks being undertaken by the wearer. Shoes with enclosed toes or specifically designed catering shoes should be worn when preparing food.

  1. Hair

Long hair should be tied back during food preparation and activities where the safety of the employee may be at risk.

Implementation of this Policy

Any employee who chooses to ignore the dress code can be asked to leave the setting and only return when they are able to comply with the dress requirements for safe, professional practice. Should this occur, the employee will be classed as absent from duty until they return.

Signed: ______

Date: ______

Policy Review Date: ______

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