Safe and effective staffing

Quality statement

We expect providers, commissioners and system leaders live up to this statement:

We make sure there are enough qualified, skilled and experienced people, who receive effective support, supervision and development. They work together effectively to provide safe care that meets people’s individual needs.

What this quality statement means

• There are robust and safe recruitment practices to make sure that all staff, including agency staff and volunteers, are suitably experienced, competent and able to carry out their role.
• Recruitment, disciplinary and capability processes are fair and are reviewed to ensure there is no disadvantage based on any specific protected equality characteristic.
• There are appropriate staffing levels and skill mix to make sure people receive consistently safe, good quality care that meets their needs.
• Staff receive training appropriate and relevant to their role.
• Staff receive the support they need to deliver safe care. This includes supervision, appraisal and support to develop, improve services and where needed, professional revalidation.
• Staff at all levels have opportunities to learn, and poor performance is managed appropriately.

I statements

I statements reflect what people have said matters to them.

• I feel safe and am supported to understand and manage any risks.
• I know what to do and who I can contact when I realise that things might be at risk of going wrong or my health condition may be worsening.
• If my treatment, including medication, has to change, I know why and am involved in the decision.
• I have considerate support delivered by competent people.
• I can get information and advice about my health, care and support and how I can be as well as possible – physically, mentally and emotionally.

Subtopics this quality statement covers

• Safe recruitment (including DBS)
• Staffing levels and skills mix
• Skills and qualifications/revalidation  
• Learning, development and competency 
• Support, supervision 
• Performance management 
• Volunteers and unpaid carers