What Policies Does a Care Home Need?
When it comes to delivering safe, effective, and high-quality care, your policies and procedures are the foundation. They not only help you stay compliant with CQC regulations but also guide your team to respond consistently, safely, and confidently in every situation.
Whether you're setting up a new care business or reviewing your existing documents, these 11 essential policies should be in place and regularly reviewed.
1. Safeguarding (Adults and Children)
Protecting vulnerable people from abuse or neglect is a legal and moral duty. Your safeguarding policy should outline reporting procedures, staff responsibilities, and contact information for safeguarding leads.
2. Complaints Policy
Every provider must have a clear and accessible process for handling complaints. This policy should encourage feedback, explain how complaints are investigated, and show how lessons are learned.
3. Medication Management
Safe administration of medication is critical. This policy should cover storage, administration, recording, and what to do in case of errors or refusals.
4. Infection Prevention & Control
In a post-COVID world, infection control remains high on the radar. This policy should cover hygiene standards, PPE use, outbreak protocols, and staff training.
5. Health & Safety
A robust health and safety policy helps prevent accidents and protect everyone on the premises. Include risk assessments, reporting protocols, and staff responsibilities.
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6. Staff Supervision & Appraisals
Staff development supports high-quality care. This policy outlines how and when supervision, performance reviews, and appraisals take place.
7. Whistleblowing Policy
Staff should feel safe raising concerns. A whistleblowing policy protects employees who report poor practices and ensures concerns are taken seriously.
8. Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI)
An inclusive environment supports both staff and service users. This policy should cover your approach to non-discrimination, accessibility, and promoting equity in care delivery.
9. Mental Capacity & DoLS
Your team must understand how to assess capacity and work within the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards framework. This policy should include decision-making guidance and legal compliance.
10. Fire Safety Policy
Everyone in your care setting should know how to respond to a fire. This policy should include evacuation procedures, staff responsibilities, and training requirements.
11. Recruitment Policy
Safer recruitment is key to maintaining quality care. Your policy should explain your approach to advertising, interviews, DBS checks, references, and induction.
Need help reviewing your policies?
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Key Takeaways
Having the right policies in place isn’t just about ticking boxes, it’s about creating a culture of safety, consistency, and continuous improvement.
Regularly reviewing and updating your documents ensures they remain fit for purpose and CQC-ready.
