Equality, Diversity and Rights BTEC Care/Health Studies

Aims and Objectives Understand the role of legislation, codes of practice and policies Understand the role of legislation, codes of practice and policies Relate this the practice situations Relate this the practice situations

It is essential that in order to promote equality and diversity the various settings need to work within a framework of legislation and codes of practice It is essential that in order to promote equality and diversity the various settings need to work within a framework of legislation and codes of practice These are specifically designed to promote equality and diversity. Organisations have codes of practice, policies and procedures to ensure that models of good practice are followed These are specifically designed to promote equality and diversity. Organisations have codes of practice, policies and procedures to ensure that models of good practice are followed

The main emphasis of these polices and procedures are to ensure that people receive equal treatment and that their rights are protected. The work placement, which you work at, should have policies and procedures on equality issues- ask to see copies. This could also be included in your professional practice file. The main emphasis of these polices and procedures are to ensure that people receive equal treatment and that their rights are protected. The work placement, which you work at, should have policies and procedures on equality issues- ask to see copies. This could also be included in your professional practice file.

Formal policies A formal policy outlines a statement from the agency, goals and the values of the agency in regards to equality and rights. Policies help organisations ensure that there working practice consider all the relevant issues. Organisations may have a general equal opportunities policy or more specific ones such as access or resources.

Group Work In small groups identify as many policies as you can In small groups identify as many policies as you can Consider how each of these may relate to Equality, Diversity and Rights Consider how each of these may relate to Equality, Diversity and Rights

Many policies deal with promoting individual rights as workers whereas others are designed to protect the service user. Organisations sold have policies such as dealing with complaints and ones dealing with equal treatment and access to resources. Many policies deal with promoting individual rights as workers whereas others are designed to protect the service user. Organisations sold have policies such as dealing with complaints and ones dealing with equal treatment and access to resources.

Health and Care placements should have policies, which reflect the full diversity of society, even if they may feel they do not need one. For example even nurseries in rural areas should ensure that their resources and activities reflect the multi cultural nature of the British society. It is essential that children grow to develop and understanding of equality and of diversity in society. Health and Care placements should have policies, which reflect the full diversity of society, even if they may feel they do not need one. For example even nurseries in rural areas should ensure that their resources and activities reflect the multi cultural nature of the British society. It is essential that children grow to develop and understanding of equality and of diversity in society.

Codes of practice A code of practice is a set on values or principles of which a profession or organisation follow. It sets down guidelines for workers to follow in order for them to meet the needs of the people, which they are working with. The Code of Practice for Social Care Workers is an example of this, but there are also codes of practice for nursery workers and teaching support staff. Try and find a copy of one of these. A code of practice is a set on values or principles of which a profession or organisation follow. It sets down guidelines for workers to follow in order for them to meet the needs of the people, which they are working with. The Code of Practice for Social Care Workers is an example of this, but there are also codes of practice for nursery workers and teaching support staff. Try and find a copy of one of these.

Making policies work When promoting equality and diversity in a work setting it is not enough merely to have a policy or code of practice. It is essential that staff and management ensure that they are used in practice. When promoting equality and diversity in a work setting it is not enough merely to have a policy or code of practice. It is essential that staff and management ensure that they are used in practice.

Organisations need to regularly evaluate how their policies and procedures are working and ensure that the policies are meeting their objective. There should be regular training sessions on equality of opportunity, and anti discriminatory practice to ensure that all staff understand the importance of the relevant policies. Staff need to work together of developing policies that ensure that the children and the families needs are met in regards to equality and rights. Organisations need to regularly evaluate how their policies and procedures are working and ensure that the policies are meeting their objective. There should be regular training sessions on equality of opportunity, and anti discriminatory practice to ensure that all staff understand the importance of the relevant policies. Staff need to work together of developing policies that ensure that the children and the families needs are met in regards to equality and rights.

Legislation There have been many areas, which have been addressed by legislation. (see handout) It would be wrong to assume that all legislation has been a complete success as despite laws being in place some people still experience discrimination. There have been many areas, which have been addressed by legislation. (see handout) It would be wrong to assume that all legislation has been a complete success as despite laws being in place some people still experience discrimination.

Legislation is passed by government to set down certain standards and principles to ensure that people receive equal access to services and that people from certain groups do not experience discrimination. Legislation is passed by government to set down certain standards and principles to ensure that people receive equal access to services and that people from certain groups do not experience discrimination.

Legislation can be used to promote the rights of individuals, however in other circumstances legislation can be used to over ride someone’s rights for example in child protection situations and mental health situations. Legislation can be used to promote the rights of individuals, however in other circumstances legislation can be used to over ride someone’s rights for example in child protection situations and mental health situations.

The Mental Health act 1983 – permits the detention of someone in hospital e.g. if they are suicidal or a threat to other The Mental Health act 1983 – permits the detention of someone in hospital e.g. if they are suicidal or a threat to other The Children act 1989 – children must grow in a safe environment and protected environment and their interests are paramount. Children’s rights change and they grow older and are considered more able to make their own decisions The Children act 1989 – children must grow in a safe environment and protected environment and their interests are paramount. Children’s rights change and they grow older and are considered more able to make their own decisions

Summary What do we mean by policies? What do we mean by policies? What are codes of practice? What are codes of practice? Explain what is meant by legislation? Explain what is meant by legislation? Can you give examples of how the above can promote equality, diversity and rights. Can you give examples of how the above can promote equality, diversity and rights.