Standards of Conduct and Performance
Tabitha Care Group
This policy sets out the standards of conduct, behaviour, and performance expected of all employees of Tabitha Care Group. These standards are designed to promote professionalism, accountability, and high-quality care delivery. Any assessment of whether these standards have been met will depend on the specific circumstances of each case; however, the principles outlined below provide clear guidance for all staff.
Failure to comply with these standards may result in action under the Company’s disciplinary or capability procedures. The examples provided are not exhaustive and should not be regarded as a complete list of potential misconduct or performance issues.
General Attendance (Absence and Timekeeping)
All employees are expected to:
- Arrive at work in good time and be ready to commence duties at their contracted start time
- Comply with all time recording requirements relevant to their role, including the use of any electronic or manual systems provided
- Obtain authorisation from their line manager before leaving work during scheduled working hours
Unauthorised absence or failure to follow timekeeping procedures will be recorded and may result in disciplinary action. Persistent lateness or unacceptable attendance records will be managed in line with the Company’s Absence Management Policy and Procedure.
Conduct Outside Working Hours
While Tabitha Care Group respects employees’ privacy outside working hours, staff must ensure that their conduct does not:
- Bring the organisation into disrepute
- Result in adverse publicity
- Call into question their integrity or suitability to work with vulnerable adults
- Negatively impact relationships with colleagues or people we support
Where conduct outside work has, or could have, a detrimental impact on the organisation, disciplinary action may be taken, up to and including dismissal, depending on the seriousness of the matter.
Social Media and Online Conduct
Employees must not use social media during working hours unless authorised. Staff are expected to avoid any online activity, whether during or outside work, that:
- Is derogatory or critical of Tabitha Care Group
- Causes reputational damage or adverse publicity
- Constitutes bullying, harassment, or discrimination
- Breaches equality, safeguarding, or confidentiality requirements
- Calls into question suitability to work with people we support
Employees represent Tabitha Care Group at all times and must act responsibly online. Staff must not form social media connections with service users unless a pre-existing relationship existed prior to service provision and management approval has been granted. This is to protect professional boundaries and safeguard all parties.
Further guidance is available within the Social Media Policy.
Company and Service User Property
All company property, and the property of people we support, must be used appropriately and only for its intended purpose. Property must not be removed from premises without prior authorisation.
Employees are required to report any loss, damage, or misuse of property immediately. Damage or loss resulting from negligence or carelessness may be treated as serious misconduct and could result in the employee being held financially responsible, subject to contractual and legal provisions.
Work Performance
Employee performance is regularly reviewed to ensure high standards of care and service delivery. Where performance falls below acceptable levels due to negligence or carelessness, this may be addressed through the disciplinary process.
Where performance concerns relate to capability, workload, or skill gaps, the Company will consider appropriate support measures such as training, supervision, or reasonable adjustments in line with the Capability Policy and Procedure.
Health and Safety
All employees have a responsibility to work safely and comply with the Company’s Health and Safety arrangements. Full details are outlined in the Health and Safety Policy and Procedure, available through the Company’s care management system.
Overall responsibility for Health and Safety rests with the Registered Manager.