The 5 care certificate standards are:
1. Caring for people
2. Communication
3. Personal development
4. Equality, diversity and inclusion
5. Work in a person-centred way
Each of these standards contains a set of key behaviours that social care workers should aim to display in their work. By meeting these behaviours, workers can demonstrate that they have the skills and knowledge needed to provide high-quality care.
Caring for people
The first standard, caring for people, focuses on the importance of providing care that is respectful and responsive to people’s needs. Key behaviours in this standard include promoting dignity, privacy and independence, and providing personal care in a way that meets people’s needs.
Communication
Effective communication is essential in social care, in order to build positive relationships with those being cared for and their families. The second standard, communication, therefore sets out the key behaviours that workers should aim to display in order to communicate effectively. These include active listening, using person-centred language, and communicating with people in a way that meets their individual needs.
Personal development
Personal development is important for all workers, in order to maintain high standards of care. The third standard, personal development, sets out some of the key behaviours that workers should aim to display in order to continually develop their skills and knowledge. These include being willing to learn, reflecting on own practice, and seeking feedback from others.
Equality, diversity and inclusion
Equality, diversity and inclusion are important principles that should be at the heart of all social care provision. The fourth standard, equality, diversity and inclusion, sets out the key behaviours that workers should aim to display in order to meet these principles in their work. These include treating people fairly, promoting inclusion, and challenging discrimination.
Work in a person-centred way
Person-centred care is an approach that puts the individual at the centre of all decision-making. The fifth and final standard, work in a person-centred way, sets out the key behaviours that workers should aim to display in order to work in a person-centred way. These include involving people in decisions about their care, respecting people’s choices, and working in partnership with people.