Dignity and rights

People can expect to experience care services which are underpinned by a Human Rights Based approach in which their rights are respected, protected and fulfilled. They should have opportunities to be involved in decisions that affect them; informed of their rights and entitlements; and provided with support if they believe their rights are being denied.

People must be treated with dignity and, as far as possible, be in control and able to express themselves about their requirements. This would include involvement of their family or representatives as appropriate. The Health and Social Care Standards 4.1 states ‘My human rights are central to the organisations that support and care for me’.

The views of those who work in care services and people who use care services are crucial to ensuring individuals’ dignity and rights are respected and standards and outcomes are improved. Care service providers must be able to demonstrate how the views of people who use their service and those working in their service have been gathered and how they have informed decision making.

Whilst arranging staffing, services must demonstrate they are respecting the dignity and rights of people who use services and experience care. This principle need to be delivered in the context of achieving the overarching outcomes of safe and high-quality services and ensuring the best care outcomes for people using services.